There were the superbly fit and the not-so-fit.

More than six thousand people took part in the annual Abbey Dash 10k run in Leeds on Sunday, raising what the organisers hoped would be a record £200,000 for the charity Help the Aged.

This was the 25th year the event, which is supported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, has taken place. Runners and supporters assembled outside the art gallery and Leeds town hall in the Headrow. An hour before the start of the race, freezing rain stopped, clouds lifted and the sun shone.

The run began at 9.30am, with the most seriously athletic placed at the front.

Roads were closed along the route of the run, from the Headrow out to the grounds of picturesque Kirkstall Abbey and back again.

Click here for all the results.

See our Abbey Dash slideshow here

Less than half an hour later the front-runners were making a final sprint for the line.

First to cross was Matt Janes from Bedford Athletic Club, in a time of 29 minutes 30 seconds.

Just two seconds behind him was Ben Tickner from Wells City Harriers.

Third, 10 seconds later, was Jon Pepper from Enfield and Haringey Athletic Club in 29 mins 42 secs.

The first woman to cross the line was less than three minutes behind the male winner. Helen Clitheroe from Preston Harriers had a time of 32 mins 12 secs.

She was followed by Katie Ingram from Horwich Athletic Club in 33 mins 40 secs, and Susie Bush of Aldershot, Farnham and District in 33 mins 49 secs.

Winner Matt was running his fourth Abbey Dash in a row. Last year he was third. "Great!" was all he needed to say.

Women's winner Helen said: "It's definitely my best time."

The first Leeds runner home was James Smith from Chapel Allerton, in a time of 31 mins 21 secs.

"I ran it three years ago," he said. "My last one was six minutes slower so it is my best by a long way."

Also running from Leeds was Tracey Morris from Alwoodley.

"I did 34 minutes 40-something seconds," she said. "I came in four or five years ago at 32:22, but I've been injured all year. I think it showed me I need to do a lot more speed working."

One record was broken on the run. Martin Rees won the over-55s section in a time of 32 minutes.

Lydia Curran from Help the Aged said she expected a record £200,000 to be raised by the event through registration fees and sponsorship.

"It has been absolutely fantastic," she said.

Awards were presented to the first three men and women across the line by the Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Frank Robinson.

"It has been a great credit to everybody who ran," he said. "It is absolutely superb that so many people are so keen to help a very, very worthy cause like Help the Aged."

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