Thousands cross the finish line as Run For All celebrates 15 years of the Leeds 10K

The city of Leeds came alive today as thousands of fun runners, charity fundraisers and club runners came together to celebrate 15 years of the Leeds 10K.

Today’s event marked 15 years of running, fundraising and pride in an event that has grown to see thousands of participants of all ages and abilities taking part and thousands of pounds raised for local and national charities every year.

Started by Jane Tomlinson in 2007, the Leeds 10K was her lasting legacy event. Having raised £1.8 million for charity while she was battling terminal cancer, in 2006 she knew her time left to fundraise was limited.

From this the Leeds 10K was born, with the vision to continue the fundraising vehicle for charities that Jane had started.

The 2022 event saw a brand new route for the Leeds 10K, which kicked off outside the steps of the University of Leeds’ Parkinson Building. Runners then followed a course that took them along Headingley Lane and onto Otley Road, before turning off into Meanwood at Grove Lane, following Meanwood Road and Lovell Park Road, then heading back into the city centre for the big finish on the Headrow.

A number of famous faces took part in the event, including rugby greats Rob Burrow MBE and Kevin Sinfield OBE, who started the race off before taking part in the 10K challenge to raise money for the Run with the Rhinos campaign.

The start of the race also saw runners take part in a one-minute applause for BBC legend Harry Gration, who passed away in June at the age of 71. Harry was a big supporter of the Leeds 10K and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, taking part many times and inspiring others to raise money for charity over the event’s 15-year history.

First across the finish line was Jacob Parkinson in a time of 00:31:22. Freddie Roden took second place in 00:32:10 with Jonathan Walton in third in 00:32:46. 

Anne Kenchington was the first woman across the finish line in 00:35:06. Followed by Sarah Hunter who clocked 00:36:19 for second place and Seonaid Thompson who took third in 00:40:06.  

Among those who took part also included GB Paralympians, Hannah Cockcroft and Nathan Maguire, Paralympic athlete Samantha Kinghorn, Paratriathlete Bret Crossley, and wheelchair athlete Matt Clarke.

The winning male wheelchair athlete was Nathan Maguire in a time of 00:24:34 and the winning female wheelchair athlete was Samantha Kinghorn in a time of 00:25:47.  

The day also saw teams from across the region come together to take part in the Leeds 10K Clarion Corporate Challenge, in which companies and other organizations competed for the title of fastest firm in the race. These results will be announced at a later date.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Head of Events at Run For All said: “To reach the 15th anniversary of this event is a huge achievement, so it was a real pleasure to welcome the thousands of runners who celebrated such a momentous milestone with us.

“As always, there was a fantastic atmosphere as the people of the city came out in full force to support the runners as they made their way around the course. We want to thank our fantastic marshals, volunteers, spectators, sponsors and partners who helped to make the event an unforgettable experience for those taking part today.”

Participants raised thousands of pounds for charity by taking part in the event, including the Leeds 10K partner charities – Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support, St. George’s Crypt, Mind Leeds, Candlelighters and Leeds Hospitals Charity.

This year’s Leeds 10K was supported by Leeds City Council, the University of Leeds, Clarion, BBC Radio Leeds, Active Leeds, Coopah, Go Puff, Water in a Box, Shokz, the Yorkshire Society, Up and Running, High 5, Arla Protein, Marathon Photos and Project Servator.

Organised by Run For All in partnership with Leeds City Council, the Leeds 10K forms part of the hugely successful Run For All series, which includes events in Sheffield, York, Derby, Nottingham, Burnley, Hull, Middlesbrough, King’s Lynn, Bury, Lincoln, Ipswich and the Yorkshire Dales.

Entries for next year’s Leeds 10K are not yet open, but participants are encouraged to visit www.runforall.com to register their interest for 2023. A discounted code will be given to those who register in order to receive 20% off next year’s entry.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Run For All is part of Jane Tomlinson’s lasting legacy. Jane Tomlinson CBE raised £1.85m for children’s and cancer charities before her untimely death from cancer aged just 43 in 2007. She made headlines across the world by competing in a series of epic endurance challenges from the London Marathon, ironman and triathlon competitions, to a 4,200 mile cycle ride across the width of the USA – despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Her family continue to raise funds in her name, and through the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and Run For All, a massive £10m has now been raised for charities.

For more information, contact the Run For All press office on 0113 826 7764 or email press@runforall.com.