We asked for your views and here they are.

YOUR VIEWS:

There is a full meeting of Leeds City Council at the Civic Hall this Wednesday (Jan 16th). The meeting starts at 1.30pm and is scheduled to end at around 7 - 7.30pm.

We are proposing that all runners who wish to protest about the cancellation of the Leeds Half Marathon should turn up (in running gear) at 6.30pm. We will then run continuously round the Civic Hall until the councillors emerge, when we will take the opportunity to make our feelings clear to them in no uncertain terms. Obviously, it would be helpful to be able to wave 'Save The Leeds Half' placards around at this point, so if you have time to make any before Wednesday, please bring them along.

Clearly, this type of protest is much more effective if there are several hundred irate runners present, rather than just a couple of dozen, so please let as many of your fellow runners as possible know about this.

Mark Hetherington (Abbey Runners) & Bob Jackson (Valley Striders)

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What would Sir Jimmy say?
Shame on you Leeds City Council.

F. Robson

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I am sure you will have had lots of emails about this subject but I would like to register my disgust at the decision of the Council to axe the Leeds Half. I find it distasteful that they have used Jane's race as an excuse. Jane was a great supporter of local races and I'm sure would have been devastated to see her race being used by the Council as an excuse not to put on the Leeds Half. Leeds is a big city. It can cope with a half marathon, Jane's race and the Dash.

I also don't understand why there was no discussion with the local running community. I am sure that if the Council felt that it didn't want the hassle of organising the race (which I am sure is the real reason that it has been axed) then why didn't they ask the running community for support?

Kind regards from a disgruntled runner

Sarah Wilson

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I was very disappointed to hear about the cancellation of the Leeds Half Marathon. I had targeted this as a charity race to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research, but it looks like I'll have to race elsewhere.



The decision does astound me, but as I live in Sheffield it has also amused me that a 'BIG' city like Leeds can only manage to organize a couple of 10k's. Looks like I'll have to do my proper running in a real sporting city.

Regards

Cavey

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This is such a shame - I completed Jane's 10km run last year and i thought it was more a fun run, the half marathon is a challenge which people take seriously. The city can hold all these events surely????

Bridie Robinson

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What about the children? The Family Fun Run is a great way of introducing children to running and is inclusive to all. I dont think Jane Tomlinson would have been impressed by LCC cancelling such an event!

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The general consensus regarding the council's decision to abandon the Leeds Half Marathon is that they, the council, should listen to the people involved in the Leeds athletic clubs. Why should they as they do not seem to listen to anybody these days no matter what the subject. One person suggested that the council employs someone who has knowledge of the athletic scene to advise them but knowing how the council works they would only employ someone who told them what they want to hear. I am disabled and wish I could run the Half Marathon but I go out each year to cheer on the runners. I wish I could cheer something the council does but I don't believe in miracles.
Yours Faithfully

Peter Colley.

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This was a great event I hadn't run for 20 years when challenged to run leeds , it rekindled my joy for running and I have run marathons and half marathons since but this remains or was my favourite event ,I cannot for a moment think jane would have wanted to have being associated with scrapping this great event , I think it is a total insult to janes legacy and inspiration , I will be in centernary square and will run 13.1 . Hang you're heads in shame leeds council , you simply can't be bothered.

Alasatair Bateman.

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Why does this City always seem to go backwards? It's got everything going for it (because the people of Leeds want to see the City succeed) but the Council seem intent on meddling with things and making life difficult. They talk about consultation but why wasn't there some consultation prior to cancelling?

Leeds City Council need to appreciate what a popular and growing sport running is. They also need to appreciate that there is quite a difference between different distances of races and one size does not fit all! By cancelling the Leeds Half it is taking Leeds off the map and has been proved by our football team, it takes a long time to get back on it.

Leave well alone!

Dan Murray

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The Leeds Half Marathon should stay!
We need to encourage children of Leeds to be active in a world of computer games and television. They need to witness regular physical activity ,and adults taking part in races such as this prestigious one can only be good for them.

Ann Hall

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Please continue the campaign!



I organised a team for the Corporate Relay Challenge 2007 alongside the Leeds Half Marathon 2007 and I have just received a letter from Paul Moseley (Athletics Development Officer for Leeds Council) telling me of the cancellation of the 2008 Corporate Relay Challenge (along with the Leeds Half Marathon)

During a chat he told me Sara Birkinshaw (his manager) was overseeing the Leeds Half Marathon and they were very aware of the press over the last few days and she had been asked to log all comments/complaints about the cancelling of it to pass up to council level (from department level) so they can make a decision based including public opinion as to whether it will run this year or not - there is still hope it will do so, so it is definitely worth complaining to her - but time is running out as they would normally have had a months planning of the event already.

Their contact details are sara.j.birkinshaw@leeds.gov.uk or paul.moseley@leeds.gov.uk tel 0113 3920162

Richard Adcock.

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Leeds, Live It, Love It - laughable!
Leeds is known as the London of the north and has plenty of room for more than one professional, prestigious, well supported, established running event to its name. The city should do as it claims - the Leeds Initiative website states:
"Sport is important. Participation in sport & active recreation contributes to individual health and well-being, offers social opportunities, keeps us fit and makes us feel good. As a cultural activity it builds community identity, provides a focus for social interaction and offers entertainment. As part of the leisure industry, sport & active recreation provides employment opportunities and contributes to a prosperous local economy." I couldn't put it better myself. Come on Leeds City Council prove that you listen to your residents and the race supporters and bring back the Leeds half marathon, bigger and better!

Pat, Leeds.

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This decision is a disgrace. The Leeds Half-marathon gets thousands of people training for months, improving their fitness. Does Leeds want or need more couch potatoes? What on earth were these councillors thinking? Councils can play a leading part in promoting fitness in their local populations. Leeds has just taken a major step backwards in that regard. The Fun Run and the Corporate Challenge are a great way to get children and local businesses involved as well. The race has never been more popular. If I lived in Leeds, no councillor who voted for this would ever get my support again - regardless of party.

Jim Goddard

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I have just sent this email to Sara Birkinshaw at Leeds City Council



NB anyone wanting to read a copy of the meeting document cancelling the Leeds Half in 2007 can find a copy at http://valleystriders.org.uk/saveleedshalf.htm



Keep the campaign going to save the Leeds Half Marathon!



For the attention of Sara Birkinshaw,



Dear Sara



By the time you receive this you will already have seen more than 100 emails either sent directly to yourself or sent to the "Your Views" page of the Yorkshire Evening Post.



My personal background is that I have run 8 Leeds marathons and 15 Leeds half marathons. I have been race director or on the organising committee of two local races for the past 9 years and we have raised over £17,500 for Lineham Farm Children's Centre and £12,500 for a charity in York. I am currently chairman of Valley Striders AC, although this email represents my personal views, not those of the Club.



Having had time to read thoroughly your document of 27 December, I'd like to make detailed comments.



Firstly, I would like to know the make-up of the "Recreation Delegated Decision Panel" and know how many Leeds City Councillors were involved in the decision.



I would like to add my own section on background information:



The Leeds Half Marathon has a long history, dating back to the Marathon in 1981 at the start of the road running boom. It was named "The Duchess" and held near to the birthday of Jimmy Savile's mother. There were over 2,000 runners in 1982, then as the number of marathon runners declined, a half marathon was added (alongside the full) in 1986. In the mid 1990's the total number of runners had reduced to around 1,500, still a large race. But in the last 10 years, the number of runners has increased nearly every year to last year's record 2,950. The accompanying events have also seen similar increases in numbers with record numbers of runners in the Corporate Challenge (840) and the Fun Run (1000) in 2007. It cannot be a time to cancel these events when they are all gaining in popularity.



NB The last marathon was in 2003, there were only 330 runners, and although sad, its demise was not unexpected.



Leeds has a history of producing marathon runners, amongst them – Sarah Rowell (Olympics 1984), Veronique Marot (London winner and British record holder 1985-7 and 1989-2002), Angie Hulley (Commonwealth bronze medallist 1990), Peter Whitehead (Olympics 1996), and Tracey Morris (Olympics 2004, European 2006 and World Championships 2007). Leeds City is currently the leading running club in the UK having recently won the English Cross Country Championships and the National Road Relays. Leeds has twice recently hosted the English Cross Country Championships and hosts the Northern Championships in 2 weeks time. Leeds is a major player in the endurance running scene in the UK.



Leeds now has three major road racing events. The two 10k races are organised externally to the Council. The Leeds Half Marathon is the race organised by the Council. The nature of a half marathon is that the race cannot be run without the full support of the Council because 13 miles of road are involved. Leeds City Council has successfully managed this race for 27 years.



Now to pick up your "Main Issues", in turn:



3.1 regarding road closures – this is going to have to happen for a large race. But other cities manage to have half marathons in their city centres – including Sheffield, Liverpool, Nottingham and Newcastle. In this section, when justifying the cancellation of the race, I would expect you to be explaining the difference in circumstances between Leeds and these other cities.



3.2 regarding the Council's support - yes of course the Jane Tomlinson event needs the Council's support. But if we compare the two sporting events – 3,000 people running 13 miles plus another 2,000 running 1-2 miles for Leeds Half Marathon events and 12,000 people running 6 miles for JT – then logic says the Sport Development section of the Council should be providing almost equal support to the two events. You already have the processes in place for organising the LHM (as do the JT organisers for their race), so the workload for 2008 should be less than 2007.



