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Leeds 10k: 'An event to remember our loved ones'
THE husband of Jane Tomlinson said he wanted this year's race to be about all the people taking part to honour their loved ones.
Mike Tomlinson, who set up the event with his late wife in 2007, said: "Through Jane's illness and since her death so much attention has focused on our family.
"The sad reality is that my family is not special and cancer is continuing to affect so many people. I want this year's race to be about all those people who are here in honour or memory of loved ones."
Model Nell McAndrew, who is a major supporter of the event, said she was touched by runners trying to do some good.
She said: "I've taken part in the Leeds 10K since the first one and it is fantastic to be asked to start today's race and then run again
"It's such a special day, always uplifting and emotional at the same time. There is always such a brilliant atmosphere among those taking part and the crowds cheering everyone on.
"But I always feel very emotional at the same time and so touched by all those who are taking part to raise funds and try to make a difference to the lives of others. It's a fantastic turn out and it is so good to see everybody here. I am here to enjoy it."
After the race, Laura McAndrew, from Hunslet, whose father Keith is one of Nell McAndrew's cousins, said at one stage it was so emotional she felt like crying.
"It's been a really good experience. The atmosphere with everyone cheering and clapping my sister and friend on. We hope to have raised around 600 for the children's heart ward at Leeds General Infirmary, " she said.
The Leeds City Council executive member for leisure, John Procter, said he was pleased that the council had been again able to support the run.
He said: "I am delighted that Leeds City Council has been able to support this fantastic event since it began in 2007.
"The all-inclusive policy of Run For All, which looks to attract people of all abilities is one which we, as a council, fully embrace and encourage."
Tim Cross, a 46-year-old director of lawyers Lupton Fawcett, was one of a team of 20 runners, raising money for charity. Other teams included one from the Yorkshire Post, which is the media partner for the event.
Mr Cross said: "It's been a fantastic day and I am sure there will be plenty wanting to do it again next year. It's great isn't it? Cancer seems to affect almost everybody these days so it is good to get involved in such a major event.
"My wife Jacquie works for Yorkshire Cancer Centre and she ran it as well."
Leeds United legend Eddie Gray added: "It's a great day for the city of Leeds and great for Mike."
The runner who finished first, Dan Robinson, one of the country's leading athletes, said: "My time, (just a shade of over 30 minutes), was nothing special but sometimes it's nice to just run a 10K without worrying about the time.
"The support has been fantastic – it's just great to be part of something like this."
Hannah Cockroft, 16, from Halifax, a contender for the 2012 Paralympics, who was next to finish behind Mr Robinson, said winning was not the important thing. She said: "I was quite confident coming into this one – there were four of us in my section and I was confident that I was going to come in the first three. It's not very important to win – it's the taking part that's important."
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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