Another week another race. This time it was the ASDA Foundation Leeds 10K.
Part of the Run for All race series it the original legacy run of the late Jane Tomlinson with the event now in its thirteenth year. Despite it being a fairly local race it’s been 5 years since I last took part, so it was about time I had another bash at it.
As I entered in the week leading up to the event my race number couldn’t be posted, meaning I had to collect it on race morning. I arrived in Leeds far too early, I knew roughly where I needed to be but the event village was well signposted. Collection ran like clockwork and I’d picked up my number and checked in my bag in less than 5 minutes. This left me a good hour and a half for a much-needed coffee and about ten pre-race nervous wee’s.
Before the Race
Just after 9 I followed the rest of the runners heading to the start area. The race had 3 staggered starts, blue, red and green, dependant on finish time and we were ushered into our the pens along the Headrow. There was a mass warm up at 9.10am.
…and we’re off!
Wheelchair athletes set off at 9.28am and at 9.30am it was our turn. Even with the large number of runners taking part, I managed to find fellow ASICS Frontrunner Hadooli and it was lovely to cross the start line with her. The sun was shining and there was a buzzing atmosphere thanks to the large crowds. The course narrowed in certain places for the first mile or so and it did get a little congested. In all honesty, it’s not the most scenic or inspiring routes once you’ve left the city centre. It’s an out and back down Kirkstall Road, however, it’s flat and certainly has PB potential had the conditions been a little cooler.
As usual, I was just using this as training so I wasn’t running with a time in mind. It was very warm with little shade so I was taking it steady and making sure I kept well-hydrated. The problem with drinking so much water (or it may have been the large coffee) was that mid-race I needed another wee. Just past the 5-mile marker, I spotted a vacant toilet so had to make a quick pit-stop.
Post race
I crossed the finish line in 53.52 which I was happy with. For comparison, my time in 2014 was 1.01.36. If you ever feel disappointed with a result look back on how far you’ve come.
Run for all events are really inclusive and suit all abilities, whether you are going all out for a PB or if you just want to get around and achieve something that makes you feel proud. Yes, they are a bit on the pricey side for a 10k race but they are well organised and the post-race goodies are decent. They also offer free medal engraving.
It was a great day, with great people. Huge congratulations to my fellow ASICS teammates Hadooli and Curtis who both came away with shiny new PBs.
I’m looking forward to pacing York 10k (my favourite one of the series) in a few weeks.
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Entry Cost: £31.00 Unaffiliated / £29.00 Affiliated
Water stations: 2 (bottles) plus water at the finish.
Parking: Plenty in the city centre
Photos: Yes, marathon photos
Baggage Facilities: Yes
Post-Race Goodies: T-shirt / medal / water / goody bag
Highlights: Vibrant atmosphere – great new start/finish along the Headrow
Low points: Not the most exciting of routes, congested in places