3.3 regarding Corporate Challenge – the main corporate challenge in the JT involves adding the times of 3 team members; there are also competitions for most runners and most sponsorship. All runners are running 10k. This is completely different from the LMH relay race which involves 6 team members who are running a shorter distance (there is a wonderful atmosphere at the handover stations in the LHM relay).



3.4 regarding the Fun Run – rather than "hoping a Fun Run will take place in 2008", I would have expected you to be a lot more positive – suggesting a venue and time of year – before cancelling the Leeds Half Fun Run. But I am sure that the participants enjoy running up the Headrow far more than a lap of Roundhay Park, and feel they are taking part in a much bigger occasion with the LHM than if it were a separate event.



3.5 you mention Leeds has "over twenty 5k or 10k runs at various locations throughout the city". Surely that is an indication that what is missing is a half marathon! There are many runners who run the Abbey Dash in November and their next challenge would be the Leeds Half Marathon. They will now need to travel elsewhere for that. You also omit to say that in addition to the 5k/10k runs there is also a 10 mile race in the City boundary, in Otley – is there a reason for this omission?



3.5 regarding the date – you say "summer would not attract many participants and October would be too close to the Abbey Dash", which begs the question, why not September? And for 2009, put the JT race on in May and the Leeds Half in June, and people can run both, with athletes using JT as a form guide for the LHM.



3.6 regarding "encouraging potential Half Marathon entrants to enter the Jane Tomlinson 10k" – you know by now, they are different events. They may well enter JT. But they will probably (also) go to run Sheffield (or possibly Blackpool) half marathon at the end of April because Leeds isn't on.



3.6. regarding the "best 10k in the country" – Leeds could have the two best 10ks in the country, JT the best 10k run and Abbey Dash the best 10k race. But Leeds needs a longer distance race too.



To comment on your conclusions



You have come to your conclusion without any feedback. Why do you want to have a "review of options for the half marathon reinstatement in May 2008", when you will know no more that you do now – you already have the runner feedback, you won't be any wiser about the Jane Tomlinson 10k run, and you won't know any more about road closures. And according to you, in May, you'll also be busy with your involvement in the Jane Tomlinson 10k. Why not hold the review now?



Please reconsider your decision of 27 December! You have lost less than three weeks, so it must still be possible to put the Half Marathon back on its originally scheduled date of 11 May (the date is still free in everyone's diaries). Or, if May is not possible, then this September.

Regards

Bob Jackson.

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Come on Leeds Council - give us back our Half Marathon. You know we deserve it!

And let's keep supporting the Jane Tomlinson 10K in memory of a great woman.

Mick Tinker
(Valley Striders)

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To read the full story, click here.

To email us with your views, click here.

YOUR VIEWS:

I lived in Leeds for 7 years and have been away for 6 – the Half Marathon is one of the few reasons I return to Leeds each year to compete and stay with friends. I am most disappointed to hear about this news; and with little or no consultation and a pathetic excuse for not holding it, I'm not likely to return any time soon.



Regards, David Powis

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I think it is a real shame that this event has been cancelled, the Council have made a big mistake! This was a fantastic event, a great challenge that was very popular with runners in Leeds.

We are all very sorry to hear of Jane Tomlinson's passing, she was greatly admired for her achievements, but I feel that the 10k race should be run in addition to, and not as a replacement for the Leeds 1/2 marathon.

I hope Leeds City Council reconsider their decision.

Mike Higgins

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Dear sirs,
I have no concept of sitting round a table making decisions, without much consultation, about issues I know nothing about (and perhaps having an extra helping of lunch). I do however train to race twice a day (and have done for many years), to race competitively prestigious city half marathons like Nottingham, Liverpool, Sheffield, Blackpool (even Bridlington has an excellent one!), etc etc and previously Leeds, where I live. Charitable fun runs are all laudible but they are only succesful on the back of the solid base of sustained hard efforts over many years, of like-minded runners (of all abilities), the clubs to which we belong and their organisation of road races.This has made races popular to the masses and a convenient medium for raising money for charities but it is not the primary function. For one year of the Jane Tomlinson 10k to replace 27 years of the Leeds half, indicates to me that there are no runners, with a voice, on the council or even people who are aware of the difference in the commitment and reasons for participation in races. The councillors should be explaining to those who complain they have to wait a few minutes before they can pull out of the end of their street in their cars, that are are some fit people who train hard for this yearly challenge and not responding to runners to try and explain why their local city half has been abandoned. Are these really the kind of people we want on the council? Some of them may even have been there for many (27?) years but I feel its time they were voted off and replaced with alternatives that do not serve the same purpose. I will not be doing the JT10K and I believe the lady herself would have selected a half over a 10K any day.

Yours sincerely

Howard Jeffrey (Leeds) (Otley AC/Valley Striders AC. 4th in British Masters O/50 Half Marathon Championships at Leek in 2007, Yorkshire Vets half marathon Champion at Bridlington 2007, Previous winner O/50 category at Leeds half. Blackpool half, and other races too numerous to mention for which part entry fees have been distributed to many and charities)

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I moved to Leeds a couple of years ago and really love the city. This time last year I hadn't ever run further than to catch the bus. I then went jogging a few times, surprised myself with liking it, and decided to train for the Leeds 10k and the Abbey Dash. I found 10k a hard distance to get fit for, but the motivation of raising money for charity and having races to aim for helped me no end. I enjoyed running so much that I carried on training - with the Leeds half being my only goal to get me through Christmas and the dark winter months now that I can do 10k without it being a major effort. To now find out that the half-marathon been cancelled is very upsetting.
Lora Hughes

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I'm now going to do the Sheffield half instead, but my main point is that this is completely unsustainable to have all the runners of Leeds drive to Sheffield and back. The Council's overarching theme is to be as sustainable as possible, and the cancelling of the Leeds half marathon goes against this is so many ways, not least the poor message it sends to all those who are trying to do more exercise as a new year's resolution.

what a ridiculous decison , I ran the jane tomlinson last year but definately will not this year as a protest , I will however will be attending centenary square to run the
leeds in any event and will be telling all my running pals to do likewise so bring it on . I have run the leeds half for the last five years it got me running after twenty years of inactivity I have since run london the great north and numerous other events and leeds was the best well dine leeds council
Alastair Bateman

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I can't believe Leeds council cannot run both events simultaneously.
Last years half marathon was also split into a corporate challenge allowing people to run a couple of miles of the course. People in leeds should be allowed to progress their running as I did. Starting off with a couple of miles or a 5k, moving on to 10k and finally moving on to the half marathon. There was no race for life in roundhay park this year and temple newsam is a difficult course, the council should be making it easier for all leeds residents to get involved in running not just opting for the events that get the best publicity or the easiest to organize.
swordwilliams

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Disgraceful decision, and it leaves a very bad taste in the mouth that LCC has pined the tail of their decision to make a cut to services to the memory of a magnificent recently deceased woman - not really the way for a the Council to be treating the memory of a freeman of the city I wouldn't have thought. The lack of consultation with the runners and other sporting organisations and charities that would benefit from sponsorship monies is also a disgrace. I would suggest people who feel that there has been no consultation make an official complaint to the Council which will force them to deal with us in accordance with the official complaints procedure. If people cause the Council some hassle over this they may remember they are elected by us and their wages paid by us to serve us and provide the services and opportunities that we demand, not that they see fit to let us have, or not have as in this situation. We are not the benefactors of the whims of the Council, we are its employer and it is about the time the relationship was made a little more clear to the Council members and officers. We should also demand that a sporting expert it employed by the Council to maximise opportunities and educate the decision makers on why decisions like this are always going to cause such outrage. Trying to look at a positive - the distance between York and Leeds is around 25 miles - could this be an opportunity to look at setting up a ""Yorkshire two cities" full marathon? A start at the Minster and a finish in Millenium Square with some fine countryside running in between on fairly flat ground could be a really popular race.
Chris garside

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I have recently started running and taking part in the Abbey Dash for the first time last November was an exhilarating experience. I was hoping to build on that achievement by training for and taking part in the Leeds Half Marathon. I am mystified at the recent announcement entirely out of the blue, that the event is cancelled. The reason provided by a spokesperson for LCC, I see is as follows: " All were held just over a month apart last year and with the 2008 event aiming to increase numbers and create a lasting legacy for Jane, it was felt appropriate to combine the two". Surely, a combination of the two races, would mean that the half marathon and the shorter 10k run, would take place concurrently! I am shocked at the arrogance of the council, to reach a decision of this nature and with apparently no consultation either having taken place.
S Smith

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This decision is an absolute disgrace - I don't think Jane herself would have taken too kindly to them dropping another (longer distance) well established race in order to support her. The replies the Leeds City Councilors have been giving to some letters of protest have highlighted their lack of understanding for the sport - and even a lack of knowledge for the distances involved.
Leeds NEEDS a longer distance race, and most certainly needs to continue an already established one - even their own information stated that last year saw the largest turnout yet in terms of runners - what more does the Council want?


