Charity Spirit Keeps Leeds Runners Smiling
The Headrow will be engulfed by more than 7,000 runners this Sunday (13 May) with the city preparing for the 33rd staging of its ever popular half marathon. As ever, Yorkshire’s largest 13.1 mile event will raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes, with many taking part to support the half marathon’s partner charities, which include the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support, Leeds Children’s Hospital Appeal and Martin House.
Organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All team, the Asda Foundation Leeds Half Marathon will see runners depart The Headrow at around 9.30am to tackle a course that moves out of the city centre.
Moving along Meanwood Road, Stonegate Road, the field will follow a section of the Ring Road, down Butcher Hill and Hawksworth Road, along Abbey Road and Kirkstall Road and back into the city centre to finish in Cookridge Street alongside Millennium Square.
Last year saw Mohammed Abu-Rezeq secure first in 1:10:22 with Valey Striders’ John Hobbs (1:12:59) second and Callum Elson third (1:13:07). Martha Hanby was the first woman home in 1:21:52, followed by Faye Banks, who clocked 1:23:19 for second spot and Caroline Bollon who took third in 1:23:44.
This Sunday’s field looks like it could be in for some fine racing conditions (PB chasers rejoice!) with cool temperatures throughout most of the morning. There is also a low chance of rain and light wind forecast.
Keep your eyes peeled for our race report early next week.
