Video: Eddie Gray and Pigeon Detectives help launch Leeds 10k

Mike Tomlinson, Leeds United legend Eddie Gray, Olympian Tracey Morris, and Lead Signer of the Pigeon Dectives, Matt Bowman.

From rock stars to veteran footballers, celebrities gave their backing to the improvements to the event, the legacy of inspirational fundraiser Jane Tomlinson.

This year’s course is flatter than ever, allowing runners to aim for personal best times.

At the launch of the event, cheerleaders and a brass band gave a flavour of the ambience which Jane’s husband Mike is hoping to create.

He said: “Our aims this year are to put on a spectacular run, with lots of entertainment and a carnival atmosphere.”

The first Asda Foundation Leeds 10k in 2007 was started by Jane herself, two months before she lost her fight against cancer.

Her greatest wish had been to set up an event open to all in her home city, and Mike said the run was especially poignant for him.

Leeds lad Matt Bowman, lead singer from the Pigeon Detectives, said he was looking forward to taking part for the first time as he used to see Jane training for her fundraising feats.

“Being from Rothwell, I used to regularly see Jane running past my house. There’s a link there for me.

“I had nothing but admiration for her and what she achieved was amazing.”

The new route will take runners past some of the city’s landmarks and then out on Kirkstall Road, before heading back to finish in front of the Town Hall.

Leeds Olympian Tracey Morris, who won the women’s race in the first ever Leeds 10K with a super-fast time of 34:43, said the faster, flatter course would appeal to club runners.

“The carnival side of it will also be brilliant, and it brings those two fields together.

“It doesn’t matter what level you run at, just to hear some music, it really lifts you.”

Profits from the Leeds 10K go to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal which supports children’s and cancer charities.

Coun Mark Dobson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for the environment, said: “The legacy these events have left will go on for generation after generation, raising millions for these good causes.”