Regards
Dameon

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Last year a friend of mine ran the Leeds Half Marathon and had an amazing time. After going down to support him last year, and hearing about it afterwards, I made the decide to run it this year.

I have already been training for 2 months, and the majority of my Christmas presents were based around it (new trainers, a mp3 player etc).

Therefore, I would like to thank the forward thinking Leeds Council for such a short sighted decision.

In connection with this I love the story about "Fit in exercise all year round". Well how about this for an idea to keep people exercising for longer than 3 months - have a half marathon 5 months in to the year.

Best Regards,

Terence Clifford Price.

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What about the charities that benefit from the Leeds Half Marathon each year? Have they to lose out because of this? I have run it for the last 3 years on behalf of Cystinosis, and have raised a decent amount each time. Surely Leeds can support this event as well as the Jane Tomlinson one.

I have to ask why was the 10k arranged so close to the Half Marathon? Why not move it back into August if they are so close? Or is that too simple a solution.

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Dear Yorkshire Evening Post,

I have just discovered that the Leeds Half Marathon has been cancelled. I am very very disappointed. Having run the Leeds Half Marathon for four years in a row, it has become a fantastic way of keeping fit and healthy during the year, and is a great goal for early spring. I was really looking forward to the event this year, and just went online to enter the race and discovered it has been cancelled.

Is there anything that we can do to get the race re-instated?

I like the idea of David Byrom of the Pudsey Pacers of turning up in Millennium square and running it anyway! I think I will join him.

Tanya Harris
Colton, Leeds

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I have read and support most of the comment's on the web page and i wanted to add a couple more.
It is a disgrace that a large city like Leeds does not have a sporting occasion that we can all look forward to, a 10k ,a half marathon,perhaps a sporting or music arena, sporting facilities that could hold world events or even ice skating facilities that the country could be proud of. Sheffield does,Leeds a big city! Sadly never with a council that thinks a 10k is of the same sporting significance as a half marathon.
Then there is the poor local charities that will be effected, The Jane Tomlinson 10k will raise lot's of money for it's large charity backer's but spare a thought for the st Gemma's and Wheatfield's hospice to name just two. I will run the Jane Tomlinson for Macmillan just as i did last year,but i would also have run the Leeds half for st Gemma's and as i have done for the past 3 year's and raised them around £400. Times that by a few and you soon start talking about sum's that they rely on. I hope the message get's through to our council.
Let's all get together and join our local running club's and have our half marathon 2008, see you all in millennium square.

Ian R

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I have been reading the comments in the YEP regarding The Leeds 1/2 Marathon & I totally agree with David Byrom. Anyone wanting to run Leeds should just turn up & run it regardless & boycott The Jane Tomlinson in protest. I said the same thing to my husband as he was looking forward to running the event again, 7 years in a row. I have ran it twice & find it very exhilarating unfortunately I wasn't going to do it this year. A 10k doesn't compare with a 1/2 marathon, for a start some people don't even need to train hard so there isn't even a challenge. Why can't we have The Leeds 1/2, The Corporate Challenge, The Fun Run & The Jane Tomlinson 10k all done together on the same day. Problem Solved.

DH

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Unbelievable! We move towards 2012 and the Olympics and Leeds City Council cancel the half marathon. Leeds Live It Love It. A joke. Yorkshire towns and cities with a half marathon. Bridlington. Ackworth. York. Sheffield. Liversedge. Masham. Yorkshire Wolds. Selby. All have 10k events as well! Leeds- the region's capital? Councillors inebriated on the smell of their own pomposity and self-importance I feel.

I run a city centre business and have no problem with the half. The fireworks from Park Square on New Year's Eve shower our premises with debris so should we moan and groan. No. Many people enjoy for a nothing inconvenience to my business and that is exactly what the Half is as well.

Businesses benefiting from the Half. Restaurants, hotels, pubs, retail outlets, gyms, sports retailers even physiotherapists after the event! The list can go on and on.

Leeds has the biggest concentration of running clubs in the country and with the largest membership base in the country. Local clubs regularly hold county and national titles and yet the Council cannot consult with this tremendous advert for the fitness of the people of Leeds. It is the people of Leeds that makes the city what it should be and not the Council.

Jane Tomlinson was a great ambassador for this city based on endurance events. She also ran the local races and cross- country leagues. A true ambassador for the sport at grass roots level. The council grab the kudos from Jane's activities, give her the freedom of the city she so richly deserved, and then use her name as an excuse. Utterly disgraceful and shameful. Jane, who presented prizes at and ran in our 10k at Horsforth would be, I am sure, appalled.

Do the decent thing Councillors - you know what that is.

Andrew Charles
Former Chair of Horsforth Harriers
Former Secretary Sport Direct XC League (14 clubs with LS postcodes competing!)

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This is ridiculous. The half marathon puts leeds on the running map. Lets see it fully re-instated!

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The outrage at Leeds City Council's announcement to axe the City's only half marathon is all too understandable.

Let us hope that the Y.E.P's coverage enables the Council to quickly review and reverse a decision that appears to manage to be both crass in its reasoning and contrary to its own stated aims whilst also lacking anything that could be termed "consultation."

To use the success of a 10k bearing the name of a courageous endurance athlete as part of the excuse for axing a long standing endurance race strikes one as somewhat distasteful. It also makes the Council's stated aim to help educate and then improve the fitness of the general populace seem somewhat half-hearted. (This is feeling is heightened when one hears that one the Council's other weighty consideration militating against the running of the half marathon could be encapsulated as: "hey, it's just too much hassle".) What a poor example!

Let us hope we can see real democracy in action and the Council read the YEP and reinstate what was both a successful and nationally recognised sporting event.

Rogan Ashton

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Hi.

My name is Kjell Skjerven,from Norway.

I`ve heard about this half marathon in Leeds,and this year I found out that I would go for it.

I`ve already had many hours training behind me,and I was very disappointed to find out that`s been cancelled.

Hopefully something can be arranged so I can keep on training!

Regards

Kjell Skjerven

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In response to the article regarding the above which was published on 09-01-08, I am absolutely disappointed with Leeds City Council with their decision to cancel the race. I ran this for the first time last year and thoroughly enjoyed it - so did the other 5000 runners. Whilst I fully support the Jane Tomlinson Run, which I also ran and will be taking part in again this year I really hope the Council decide to reverse their decision for 2009. The Council in charge of the finance capital of the north should easily be able to support both events.

Mark Pawson.

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I am shocked and disappointed that such a major event has been cancelled. The event has become an important fixture in many serious athletes' calendars and also for many people who wish to raise money for charity.

I have competed in the Half Marathon several times and took part in the Jane Tomlinson race in it's inaugural year. Although the 10k was a good event, it did not attract the crowds the 1/2M does, and is not seen by many as a serious "challenge". The atmosphere was good along the Headrow but apart from that there was nothing "special" about the event. With the 1/2M there are many points on the course where family and friends can provide much needed support.

The Corporate Challenge on the 1/2M had grown rapidly over the years - capturing the imagination of many businesses from Leeds and the rest of the country.

I had decided not to take part in the Jane Tomlinson run in 2008 but would have entered the 1/2M. By cancelling the 1/2M, this will not make me take part in the 10k. I will look for a challenge elsewhere instead.

Please, please, please bring back the 1/2M in Leeds!

Mike Ellis.

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I am a Leeds resident who is dearly disappointed at the decision (without consultation) by Leeds City Council to cancel the Leeds half marathon. In my eyes it is a travesty that Leeds City Council cannot provide such a popular sporting event for its local residents, and other people from around the country.

Why has this been done?

What is the reasoning behind the council's decision?

Why should we have another 10K race, when we already have the well established 10K Abbey dash race every November??

No doubt the council will soon start talking again, about building a super sporting venue down near Elland Road, that can also hold music concerts, but what is the point of returning to these same "old dreams", when the council cannot even provide local sporting events for local people.

Big Ron LS15

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Dear YEP,

I can only echo the responses from those who have already written to you.I was shocked to hear on the 6 o'clock news on Thursday that the Leeds half marathon will be cancelled to focus on the Jane Tomlinson 10k.

I have competed in both events and recognise the merits of both but it is important to recognise the significant difference between these 2 events for runners across the UK and beyond.

We already host a 10k in Leeds, the Abbey Dash, which is a well established and attended event. The Jane Tomlinson 10k is advertised as a charity event and from my experience of running in it, it is certainly more of a charity event than a serious running event.I think the Jane Tomlinson race is a great event and Jane was such an inspiration to us all but as I am sure she would agree a half marathon is a very different event to a 10k and attempting to exchange one for the other is not feasible.

The Leeds half is a strong feature in many serious runners calender. I personally know people who have travelled to Leeds for this event from Cambridge, London and the South Coast. It would be a huge shame to lose this reputable event.

Please can the council re-consider their sudden decision to drop a long standing and well attended event in the city of Leeds.

Anna Costello
Valley Striders Member

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As a Leeds resident of over 60 years, I am proud of the City's many achievements and its future aims and aspirations. I am however extremely disappointed and dismayed at the decision to cancel the Leeds Half Marathon. For a city the size of Leeds not to hold the Half Marathon is bound to create a lot of negative publicity, it is a backwards step and an error of judgement. The Leeds Half Marathon has been held successfully for many years with a significant recent increase in participants. It is recognised locally and nationally as one of the leading races of its kind attracting many top class athletes including our own Great Britain and Olympic marathon runner Tracey Morris.



