Thousands take part in Age UK's Leeds Abbey Dash

Thousands of runners take to the streets for Age UK's Leeds Abbey Dash

Charity Age UK on track to raise over £275,000 for people in later life

Almost 10,000 runners across the UK braved the weather on Sunday 16th November to complete the 29th annual Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash, which helps raise funds to support vulnerable older people.

The popular race was chosen for the second year running as the final event in the prestigious runbritain Grand Prix due its fast, flat and professional course. First to cross the finish line for the elite runners was Andrew Butchart in an impressive time of 29 minutes and 18 seconds, followed closely by Callum Hawkins who ran the race in 29 minutes and 23 seconds. The fastest woman was Steph Twell, who completed the course in 32 minutes and 30 seconds. The wheelchair race winner was Callum Hall, with a time of 27 minutes and 41 seconds.

Participants were started on Wellington Street by Emmerdale actress Alicya Eyo, who went on to join the other thousands of runners competing in the race. Alicya, who plays Ruby Haswell in the popular television soap, finished the race in one hour and 9 minutes.

The 2014 Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash saw the event's fourth Junior Dash, with around 250 runners aged between eight and 15 taking on a two kilometre course. The first boy to cross the finish line was Jack Brennan, who completed the race in 5 minutes 38 seconds and the first girl was Lily Winfield who finished in 6 minutes and 18 seconds.

This year's Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash is set to raise more than £275,000 for Age UK's work that supports vulnerable older people across the country such as tackling loneliness and isolation. Some funds raised this year will also enable Age UK Leeds to provide services and programmes for older people in the city such as information and advice and help to get online.

Lydia Curran, Head of Group Events at Age UK, said: 'It was fantastic to see thousands of runners pounding the pavements for Age UK this year. The Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash continues to be a fantastic event for runners of all abilities and the money raised will help Age UK support older people and tackle huge issues such as loneliness. Thanks to everyone who took part in the 10k course and Junior Dash, as well as our volunteers and supporters who lined the route and helped make the event truly spectacular.'

Results

Top 3 runners (male)

1. Andrew Butchart, 00:29:17
2. Callum Hawkins, 00:29:23
3. Phil Hurst, 00:29:25

Top 3 runners (female)

1. Steph Twell, 00:32:30
2. Eilish McColgan, 00:33:04
3. Rhona Auckland, 00:33:05

Top 3 wheelchair racers

1. Callum Hall, 00:27:41
2. Tiaan Bosch, 00:32:21
3. Jade Jones

Junior Dash winners

1. First boy: Jack Brennan, 00:05:38
2. First girl: Lily Winfield, 00:06:18

If you have been inspired to take on a challenge for Age UK, the charity has a series of events year-round including 10k running events in Leeds, East Cheshire and Crystal Palace in March 2015. For more information, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/events

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