Record number take part in Leeds Abbey Dash

A record number of runners from across the UK braved the winter weather on Sunday 18 November to complete the 28th annual Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash and raise vital funds for people in later life.

This year saw Luke Cragg from Leeds City Athletic Club finish the 10k course in just 29 minutes and 30 seconds winning the men's title, whilst Alyson Dixon from Chester le Street won the women's race in a fantastic 32 minutes and 55 seconds.

Runners at the start line outside Leeds Town Hall included 71-year-old Rusty Wright completing the event with her daughter Jo Rodger. They joined thousands of participants made up of club, fancy dress and fun runners of all abilities who took part in an aerobic warm-up led by local fitness trainers Motiv8.

The 2012 Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash also saw the event's second junior race, with over 150 runners aged between eight and 15 taking on a two kilometre course. The junior race was won by Billy Dawson in seven minutes and 14 seconds.

Paul Farthing, Fundraising Director at Age UK, said: 'This year's Leeds Abbey Dash has seen a record breaking 9,000 runners signing up to the race! We were thrilled to see so many sports stars and runners in the junior and main races pounding the pavements of Leeds. They have raised much needed funds which will allow us to continue to deliver valuable services to older people in the local area and across the country.'

Participants who signed up to the Leeds Abbey Dash have raised vital funds for Age UK's annual Spread the Warmth campaign, which helps hundreds of thousands of older people keep warm and well during the colder months. Some funds raised this year will go towards delivering and supporting the Befriending service offered by Age UK Leeds, which provides home visits from volunteers.

Any runners raising over £50 for Age UK will be entered into a free prize draw for two fantastic Jet2 flights. Supporters can still donate directly to Age UK by texting £1/£2/£5/£10 (select the amount you want to donate) followed by dash12 to 70070 to give direct to Age UK.

For more information about Age UK fundraising events, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/events.

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Media contacts

For more information on Age UK please contact Karen Richards on 0203 0331428 or email Karen.Richards@ageuk.org.uk.

Notes to editors

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and learning and travel and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).