I have personally run in the Leeds Marathon for the last 12 years. Despite running in hundreds of races, including over 40 Half Marathons the London marathon last year and New York this year, Leeds is always my favourite event. If places like Ackworth and Bridlington, not to mention Hull, Sheffield and Manchester can stage Half Marathons then surely Leeds can continue to keep this major sporting event on its calendar.

I cannot see any justification for this decision by Leeds City Council. The Jane Tomlinson fun run is totally different to the Half Marathon and surely there must be a place for both. The fun run is very worthwhile in raising money for a good cause but participants are able to run, jog or walk the 6.2 mile course without necessarily having to do much preparation. The Half Marathon is largely for serious club runners who need to train and prepare for the event over a period of at least 3 months. Thousands of pounds are also raised for charity.

I am sure that Jane Tomlinson would be horrified and upset to know that the Half Marathon had been cancelled in her name. She ran in the Leeds Half Marathon and many other similar events. It is a disgrace that this should happen so soon after the death of this courageous lady.

I cannot understand why discussions were not held with interested parties and local running clubs before this decision was made. If Leeds City Council were hoping to quietly drop this event I would urge them to think again and reinstate this event. It could be held in September this year before reverting back to May next year. Please do not disappoint thousands of runners.

Paul White Leeds

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Last years' Leeds half marathon was my first half marathon ever and it was a fantastic event. I have also taken part in the Abbey Dash and the Jane Tomlinson 10K which were also fabulous events but they were not half marathons. I had a place in the Great North Run last year and the timing of the Leeds Half in May last year was just right in the build up to the GNR. It is a tragedy that this event has been cancelled and Leeds should be thinking of ways to make the event even more popular. It must attract thousands of supporters of the entrants who have nothing better to do for 2 - 3 hours than shop and spend hundreds of pounds in local cafes. What have the local business fraternity to say about this ridiculous decision. The race will not detract from the Jane Tomlinson 10K which will still attract a mass of runners and who will in the future, I am sure, have to endure a ballot for entry like all the other big city events.

John Farthing (55) Ilkley

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I just can't comprehend the logic of ending the Leeds half marathon. It brings thousands of people into the city - individuals, club runners and corporate teams. There must be an economic spin off to the half marathon. A 10K race doesn't have the same effect - and why does it have to be an either or? Simply space the races apart. Leeds is big enough to host these two great events!

I think this is an example of councillors being totally out of touch. Most are middle aged or retired men and the thought that people want to get out and take on a personal physical challenge is lost on them. They're used to the wining and dining and the machinations of politics. It's decisions like this that turn most of us off local politics.

David Lewis
Leeds half marathon runner for the past 10+ years

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Surely its important to hold both the Jane Tomlinson 10K and the half marathon? They are different races and will attract different crowds. In my experience, anyone who wants to try the half marathon will also enter a 10K race as part of training before the half marathon or to keep up fitness after the half marathon. Why not link fund raising for the half marathon to Jane's Appeal as well?

Paula Kidd

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Dear Yorkshire Evening Post,

First of all, please accept my thanks for the stance you are taking. As a newspaper representing the community it's great.

Secondly though, it is a great disappointment and disgrace that the council have taken this step - a step too far and for all the most unconvincing reasons. The fact is that public policy is to encourage health and fitness and by removing a major race from the city's calendar shows that the council's heart really is not in it. Ironic really when you think that it's our hearts, both physical and emotional, that gain such a benefit from exercise and community events.

Jane Tomlinson would not have wanted this state of affairs and it beggars belief that the council have used her race as their excuse. The fact is that runners could do both. I was in fact planning to do the Half marathon and then, with a group of friends do Jane's 10K and raise a lot of money for good causes. It would be futile to pull out of Jane's race becasue of the councils actions and I wont do that, but it does leave a nasty taste in the mouth.

Good luck with the campaign and thanks again for putting your weight behind tackling this foolish decision.

Best wishes,

Paul Greene.

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As a local runner has taken part in numerous Leeds Half Marathons over the years I was extremely disappointed to learn that this years race has been cancelled.
Would Jane Tomlinson be pleased? Even though I never new her I saw her racing many times and feel sure the she like the rest o9f us would be upset.
Come on Leeds a city the size of ours should be running a major race like this – we have already lost the marathon – what next?
Keep the Leeds Half alive

Paul Hunter of Valley Striders

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I've been running the Leeds Half Marathon for the last 16 years. I've run it in my 20s, 30s and 40s, in snow and blazing sunshine and even once whilst pregnant. Every year I try to do better, improving by 15 minutes since I first started running it in 1991 to last year when I managed 1:38:30.

I can't believe Leeds City Council have decided to axe this excellent race. It provided the inspiration for me to start running, as I am sure it has for many others. At a time when we are being encouraged to get fitter and healthier, this seems to be a very retrogressive step.

Erica Hiorns

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I have run many races over the last few years and the Leeds Half Marathon was always one of my favourites. The loss of a local half marathon is a major disappointment which reflects badly on the city and the council. A point overlooked by many is that this was the only race put on in the city centre which also included a fun run.

My five year old son was looking forward to competing in the fun run again this year, and collecting a medal for his efforts. What signal does this decision send to all of the local school children who would have taken part this year, and in the future, regarding the importance of exercise and sport?

The council need to rethink their decision and take on board the vast amount of comments made and at least give a better explanation of their actions rather than trying to blame the wonderful 10k event held for Jane for their shortsighted decision.

Kevin

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I was really looking forward to the leeds half marathon, I have done a few 10ks in the past and the obvious next stage is a half marathon. It is a real shame that it is not on this year, when both runs were succesful last year.
Kathly Poon

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I started running just over a year ago, and the Leeds Half Marathon was a major incentive to get me out training on cold wet and rainy days. The event itself was a delight; a warm and friendly atmosphere from competitors and spectators, and a "just hard enough" course to run.

To cancel it this year - especially in memory of a remarkable marathon runner - is just perverse. I didn't know Jane Tomlinson, but I can't imagine she'd have appreciated this move.

The best thing for the Council to do now is to graciously accept they are wrong, reverse this decision and re-instate the Half Marathon

Keith

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I am totally opposed to the Councils decision to cancel the Leeds Half Marathon. We are a big city and surely the council can support the half marathon and a couple of 10k's. Yes the dates may be fairly close for the half and Jane's new race but timings can be looked at and dates can be changed. The Leeds Half brings a lot of visitors to the city who must bring a large amount of trade to Leeds traders.

We lost the Marathon some years ago and now to loose the half Marathon is very disappointing. I'm sure lots of runners both club members and non club members in and out of the City will question this decision. The councils says it promotes fitness and well being but then withdraws a great fitness event. There are so many people who train up specifically for this event each year.

Bring back the Leeds Half !!! (or even the Marathon)

Eric

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This is such an important even to Leeds, not only by promoting the City, but also to the thousand of club and independent runners and the many supported charities. But good old Leeds City Council have done it again and cancelled this well attended even without any consultation or putting forward an alternative date or venue. How come Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and even Blackpool can manage to put on more than one running even at different times of the year. That's Leeds for you, well done to the council, last place again!

Patrick A Barrett
Valley Striders, Leeds

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I am a member of Abbey Runners which is a local running club that helps to run the Leeds Half Marathon each year. Last year I was a marshal at the finish and witnessed the excitement and delight of many of the runners who were new to running and who had set themselves the target of running this race, maybe after being a spectator the previous year. Government policy is to try to get us all being more physically active. Surely, the withdrawal of this race would be in contradiction to this policy. I am a fitness instructor and I often get people in my classes telling me with pride and enthusiasm that they have started to train for the Leeds Half Marathon. The race is an institution in Leeds and cannot be replaced by the Jane Tomlinson race which is a shorter distance and is perhaps more of a celebration of life rather than offering the physical challenge of the Leeds Half Marathon. I am sure Jane would not have wanted this to be an outcome of her setting up the Jane Tomlinson 10k. I cannot believe that those people who are making a decision about the half-marathon could have ever been present at this marvellous event.

S.Cross

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What absolutely disgraceful decision to scrap the Leeds Half Marathon without any consultation of the people of the city. Who exactly are these people representing?

I can only think that the councillors of Leeds City Council are perfectly happy to accept Leeds as having minnow city status. Cities such as Nottingham are able to organise a full marathon but now we are incaple of holding even a half. I could understand the decision if the race was suffering from declining attendance but in fact quite the reverse is true with more and more people entering each year.

As other people have said, Leeds has other 10k races including the prestigous Abbey Dash so why have another one at the expense of the only half marathon? Why not have the half marathon as the Jane Tomlinson memorial race if the council can only support one race? Since Jane competed in the longer endurance races, this makes far more sense.

I hope the council takes heed of the depth of anger they have raised at this absurd decision.


