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Leeds Abbey Dash 2009 round up
Eight thousand runners did Leeds proud when a record field turned out for the 25th Abbey Dash.
From Class athletes to first time fun runners, a great - but gruelling - time was had by all who made the annual late autumn pilgrimmage from Leeds Town Hall to Kirkstall Abbey and back amid a carnival atmosphere .
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It is hoped this year's event, which is supported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, will raise over 200,000 to help the elderly in West Yorkshire.
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The leading pack were already racing back along Kirkstall Road to the city centre before the backmarkers had even crossed the start line such was the sheer volume of runners.
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First man home was Jonnny Mellor, from Liverpool Harriers, who came flying up the Headrow well clear of his rivbals in a time of 29 minutes 13seconds
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Second home was Patrick Martin, from Sunderland, in 29.52, followed by Dave Norman, from Altringham in 30.04.
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First Leeds runner home was fifth-placed James Walsh in 30.06.
First female to cross the line was Rebecca Robinson, from Kandal, in 33.14. Second female was Katie Ingram, from Horwich, in 34.10 followed by Debbie Walters, from Birchfield, in 34.48.
Most of the runners were back across the finish line before the overcast but mild morning weather turned to lashing rain and strong winds.
Sadly the race's most high-profile supporter and runner, Leeds beauty Nell McAndrew, could not take part after pulling out the night before suffering from a bad cold.
In previous years the 35-year-old Belle Isle model has run the course with her mum Nancy.
Also on the sidelines was Valley Striders runner and Olympian Tracey Morris, from Alwoodley, who had to miss the race due to injury.
But organisers were still delighted with the success of the event.
Sarah Greene, fundraising events manager for Age Concern and Help the Aged, said: "We are so pleased that we have had such a fantastic turn-out of 8,000 runners.
"This is easily our biggest Leeds Abbey Dash and we are crossing our fingers that 200,000 will be raised to help disadvantaged elderly people in the West Yorkshire area."
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Weather for Leeds
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
