Thousands of runners and huge crowds helped to generate a fantastic atmosphere yesterday as the 10th running of the Asda Foundation Leeds 10K took over the streets of the city.
The event is part of the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson, who raised nearly £2m by completing a series of daunting challenges despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer. She launched the event in 2007 and since then it has raised millions for charity.
The large field, made up of runners of all abilities, did her memory proud as they made their way round the course.
There was huge support from cheering crowds who lined the route which started in Vicar Lane, headed down to The Calls, through City Square, down Wellington Street and along Kirkstall Road before looping back to finish outside Leeds Town Hall.
Among those across the finish line were former Leeds Rhinos skipper Kevin Sinfield – who was taking part in his first organised road race after retiring from professional rugby - and Emmerdale actor Michelle Hardwick.
Model Nell McAndrew put in a fine performance, finishing as the 5th female overall with a time of 41mins and 3secs.
The men’s race was won by Jamil Parapia in 31mins 51secs. Ian Mitchell clocked 32mins 39secs to take second place with Phillip Tedd third in 32mins 49secs.
The women’s race was won by Hannah Oldroyd with a time of 36mins 54secs. Beth Garland was second in 38mins and 27secs and Nicky Steel took third place in 40mins 25secs.
The male wheelchair athlete race was won by Mark Telford who clocked 24mins 16secs, while Paralympian Jade Jones triumphed in the female wheelchair race in 24mins 17secs – just a second behind. Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE also took part – though a sprinter, and well out of her comfort zone, she finished the 10K in 27.40 – a five minute PB for a 10K!
Julie Ward, Asda Foundation Senior Manager, said: “It was truly wonderful to see so many people turn out for this special anniversary run. Everyone involved in whatever capacity has contributed to a memorable day which will support the work of some excellent causes.”
The field also included hundreds of businessmen and women taking part in the Clarion Leeds 10K Corporate Challenge, in which companies and other organisations compete for the title of fastest firm in the race.
Roger Hutton, Joint Managing Partner with law firm Clarion, said: “Well done to all the organisations who took part in the Corporate Challenge and helped make today’s event such a great success. Yorkshire businesses have been raising money for some amazing causes and everyone should be very proud of what they have achieved. ”
Charlie Tatman, event manager with Run For All, organisers of the event, said: “The Leeds 10K has rightly earned a reputation as a top event.
“Many people work hard to make it a success, in particular our many volunteers who give up their time and work so hard to ensure the runners have an enjoyable and safe race. We are very grateful to them.”
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