Craig Worley

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So, with the cancellation of the Leeds Half Marathon, Leeds City Council has shown itself to be:

not so progressive with its sports-development - already the Council's actions have led the long running Kirkstall 10k to now be cancelled (and that didn't even need the roads to close for more than 5 minutes at the start!);

not so caring about all its citizens - just those who shout the loudest from their cars that are delayed in a traffic jam one Sunday morning (at 9:30am for Pete's sake..!)

having no idea of the difference between an overpriced 10k (what would Jane Tomlinson think..!?) 'multi-participation event' rather than a half-marathon race;

not exactly helping to achieve the sports and healthy living targets that we need to get the nation fit and active (how does cancelling a race and thus reducing choice help this?);

in short - a bunch of narrow minded idiots.

Regards
Ant Walker

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This is an insult to Jane Tomlinson and all the sport loving people of Leeds.

Mike Nuttall

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This is a real shame, whilst Jane Thomlinsons run is a very good cause it is disappointing to see why a city the size of Leeds is unable to promote both events. Especially when both events were so popular last year and we should be trying to promote healthy lifestyles and be providing as many opportunities as possible for people to participate. What it will mean is that I end up going to another city to train in a Half Marathon event.

Simon Redshaw

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Absolutely ridiculous, and such a shame – while the government merrily tells us to get fit, motivating events like these are being cancelled in favour of others that may attract more headlines but are no more worthy. Both events are worth holding since they clearly cater for runners of different interests and abilities.

Shame on the council.

Polly Wilding

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The end of traditional long distance running in Leeds! What do you expect when politicians are involved with decisions effecting competitive sport? It's a disgrace.

My history goes back to the running of the first "Duchess" Marathon based in Roundhay Park with a few full and half marathons afterwards. From a small beginning at the start of the 80's running boom, the race developed a deserved reputation for toughness and brilliant organization. Not everyone wants a flat, easy to run short distance stroll. Life is a challenge and there was nobody more ready to face such an event than Jane Tomlinson herself!

If those who rubber stamp the recommendations of officers looking for an easier life had cared to look out on the course at a Leeds half in recent years, they may have spotted Jane and her family supporting the runners. I did!

It cannot be a legacy to such a brave woman's memory that THE RACE for running clubs be abandoned.

Come on Leeds City Council, get it back on track. Get the local Clubs involved. They will do the hard work for you but only you can provide the centralized organization such an important event requires.


Chris Leggatt


ps In October 2007, I gave two of my Leeds half marathon t-shirts to runners at the Columbus (Ohio) Marathon with invitations to visit Leeds, stay with me and run the race. What an embarrassment if I get someone taking up my invitation. "Sorry, but those short sighted bureaucrats in our Council have pulled the plug. Look elsewhere!"

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I am very disappointed at the decision of Leeds City Council to cancel the Leeds half marathon. Each race distance presents different challenges to the runner and requires different approaches to training. To host two 10k races and drop the longer distance seems particularly perverse in the light of the huge popularity of running in the region. At this time of year anyone driving or cycling home in the evening will see hordes of runners out pounding the pavements. Many will be training for spring marathons and for a lot of them this will be the first consistent strenuous activity they have done since school. Leeds half in May provides the opportunity for many of these new runners to carry on with running and provides a new target for them to aim for. Dropping this event will only damage the reputation of Leeds as a city interested in promoting and supporting participation in sport in all its forms.

Dr Hugh Pearson
Coach, Otley AC

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I'm really disappointed, as I'm sure the Tomlinson family will be, that the Leeds half-marathon is to be axed. Having both run and marshalled the event, I know how popular it was with both runners and spectators, not to mention the impact it has for local businesses. The city centre on Sunday mornings is usually dead but this event brings thousands to Leeds, many of whom stay for the weekend, raising the city's profile nationally and even internationally.

This is such a short-sighted decision, and one taken with no attempt at all by the City Council to consult local clubs who might have been able to help move the event to a different date or suggest other solutions.

So much for a healthy start to 2008!

Dr Joanna Drugan

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I have run the Leeds half or full marathon every year for the 12 years up to 2006. I was disappointed when I had my entry money returned for the 2007 race because the race was FULL. I'm even more devastated by the prospect that I may never run another half/full marathon in my home city due to the Council's unilateral decision to do away with it.

But on what basis? The half marathon is clearly a popular event; it gets over subscribed.
Would Jane Tomlinson have supported the idea of her race being used as an excuse? I doubt it.

I suspect the reason is more to do with taking the easy option. A half and full marathon requires additional organisation, water stations, extra road closures, larger policing bill etc etc.

The needs of the runners have not been taken into account. I don't believe any consultation has taken place with local running clubs, it certainly hasn't with Horsforth Harriers.

Andrew Teanby
Horsforth Harriers Race Committee Member

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I'm a 56 year old "casual" runner who has graduated over the past three years from the Abbey Dash to the Leeds Half, which I have run with my sons. The Leeds Half has made a huge difference to our fitness and health - the motivation from having a graduated series of events to aim at is crucial. Leeds residents already have to travel to other cities for major entertainment events, top flight football, interantional standard swimming, ice skating, track cycling - the list is endless. Can we not now even manage to organise a decent race around the streets?

I had the privilege of finishing alongside Jane Tomlinson on one of my races. This decision makes a total mockery of her intentions with the Run for All.

Mark, Roundhay

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Good Morning Debbie

Leeds City Council, why not cancel your daft radio advertising and put the money you currently waste from this into the Leeds Half Marathon. This is what the runners and voters of Leeds want. One other thing, where do you get your Jack Boots from? Out of Touch! Out of Step! Out of Order! Local Government at its BEST!

Mr J. Brownbill

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Dear Debbie

I find it disappointing that the true legacy of Jane Tomlinson will be the cancellation of Leeds' only half marathon. This seems highly inappropriate as a legacy for someone for whom endurance running was such an important part of life.

While the Jane Tomlinson 10k is a laudable event, especially judging by the number of people taking part, it is not a fit replacement for a half marathon. Do the members of Leeds Council who made the decision know the distance of a half marathon? It isn't 10 kilometers. These are entirely different events and one cannot be incorporated into the other.

It is a shame that Leeds Council stoop to manipulating the public interest around a charity event such as the Jane Tomlinson 10k in order to save themsleves the trouble of organising the half marathon, when the real reason the half marathon is being cancelled is surely the gripes of local residents who evidently have the ear of Council members.

The half marathon is an event that caters for all abilities and such events have been growing in popularity around the country. It is also a distance that attracts many people who are preparing for full marathons. Many people in Leeds will be disappointed that they cannot support a local race and will be forced to divert their support to races in other towns and cities, which in turn will no doubt be delighted at the chance to raise their profile at Leeds' expense. 6000 runners supported last year's half marathon. What a shame their loyalty to their city is not repaid by their councillors.

Best regards

Peter Franklin

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I'm absolutely shocked at the decision to axe the Leeds Half Marathon! Last year's race was my first half marathon and I loved every minute of it. Sorry, but I do class myself as a fun runner - so what?!

As a fun runner I've completed numerous 10ks and two half marathons and will be taking part in London Marathon this year. But I still consider myself a fun runner! I love running and I love Leeds! The best part of running the Leeds Half Marathon was the fact that it was my home city and to axe it when it reached its biggest turnout ever - just doesn't make sense? You'd think Leeds would be encouraging this event and encourage more visitors to Leeds.

I understand there is a lot of organisation for the Jane Tomlinson Run For All 10k, especially if there are 12000 runners as predicted - I appreciate that. I am fully supportive of this race - I ran the inaugural one last year and already secured my place for this year. This lady was an absolute inspiration to everyone, including me; she is the inspiration behind my registering for the London Marathon this year - a year earlier than I had anticipated.

The Leeds Half Marathon is an ideal event in any (fun) runner's calendar - a checkpoint for one's fitness and recovery, and its not just runners from Leeds who take part. Have a read of the comments from runners from all over the country in Runner's World - they are always positive.

This event should be an important date on Leeds City Council's calendar.

Nathalie

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I was looking forward to running the Leeds half, and am shocked that it has been cancelled. I can not believe a city the size of Leeds is not capable of hosting 2 events. I am a member of Horsforth Harriers running club, and we usually have a good turn out at the Leeds half. I seriously think that we may never get the Leeds half back if it is not run this year!

Justin Balfour

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I've been a supporter of the Leeds Half Marathon having completed it in 2006 and 2007, I also supported and completed Jane Run for All, Both event were well organised but are completely different with the 10K more of a Fun Run than a sporting event and to use Jane Thomlinson memory in an effort to gain support for the coucil decsion to cancel the Half Marathon is disgusting. The half Marathon also trully was a run for all event with the mini marathon and the team challenge, kids were able to particiapate in the mini marathon event, how will the 'combined' 10K event being staged this year include this group

I suspect money has a lot to do with this decsion and last year we saw at least one local clubs running their last 10K race because the police would not provide the support to police the event, we will end up losing all our local events if we do not make a stand now and protest to the coucil to reinstate the Leeds Half Marathon

Regards

Kevin Harrison

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Good Morning

I would just like to point out that I think it is disgusting how Leeds City Council has cancelled the Leeds Half Marathon like this, I work in one of the large city law firms and we always have a good turn out from here a loan of all abilities. Jane Tomlinson was an inspiration to millions of people but I think even Jane would be upset of the cancellation of the Leeds city half Marathon to support her 10K run for all isn't a good Idea.

