Leeds 10k results in full: Race organisers may alter route for new challenge

Some 7,500 runners took part in the hugely-popular event in Leeds city centre with many dressed in fancy dress as they put themselves through their paces to raise vital cash for their chosen good causes.

The run was not just a simple test of fitness as some struggled in the humid conditions, with several requiring prompt treatment from paramedics.

The spectacle, which has become a firm favourite on the running calendar, began in 2007 and since then more than £4.5m has been raised for charity.

Yesterday Sara Birkinshaw, race director of Jane Tomlinson’s Asda Foundation Run For All Leeds 10k, said it was possible that in future changes could be made to the route although nothing had yet been decided.

She said it was hoped that giving runners a new route might inspire more to sign up.

“It means that people that have done it for six years are given a new challenge,” she said.

She said the route would still be in the city centre and would take runners past some of the city’s landmarks.

“What we are also trying to do is challenge people that are doing 5k runs to take on that next challenge of the 10k,” she added.

The months of planning required were all worth it when the runners arrived at the start line.

“To see so many people crossing the start line knowing that they are running for charities and personal challenges is great,” she said.

Waiting on the start line, Gary Verity, the chief executive of Yorkshire’s tourist board Welcome to Yorkshire, said he was not particularly keen on the early start, joking that it should be moved to “around lunchtime”.

But he added that the event was a great way to promote Leeds and Yorkshire as a whole.

Referring to Yorkshire’s bid to host a stage of the Tour de France, he said the city’s Headrow made an “excellent starting point”.

“This shows just how good Yorkshire is at hosting big events,” he said.

“This stretch of street would look particularly good with about 250 cycles on it, and what a day like today proves is that we can do it.

“I haven’t done a great deal of training for the run since taking part in the London Marathon, but it’s a great day for Leeds, and the success of an event like this augurs very well for the future.”

Jane Tomlinson was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in August 2000 and told it was terminal. Doctors said she it could claim her life as early as the following spring and at best gave her two years.

But with a determination most people could only wonder at, the Leeds General Infirmary radiographer surpassed all predictions and notched up a staggering tally of feats that raised £1.8m for charity. She also received many awards for her incredible efforts including a CBE and a special BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2002.

She lost her fight against cancer in September 2007, just weeks after waving off competitors on the inaugural Leeds 10k race.

Yesterday thousands of runners remembered her steely resolve and determination to succeed and, like her, when the times got tough they battled on through.

The winner of the men’s race was Harrogate’s Jonathan Johnson who finished the race in a time of 34 minutes and 54 seconds. Chloe Ryall, 29, from Leeds, won the women’s race in a time of 40 minutes and 30 seconds.

Tom Riordan, the chief executive of Leeds Council, who ran the course in 52 minutes, 36 seconds, said: “It was really tough. It is a tough course because Leeds is actually more hilly than you realise, but besides that, it has been a brilliant atmosphere and it’s a fantastic testament to the work of (Jane’s husband) Mike and his family.

“We were very proud to have Jane’s son Steven carrying the Olympic torch in Leeds a few days ago, and this event is another excellent advert for the city.”

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