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by Jay Unger
Turning the streets outside Leeds city Hall into a mass of colour and noise – racers from across the region laced up their running shoes to take part in the Asda foundation 10 kilometres run this weekend.
In honour of terminal cancer patient and charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson – this year’s ninth event, organised by ‘Run For All’ – saw many celebrities take part in a bid to raise money for a host a charitable causes.
Among those racing included Popular Leeds sporting star Josh Warrington, the European featherweight champion, who helped get the race underway before joining the thousands taking part and managed to cross the finish line in 64mins 48secs.
Also actor Michelle Hardwick – Vanessa Woodfield in ITV’s Emmerdale – successfully completed her first 10K in a time of 60mins 23secs, a personal best.
Cheering crowds provided the runners with superb encouragement as they made their way around the largely flat and fast course that started in Vicar Lane near the Grand Theatre, headed down to The Calls, through City Square, down Wellington Street and along Kirkstall Road before looping back to finish outside Leeds City Hall.
First home was Kevin Loundes in 31mins 33secs, with Jamil Parapia clocking in at 31mins 53secs to take second place and Phillip Tedd taking third in 32mins 31secs.
Leading the women’s race was Leila Armoush with a time of 37mins 01secs, with Fiona Davies coming in second in 37mins 28secs and Claire Steels took third place in 37mins 55secs.
The male wheelchair race was won by Mark Conway who clocked 23mins 54secs whilst Jade Jones won the female wheelchair race in 25mins35secs.
Julie Ward, Asda Foundation manager, said: “We are delighted to be associated with such a fantastic event and congratulations must go to everyone involved. Not only does the race generate a great atmosphere, it provides a wonderful opportunity for people to raise money for some very worthy causes.”
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