Why can't Leeds city council change the name of the Leeds half to Jane Tomlinson Leeds half marathon? That way it is bigger and better and not forgetting that Jane Tomlinson was also a Marathon runner! The race this year will be missed by thousand of people not only the runners but all the people who make the effort every year who stand at the side of the roads to come and support all of us who run the Leeds Half Marathon.

Yours in running

Rob Wells

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Disgusting, the council are jumping on the publicity bandwagon at the expense of a serious and much respected race.
The country is awash with 10k road races, and there is a shortage of half marathons, further exacerbated by the City Council's selfish appetite for publicity.

Many, many runners will have made their racing plans and devised their training schedules to gear up for the Leeds Half Marathon. It is thoughtless to disrupt the plans of so many runners at such short notice. It takes months to train and prepare seriously for a big race such as the Leeds Half Marathon


Brian Hilton
for and on behalf of Faithful+Gould Commercial Services

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Hello everyone

it is ridiculous, , for what jane Tomlinson achieved it's all gone down the pan

for someone who completed marathons a triathlons, and hoping people would follow it on , cancelling a half marathon, they 've got no chance.. it's a super distance.. . 10k is nothing in comparison

i get about 43 weeks a year to compete and can in that time run up to 55 races ALL of them pushing my severely disabled son in his wheelchair

i'm sorry we never got to run leeds, but i certaionly will NOT be driving form Stratford on avon to Leeds for 10k even if i have a gap in my diary

wishing everyone well

michael curry

micknphil-marathonlads.co.uk

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The fact that the council think a half marathon can be replaced by a 10k just goes to show how out of touch they are. Are there no genuine sports people working in the Sport Development department? Anyone with even a basic understanding of the sport would know that the two distances are not inter-changeable. Whilst commendable, the 10k Run for All is fundamentally a fund raising event whereas the half marathon is a sporting event. Are all our true races to be slowly decimated by the almighty charities?
Xanthe Hannah

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I'm not a runner but am a member of Leeds City Athletic Club.
I don't see why the TWO races can't still be held.
Many runners prefer a ½ marathon distance,to the shorter 10k race.
Is this a case of Leeds again playing at being a big city ?
Any large city with anything about it has a ½ marathon,are we saying we're not big enough to organise one,as well as the other smaller races catered for.
It really is a sad state of affairs if a major city like ours losses not only the marathon (which was a fantastic event),but also the ½ marathon.
Are we a BIG city or not,? In some ways yes,but in many we are sadly lacking.
Somehow,I don't think Jane Tomlinson would have been too happy at the loss of this well established and popular race.
I sincerely hope that the decision to scrap the Leeds half marathon is reconsidered.
Steve Linsell
UK veteran high jump champion & record holder

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To who it may concern

I was shocked and saddened to read about the councils decision to cancel the Leeds half Marathon. The half marathons have always been an important fixture in the calendar of runners from Leeds, the surrounding areas and even further afield. For experienced runners, the race is important part of their own development and was a focal point for runners to connect and enjoy their common hobby. For newer runners, the race is the accumulation of hard work through training and focus. The day of the race is also a wonderful event, full of spectators and well wishers.

I think the Jane Tomlinson 10K is a fantastic, fun filled event and a fitting tribute to a brave woman. But to say a 10k race can be merged with a half marathon is nothing short of ludicrous. I can only imagine whoever came up with the idea has not even the slightest concept of distance running. Training for a 10k race can be achieved in a much shorter space of time and offers nowhere near as much challenge as a half marathon. Jane Tomlinson herself was a hardened distance runner and I find it hard to believe that she would have wished for her 10K race to replace the half marathon. Please remember also that a large portion of the runners in the half marathon will be running for charity and many needy people will miss out from this extra revenue.

Since the New Year, I have never seen so many runners take to the streets, even in the awful conditions. With people becoming more conscious about their health and wellbeing, running has never been more popular. I think it irresponsible of a city council to withdraw sporting events from their own constituents who have shown nothing but enthusiasm for an event which promotes healthy living and shows the city of Leeds in such a positive light.

I therefore request that Leeds city council reinstate the annual half marathon or create a new event for those who enjoy running or inspire to run organised races over long distances.

James Murphy

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Thanks for offering a chance to air views on this subject.

It's an absolute disgrace that the Council has dropped the Half Marathon. Leeds is a big-enough and wealthy-enough city to offer its citizens the option of running for more than 10k. Indeed, there is already a well-supported and much-loved 10k in the city – the Abbey Dash – that supersedes the Race for All.

Having been going for 22 years, it seems unfair that the Half Marathon is scrapped in favour of Jane Tomlinson's race – however well-intentioned it may be. In an era when increasing fitness levels and trying to reduce obesity is so important you would hope Leeds City Council would have the capacity and wherewithal to support and fund both events. They offer separate challenges to different sets of people and are both complementary. If the reasoning is that they are too close together why not stage them – Abbey Dash in November, Leeds Half in April and Jane Tomlinson's race in July…offering a year-round running calendar to Leeds' many runners.

If the concern is around funding why not add a couple of pounds to each race and offset some of the cost – that or increase the sponsorship. Let's be entrepreneurial about it rather than the usual meek approach.
Also, on a personal level, it means I can't beat my time from last year – sadly I shall have to leave my home city to do a half marathon. What a shame.
David Child

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I think its absolutely disgusting, the council have recently closed down my local gym (Leeds International Pool) and now they are cancelling a sports event which is attended by thousands. How can this be justified??!!
Warren Thompson

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I have already e-mailed the council to say how disappointed I am that there will be no half marathon in 2008. It is ironic that the council plan to throw their weight behind the Jane Tomlinson inspired 'Run for All' 10K, as, worthy as the new 10K is, I believe Jane would have fought long and hard to retain the half marathon.

I suspect that, as always, money is the determining factor behind the decision to drop the half marathon. And if that is the case it looks like there will be no further half marathon events.

Perhaps most shameful of all there has been no consultation with the area's running clubs and indeed our club was not even advised of the cancellation of the event. I suspect that most, if not all, of the area's running clubs found out, like ourselves, by chance.

The council say they will listen to the views of the wider public regarding the reinstatement of the half marathon for 2009. I would suggest that if, as a running community, we wish to attempt to save this event we should make our feelings known, in writing, in the strongest possible terms to the council immediately, to leave them in no doubt that the half marathon event matters very much to the runners, people and city of Leeds.
Ian Park
Horsforth Harriers

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I am so disappointed that the Leeds Half Marathon has been cancelled. I am out with an injury this year but I ran the last two Leeds Half Marathons and they have been fantastic events with a wonderful atmosphere, a real sense of comradeship amongst the runners and the streets are always lined with spectators - even in the rain. I was looking forward to completing the race if not in 2008 then in future years. Each year I have friends travel from London for the event. Is this what Jane Tomlinson wanted, for her event to replace the Leeds Half? I rather think that in starting her 10k race she wanted to add another great event to the Leeds sporting calendar, to inspire runners and help raise money for charity, without it being at the expense of an existing successful event. How much sponsorship money will charities lose out on with the cancellation of this event?
Kind regards,
Helen Drake, Alwoodley, Leeds

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I am shocked and saddened at the news that there won't be a Leeds Half marathon in 2008. I was looking forward to taking up the challenge and running again this year to help raise money for charity. What's the problem with doing both? They managed it last year...
Ian Core

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I think that Leeds City Council are very short sighted and very wrong in cancelling the Leeds Half Marathon this year. They have made a unilateral decision without even having the courtesy to consult local running clubs or members of the public.

As the Council itself agrees, there are any number of 5k and 10k races in the area. There are very few half marathons and even fewer as popular as Leeds. Last year was the biggest event yet and the response of the Council is to withdraw their support. How ridiculous. I feel sure that Jane Tomlinson intended her race to compliment existing races, not replace them.

A city the size of Leeds needs a half marathon.

Regards

Adrian Grainger

Chapel Allerton Road Runners

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I think the cancellation of Leeds Half Marathon is a disgrace.

As a recreational runner who is trying to psyche himself up to doing a marathon, why can the city only support events less than a quarter of that distance? 10k events are fine, but for endurance runners they are no more than a warm up. And this is the country with the largest half marathon in the world: the Great North Run. There can hardly be any doubt there isn't any demand! And with numbers of runners entering the event every year it seems crazy to cancel this event in favour of the Jane Tomlinson 10k, who was an endurance athlete herself. Even those that argue that such a distance excludes new runners find that if they can get themselves together in a team of 6, each one can run a relay stage of between two and three miles. Why couldn't we rename the Leeds Half to be Leeds's Jane Tomlinson's half if the council thinks it can't support three major road races?

Chris Cunliffe

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There must be other reasons why the Council don't want to stage the half marathon. The Jane Tomlinson run seems like a poor excuse to cancel it.

Michael Mahoney

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Can't believe they are going to axe the Leeds Half. I ran it two years ago (my first ever Half) and it was so hard I felt such a great sense of accomplishment when I completed it and I treasure my medal. As I slowly ran up to the top of Stonegate Road I saw Jane cheering everyone on and I spoke to her. I asked her if she didn't want to be out running with us and she said "Not this year but I'd love to do another one, maybe next year". I don't think she would be impressed at all with the Council for scrapping such a great race.

