Jane Tomlinson's granddaughter and daughter take part in Leeds races

THE LEGACY of amateur athlete and fundraiser Jane Tomlinson continued today when almost 1,000 youngtesrs '“ including her granddaughter '“ took part in charity races in Leeds.
Suzanne Tomlinson. Picture by Simon HulmeSuzanne Tomlinson. Picture by Simon Hulme
Suzanne Tomlinson. Picture by Simon Hulme

Emily, nine, took part in the 2.5km Junior Run at Leeds Dock along with her best friend this morning.

Mum Suzanne Tomlinson was there to cheer her and all the runners on as they crossed the finish line.

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“It’s a really nice atmosphere and really great to see so many young people wanted to come down, do a run and get involved,” she said.

Mini runners warm-up for their race. Picture: James Hardisty.Mini runners warm-up for their race. Picture: James Hardisty.
Mini runners warm-up for their race. Picture: James Hardisty.

“A lot do it because they enjoy running, a lot because they want to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.

“As a teacher myself, and a parent, you just want to see children are being active and enjoying being active.

“I went round the course and the volunteers were fantastic. Their cheering on the children was lovely and the smiles on the children’s faces were too.

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“Emily thoroughly enjoyed it. She just grinned all the way round.”

The start of today's Arena Group Junior Run at Leeds Dock. Picture James Hardisty.The start of today's Arena Group Junior Run at Leeds Dock. Picture James Hardisty.
The start of today's Arena Group Junior Run at Leeds Dock. Picture James Hardisty.

The Junior and Mini runs are part of the Run for All series that began with the Leeds 10k in 2007 but has now spread to other cities across the region.

Now in its 10th year, it has raised over £4m for good causes across Leeds, Yorkshire and beyond.As the race marks a decade tomorrow, Suzanne will be joining runners on the course.

“I’m extremely nervous,” she said. “I haven’t done any training for about a month because I’ve been busy with school marking! I’m just going to take it steady.”

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And she is expecting the day to be an emotional one for all those who have backed the events from the beginning.

Mini runners warm-up for their race. Picture: James Hardisty.Mini runners warm-up for their race. Picture: James Hardisty.
Mini runners warm-up for their race. Picture: James Hardisty.

She said: “It the 10th anniversary. It doesn’t feel like that long – it’s flown by.

“I’ve been talking to people on Twitter who have run it every year. The atmosphere is always fantastic and we’ve got lots of people coming to support us again.

“I know Nell McAndrew is running and we’ve got a lot of family and friends who take part, but without the volunteers it wouldn’t be the massive success that it is.

“It’s down to those people who come back year after year. I saw two ladies today on the junior course who’ve volunteered from the beginning. It’s just lovely to see.”

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