Nearly 3,000 runners, including Olympian athletes Jessica Piasecki, Jessica Judd and Ross Millington, pounded the pavements of Leeds at the weekend to compete in the fastest ever Leeds Abbey Dash – 10k for Age UK. The annual event, which returned on a smaller scale after being cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, helps to raise vital funds for the Charity to support older people most in need.
There was a real buzz in the city with runners excited to be able to compete in the popular race again, and the number of personal bests and course records broken, as well as those achieving their first ever 10ks, proved runners were definitely back with a bang.
This year’s Dash saw the first three female runners to cross the finish line all break course records. First in was Jessica Piasecki, who completed the race in an impressive time of 31 minutes 20 seconds, closely followed by Charlotte Arter, who finished in 31 minutes 32 seconds, and then Jessica Judd who came in at 31 minutes 40 seconds. The first two male runners also broke course records, with Kadar Omar finishing in 28 minutes 47 seconds and Omar Ahmed following closely behind in 28 minutes 52 seconds. In third place was David Mullarkey who completed the race in 29 minutes 13 seconds.
Lydia Curran, Head of Events at Age UK, said: “It was absolutely fantastic to be back for The Leeds Abbey Dash – 10k for Age UK this year. The atmosphere was brilliant and we’re so proud and thankful to all the runners who took part and helped to make it such a success. We’d also like to say a big thank you to the volunteers for their support and for helping the event to run as safely as possible.
“The Leeds Abbey Dash raises vital funds for older people, helping those that need it the most during what is often a very challenging time of year, and we’re very grateful for the support.”
Top 3 runners (female):
Jessica Piasecki – 31 minutes 20 seconds
Charlotte Arter – 31 minutes 32 seconds
Jessica Judd – 31 minutes 40 seconds
Top 3 runners (male):
Kadar Omar – 28 minutes 47 seconds
Omar Ahmed – 28 minutes 52 seconds
David Mullarkey – 29 minutes 13 seconds
The money that’s been raised from the event will go towards Age UK’s vital work to support older people, including its Advice Line and Telephone Friendship Service.
Money raised for Age UK will help the Charity to:
Continue to provide its invaluable friendship calls, giving lonely older people what in many cases will be their one chance of regular contact and friendly conversation
Maintain its vital advice services to older people who are in financial distress and anxious about staying well and warm this winter, providing comfort and reassurance to those who have no one else to turn to for help.
To find out more about how you can fundraise for Age UK please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/fundraise