Carole Parkhouse

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In a county which takes such pride in its sporting heritage and a city as big, and supposedly important, as Leeds I fail to see the justification in cancelling Leeds Half Marathon. Local runners and local running clubs have been strong supporters of Leeds half marathon, as well as other local events, over many years and we deserve better than this. Once again the council lets the city down.

Jill Stocks, Kirkstall, Leeds

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I understand that the Half Marathon will not be taking place in 2008 as the Council will be supporting the Jane Tomlinson Run for All in June.
Last year over 5700 competitors took part in the half marathon (figures from LCC website) and it is a great shame that a city the size of Leeds, with its claim to be a leading UK and European city, will not host such an event this year. Surely Leeds City Council can support both events?

In 2007 both events were held and they happily sat side by side. In fact I am sure that many people who take part in the half marathon would also do the Run for All - as I did last year and would have done this year.
The events are aimed at people with different levels of ability, indeed I am sure many people who have never run before were inspired to take part in the Run For All last year, and surely there is space for a half marathon and a 10k race with 1 month between them? As well as the running aspect, both events attract thousands of people from all over the UK into Leeds which can only be a good thing.

Other cities such as Liverpool and Sheffield manage to host a number of running events throughout the year and as a resident of Leeds I find it a worrying precedent that we will be falling behind our competitors.

Stephen Corcoran

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I copy below a mail I have sent to Leeds City Council to register my protest at the cancellation of the Leeds Half Marathon.

Dear Ms.Birkinson,



I have received the news that the Council (?) has decided to cancel the 2008 Leeds Half Marathon. I would like to register my strongest possible objection and anger to this decision. I am not aware of the process or procedures that have been used / followed to arrive at this momentous decision and it has come to my attention 'out of the blue'. I am not ware that any consultation process has been followed and that the people of Leeds are presented with a 'fait accompli'! Who made this decision I wish to challenge it in whatever way I can?



The Leeds Half Marathon has been one of the sporting pinnacles of the Leeds sporting calendar for some 22 years and many thousands of runners from the city, the country at large and indeed international runners flock to this event on a yearly basis. I am astounded that a city of the size and prestige of Leeds can no longer declare that it can support a half marathon event yet alone a full marathon.



From my position of ignorance it looks to me that the half marathon has been 'thrown out' to make way for the Jane Tomlinson 10K run. Leeds already has a well established and prestigious 10K in the form of the Abbey Dash, why have another 10K and kill off the half marathon? I cannot begin to understand the logic of this and I suspect that there is a hefty dose of politics is driving this situation.



I wish to make a formal request that this decision is reversed and that a full and proper consultative process be implemented to ensure that the half marathon continues rather than LCC killing off long established sporting events by stealth. I have no doubt that if there is a will there is a way that both the half marathon and Jane Tomlinson 10K can be accommodated. Let none of us be fooled to believe that the cancellation of the half marathon is for one year only, once it is stopped I believe it will never be reinstated.


I look forward to receiving a full and positive response.

Yours sincerely,


Bob Foulkes

Race Director

Horsforth Harriers Running Club


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Absolutely devastated about this. I have been in training for it for the last 3 months and had really hoped to complete it in a decent time. I had also just arranged with other people at my work to get a team together and raise money for charity. There are a lot of running clubs around the Leeds area and it is ridiculous that the city will not host a race of a longer length this year. Leeds City Council – please reconsider your decision – Leeds needs its Half Marathon!

Vikki King

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I only came across this story by chance as I am not local to Leeds but had gone on to the net to find out the date for the 2008 half marathon.

I took up running just under 3 years ago, aged 41, to lose weight but more importantly to regain my health and fitness. I went from barely managing 100 m to completing 10 Km in less than 6 months.

I did my first half marathon in Leeds last year and was elated when I finished and although I have since done the Great North Run, nothing can compare to finishing in the city closest to where I live. I also did the Jane Tomlinson 10 K and have entered to do it again this year but I want to do both.

The Jane Tomlinson run I do to remember a great lady and have fun. The Leeds half marathon I wanted to do as it would have been 2/3 weeks before my first planned marathon. This was a very important part of my training and unfortunately if you search for other half marathons within easy travelling distance that are around the same time there are - none!

If I had been given a choice on wether I wished to do the 10 Km or half marathon the it would have definately been the half marathon I would have chosen. After all there are plenty of 10 K races in the area to choose from.

I would ask Leeds Council to re-consider, not just for next year but this year as well.

Mandy Newton, Ripponden

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Typical council, why look into moving one of the runs to stop them being a liitle difficult to organise when you can just cancel one and save time and effort. They can't be bothered to get off their fat behinds to run so I suppose we shouldn't expect to get off them to help us run.

Carl Lockwood

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I am saddened, angered and disappointed that Leeds City Council have decided to scrap the Leeds Half Marathon in 2008. Last year was the most successful event yet and attracted 5,700 entrants. The event also included the corporate challenge and the family fun run, which were also popular and well supported. This was one event that truly was the chance for everyone of all ages and abilities to get involved.

I can't help feeling that the council have used this as an opportunity to save themselves some money from their leisure budget this year. A city the size of Leeds should be able to cope with holding both races without breaking sweat.

While I am fully supportive of the Jane Tomlinson Run for All, it's a shame that my home town no longer has a half marathon event, after losing the marathon back in 2003.

Save our race!


Mr Rayner


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I am very pleased that the Y.E.P. has started a campaign to restore the Leeds Half Marathon.

Most of the comments that I gave to Debbie Leigh made it to print and those that didn't have been picked up by other emails in "Your View".

But you will notice that the picture at the top of this "Your View" section is of the one mile mini-marathon (which takes place while the half marathon is "on the road"), not the half marathon.

And this prompted me to think that the majority of competitors in the mini-marathon will not be able to run in the Jane Tomlinson 10k, mostly because they are too young (JT has a lower limit of 17 years), but many others because they can't hope to run as far as 10k. I believe there were about 600 competitors in the mini-marathon last year.

And also there were 141 teams in the Corporate Relay, this means 846 people ran 2 miles each. Again, many of these will not want to run 10k.

Over 1000 people will miss out on taking part in a sporting event and will not have an alternative. They may have been competing to keep fit, they may have been competing to raise sponsorship money. Or both.

The objective of the Sport Development Unit of Leeds City Council should be to develop sport. In deciding to cancel the Leeds Half Marathon, it is failing those who want to keep fit and those who want to have a serious athletic challenge.

Bring back the Leeds Half Marathon and its accompanying events! This year!

Bob Jackson


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I agree with the comments objecting to the cancellation of the Half Marathon. Leeds as a city should be capable of putting on the Half Marathon and the Jane Tomlinson 10K. Cynically I would conclude that the council are taking this measure to reduce their workload. Hopefully I will be proven wrong and the Council took this decision in good faith but now after hearing the views of the people they represent they will reinstate it for 2008.

Darryl Barber

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Sirs
2008 was to be my first year doing the Leeds Half Marathon – holiday commitments have prevented entry in previous years.. I am gutted it has been axed. I am a member of Harrogate Harriers and Leeds being my nearest big city was really looking forward to the Leeds Half Marathon, regarding it as my "local" half marathon race. I can't believe that Leeds City Council think a 10K is a suitable replacement. Other smaller towns (see Liversedge and Wilkinson Ackworth half marathon) seem to be able to cope with organising half marathon events. In addition, the York half marathon (Brass Monkey Half Marathon) is always massively oversubscribed showing there is a real need for another event which Leeds has previously provided.

Bring back the Leeds half – the city deserves it.

Wendy Marks, Harrogate

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Its a very poor decision to cancel the Leeds Half Marathon. I ran in the Jane Tomlinson 10K last year (2nd man), but I've also been a regular in the longer event. I would have run in 2007 Half but for injury. Both races deserve support from club runners and fun runners alike. Its wrong to think more will turn out for the 10K because the half marathon has been cancelled. The Leeds Half also raised money for charity and has been popular among fun runners and more serious runners since its inception. Of course Leeds can support both races.

Regards

Sean

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First the marathon disappears, now the half marathon.
Without the support of the Council it is very difficult for anyone to organise a road race for a variety of reasons - and the longer the race the more difficult it is. Distance road runners, like cyclists, have obviously become just a headache and too much trouble, so there are less and less road races. How many half marathons in West Yorkshire now? Not many.......Leeds should be setting an example.

Jerry Watson

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I'm sure that Jane Tomlinson would have been absolutely devestated to be indirectly resposible for the demise of such a major, long standing and popular event, to say nothing of the loss of funds for the charities. To dismiss this event in favour of the Jane Tomlinson Run for All is an insult to her memory and all the hard work she did.

A runner, Oxfordshire

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Cancelling the Leeds half marathon comes as no surprise, I could talk about Jane Tomlinson, the difference between a 10K and half marathon run, but I would only reiterate what has been already said. I was born in Leeds and lived here till I was 18, then lived in London, Berlin, Bristol, Bath and Lanaca always knowing that I would return to my beloved city which I did after 9 years. The main reason for my return would be the people of Leeds and the pride and love I have for this city, I still think this exists in the majority of the people born and bred in this city, but I can only surmise that the people in charge of our city are not local people or even worse local people who do not care.

