Record Numbers Tackle Fog At Dash

23 NOV2011

Despite foggy conditions, record-breaking numbers turned out for Sunday's Leeds Abbey Dash. Around 8,000 participants took part in the 27th staging of the event, which sees runners depart from Leeds Town Hall out to Kirkstall Abbey and back.

The flat course lived up to its fast reputation with Jonathon Taylor of Morpeth Harriers setting a PB and winning the men's race with a time of 29:20. Club mate Nick McCormick finished merely two seconds behind, while Luke Cragg finished in third (29:32). Susan Partridge, of Leeds City AV, won in the women's field for the second year running.

Competitors were led through their pre-race warm-up by model and TV presenter Nell McAndrew. An experienced charity runner, Nell completed the 10k course in an impressive 38:16. This year's race was also the first time in which there was a specific junior event, with 125 youngsters taking part in a 2km sprint.

It is hoped the record turnout will help raise the projected target of £200,000 for Age UK. Tom Galliano, events fundraiser at the charity, commented: "It's been incredible to see 8,000 people of all ages and running abilities come together to help support older people and we were delighted to see the sports stars of the future setting the pace in our first ever junior race."

Another notable finisher of the Dash was Margaret Ehrenberg. The 57-year-old runner completed her 180 mile Running Back to Leeds challenge on Saturday before taking part in the 10k race in the morning. Margaret's challenge was organised in dedication to her former running partner and founder of the Abbey Dash, Colin Morath.