Leeds 10K is heading in a new direction!
A brand new decade brings a brand new route for the hugely popular Asda Foundation Leeds 10K.
Suzanne Glavin, Head of Sport at Leeds, sat on the Parkinson Building steps – the iconic new starting point for the Leeds 10K – with Jane Tomlinson’s widower and Run For All Chief Executive, Mike Tomlinson
And we’re under starter’s orders to play a big part in the plans!
Thousands of runners will gather once again for the annual Leeds 10K on Sunday 5 July, but this year they will have a whole new experience.
Event organisers, Run For All, have announced a route change for the first time since 2015, as they aim to bring runners a new and exciting 10K challenge.
The route has always been a favourite for those looking for a fast and largely flat route, but now runners will be able to go for new PBs as the course becomes mostly downhill.
Beginning at the University, it will take runners out and past the iconic Parkinson Building steps, also featuring sights such as Hyde Park, First Direct Arena and Leeds Art Gallery before heading to the finish line in Millennium Square.
Suzanne Glavin, Head of Sport at Leeds, said: “We are delighted to be working with Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All to host the start line for the new route of the Asda Foundation Leeds 10k.
“Mass participation events, such as the Leeds 10K, are a brilliant way of bringing together people of all levels of ability, background and experience, and our involvement in this year’s race further demonstrates the University’s commitment to engage with our local community.
“We are particularly looking forward to working with organisers on different opportunities related to the event, including student and staff volunteering.”
Do What Moves You
Our involvement in the race also serves to further reinforce the new strategy for Sport and Physical Activity (SPA) at Leeds – Do What Moves You – with its vision of making us the best university for being active.
And if you need some support to reach the start line in July, why not sign up for the latest Couch to 5K programme, hosted by Get Out, Get Active? Open to all staff and students and with the expert support of qualified run leaders, you will be guided through an eight-week running programme. This will culminate in a chip-timed 5K ‘graduation’ run at the Leeds 5K series on Wednesday 25 March, putting you firmly on track to take on the Leeds 10K challenge! But hurry as the first session is on Tuesday 4 February.
Runners will be targeting PBs on the new, faster Leeds 10K route
Legacy run
The Asda Foundation Leeds 10K is the original legacy run set up by Jane Tomlinson CBE in 2007. Jane died soon after launching the race, but its legacy still lives on and it’s now a hugely popular event on the city’s running calendar.
Growing each year, the Leeds 10K prides itself on its inclusivity, as runners of all ages and abilities bring with them inspirational spirit and a can-do attitude, with many raising money for causes close to their heart.
Mike Tomlinson, Jane’s widower and Run For All Chief Executive, said: “We’re very excited to announce the brand new route for the Leeds 10K.
“Being the event that Jane created as a legacy run in 2007, it’s fantastic to see just how much the community has helped grow it into one of the region’s most-loved 10Ks. We’re ready to give the runners a new adventure this year and help them smash their New Year goals. Whether it’s their first or their 12th, the Leeds 10K welcomes everyone and you don’t need to be an experienced runner to be a part of this event.”
Runners can choose to compete for a charity close to their heart or get involved with one of the event’s official partner charities – Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support, St George's Crypt, Leeds Cares, Brain Tumor Research Support, Martin House, Sue Ryder, Leeds Mind, Candlelighters and People in Action.
Visit the event website to register.
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