In the running: Businesses are urged to take up the 10K Corporate Challenge

Yorkshire businesses are being urged to defy the winter gloom and prepare for one of Britain’s biggest fund-raising events.

They can raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes by supporting the Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10K, the region’s largest mass participation running event.

Sponsored by Leeds-based law firm Clarion, the event’s Corporate Challenge gives local business people the chance to improve their fitness and provide a massive financial boost for a charity of their choice.

The race, which was established in 2007, takes place each year to stand as Jane Tomlinson’s fundraising legacy. Mrs Tomlinson, 43, from Rothwell, near Leeds, lost her seven-year battle with cancer in September 2007.

Despite being terminally ill, she took part in a large number of gruelling charity challenges, including a sponsored bicycle ride across America.

Clarion is taking training so seriously that it has set up a running club for its employees to help them towards race-day fitness. This year’s Leeds 10K race will take place on Sunday, July 8.

Now in its sixth year, the challenge offers companies across Yorkshire the chance to unite their employees in a team-building event. Last year’s Corporate Challenge saw 750 runners battle it out in the name of business.

Events director Sara Birkinshaw said: “We’re always impressed with the way Yorkshire’s businesses tackle the Leeds 10K Corporate Challenge and I’m not surprised to hear Clarion is already in training. A healthy and fit workforce is more productive, less likely to be absent from work and the camaraderie of taking part in the challenge is second to none.”

The Leeds 10K Corporate Challenge is open to teams of 10 or more and includes a business networking event with a difference, to be held the week before the race.

This year’s event will look to capture the excitement of this summer of sport with an ‘alternative Olympics’ theme.

For more information visit the Leeds 10K page at www.forallevents.co.uk