The town centre is being ruined by expensive non-descript residential apartment blocks which if are not an eyesore now, will be in 30 years time (remember Quarry Hill Flats), the Corn-Exchange is to be converted into some giant eatery which probably could be halted with if the council intervened. The International Swimming Pool which was closed down and a new pool built, not in the centre, but on the outskirts thus making it more difficult for the majority of people to get to. The council decided to close the Mansion in the middle of Roundhay Park, are refurbishing it and want to use it as offices with no regard for the people who frequented the Mansion pub or used the building for functions

So cancelling the Leeds half marathon comes as no surprise, anything to save money/time and to use Jane Tomlinson as an excuse to do this, is nothing short of a disgrace. This is just another example of the high-handed and arrogant attitude of the council towards the people of Leeds.

Gary Sutherland

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I am disgusted by the decision to cancel the Leeds Half Marathon this year in favour of the Jane Tomlinson 10k. Yes the 10k is a brilliant event and Jane was a fantastic lady but the two events are completely different. Many people including myself will have already started to train for this distance in order to enter and compete this year. Why cancel the Leeds Half and not the Abbey Dash in November? There are numerous 10k events throughout Leeds if people want to do that distance. A ridiculous decision from Leeds City Council whose motto laughably is "Working Together To Get Leeds Active".

Jane Dalton

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Any city with sporting aspirations has to have a half-marathon – it's a real challenge to run this distance. The parallel Corporate Challenge opens the day to people with different ranges of targets. As does the Abbey Dash. These races have been going for years and are real civic events.

As one of the many people who have volunteered time to help marshal races in Leeds, cancelling this race feels like a slap in the face. The Leeds Half is also one of my favourite races to run.

As others have suggested, we should be asking why Leeds doesn't have a full Marathon! Axing the Half-marathon is ridiculous!

Iain.
Meanwood. A member of Abbey Runners.

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I am appalled at the decision of the council to cancel the Leeds Half Marathon for 2008 on a number of counts.

Firstly, by cancelling unilaterally, without consulting the running clubs in the city, they have ignored the views of the members they purport to represent.

Secondly, a 10k race is no substitute for the 13.1 miles of a half marathon

Thirdly, Leeds hosts the Abbey Dash in November. It seems to have escaped the notice of our venerable councillors that we will now have two10k events during the year.
Fourthly, as an older runner - I will have reached my 70th birthday, I would be in a strong position to achieve a good rating in the appropriate age category.

I would hope they will see the error of their ways and hastily withdraw an eminently foolish and illogical decision.

Yours faithfully

John Whitehead

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Remember the slogan 'Sport for All'. Well not anymore. Not in Leeds.

The decision to scrap the Leeds Half Marathon is just a cost saving exercise. The council can't be bothered to administer the race.

To use the Jane Tomlinson 'run for all' race as an excuse is a disgrace.

And what about the 'fun run' and the 'corporate challenge' which all form part of a great sporting day in Leeds.

I helped marshal last year's race along with colleagues from my running club.

Club runners may well find another ½ marathon in the Yorkshire area.

But 90% of participants are not members of clubs and travelling to Sheffield may not a have the same appeal.

Come on Leeds City Council. Reconsider this decision and show us you believe that sport is important to the people of Leeds

John Ward
Abbey Runners Member

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What an appalling decision by the jokers at the council. Although the JT "Run for all" 10k is a very worthwhile event it cannot replace the half-marathon.

Leeds half-marathon was the first race I did and it was the goal I needed to start running. Completing a half-marathon gives a real sense of achievement to a beginner after months of training, unlike a "fun" 10k which most reasonably fit people can do with minimal preparation.

I'll be protesting about this and also about the 'Working Together To Get Leeds Active' motto which, after this decision is just laughable.

Regards,
Graham Brown.

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Whilst fully supporting the 10k (which I marshalled last year), I'm very disappointed to hear that the half is not running, for a seemingly very weak reason. I ran it for the first time last year, and was hoping to run it again this year as my annual test piece. Surely there is room for a 10k and a half marathon on separate dates.

Peter

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I can't believe the council's decision to axe the half marathon. I have run this event for the last 5 years. The atmosphere is superb and the money raised for deserving charities is extrememly worthwhile. I feel that Jane Tomlinson, who achieved so much, would not have wanted this move. I have entered for the Jane Tomlinson 10k, but the challenge of a much hillier half marathon will be very much missed.

****

I wish to vent my frustration today on the news that the Leeds Half Marathon will not go ahead. The Leeds Half Marathon event was very well organized last year and I had an excellent weekend away in the city. I had traveled down from the North East of England and spent two cracking nights in the city centre with friends prior and post event. I met some fantastic people from the city, especially during the event.

I am disappointed as a number of my friends from the North East were planning to come down to run the event with me, many for the first time participating in a half marathon, and this was the suggested race I was pushing to gear them up for their first half marathon. 10K races in my opinion can be organized anywhere, but a half marathon gives you excitement and a sense of pride running the distance. I can only feel a sense of disappointment that I will not be visiting the city this year as I was looking forward to it.

So come on Leeds City Council, do the right thing and put the event back on.

Steve
Jarrow & Hebburn A.C.

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What a shame that we have a council that is so short sighted that they can not see the benefit of having not one but three major road races in Leeds every year(The half marathon, Janes 10K and the Abbey Dash). Having been involved in all three I can honestly say that the benefit to the city is huge; bringing thousands of people in to the city on an otherwise empty Sunday morning. These people stay around, shop, eat at the restaurants and visit the sights before they leave.

To say that they are only supporting the one event is ludicrous. They should be supporting everything that benefits Leeds on a large scale!

****

"The Leeds half marathon 2007 was a great success with over 5700 competitors taking part, the largest number yet." So says the city council's own website! How can the council be so short-sighted as to arbitrarily cancel such a popular event which encourages thousands of it's constituents to take up a healthier lifestyle? And to blame it on Jane Tomlinson is an insult to her memory and achievements – shame on you!

If the council is strapped for cash, stick another pound on the entrance fee, tap the sponsors up for a few more bob or do without the tee-shirts (especially if they are purple again). But there must be someway to keep this hugely successful event going. To say that Leeds, the regional capital, can't put on a half-marathon is incredible. May as well move to Sheffield (who can).

I. Sanderson, Leeds.

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What more can I add? The decision to cancel the half-marathon in the first place is a disgrace, but to then state that the 2 totally different events have been 'combined' would be funny if it were not so ludicrous. As has been said the half-marathon is a completely different proposition to a 10K so the council are showing an ignorance of the sport that is bewildering.

The cynic in me suspects that the lack of consultation with the local running community, only waiting until people found out because no entry forms were available before annoucing the cancellation, shows the council knew this would not be a decision that would go down well and have attempted to sweep it under the carpet until it was too late to do anything about it.

Please LCC, reconsider this unpopular move and give Leeds the opportunity to show it can hold a major sporting event, get people off their sofas and into their running shoes and raise significant amount sof money for the many worthwhile charities that rely on such occasions.

Lee Greenhalgh

Horsforth Harriers

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A lamentable decision, the Leeds half Marathon is an established and increasingly popular event on the running calender. There are enumerable 10k runs in the region including of course the Abbey dash the council has made a big mistake here, demonstarting real ignorance as to the variety of events required for different types of runner. Did the council make any attempt to engage the local running community in coming to this absurd judgement?

D. Dixon

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Going forward to 2008 onwards, Leeds City Council could merge the two events together with the same start and finish location, but, with a shortened version of the Half Marathan circuit for the 10K runners.

****

Whilst I realise that a 10k appeals to a wide range of runners, is a quick return and does not cause too many road closures its a great shame that Leeds has decided not to have a half marathon this year. A city like Leeds should have a showpiece event, I am sure that they could easily host a top class Marathon and Half. It just takes a bit of imagination and hard work. Leeds council have obviousley taken the easy option.

Regards GW

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Typical Leeds City council. Out of touch with everything. Struggling to match other northen citys on various projects such as super casino bids, trams, concert halls etc etc etc. Even York has a 1/2 marathon !

****

Shame on you Leeds City councillors for taking away such a prestigious sporting event as the Leeds Half Marathon is. Is it not enough that we have already had to lose the full marathon? Where and when was the consultation over this?

I am sure there are many reasons why it is easier not to host such an event: finances, risk assessments, disruption to motorists to name but a few. But the fact is, for every reason not to host the event there are as many good reasons why you should * just ask some of the many thousands who have participated in the event or stood on the roadside to support over the last 22 years.

Here we are, a nation gearing up to host the Olympic games in four years time, and our city, in many respects the capital of the North is not even willing to host a straight forward running event for a few hours on a Sunday morning. What sort of message are we sending our younger generation? Can we really expect them to get excited about competitive athletics when big city councils will no longer stage these kind of events?

I have run Leeds half marathon 10 times since 1996, but it seems this year in May I will be heading for Chester instead. It's a small historic city in Cheshire, with a population of only 15% of Leeds, yet apparently it still has the ability and interest to host an excellent half marathon city road race with a PB potential.

Steve Large
Member of Horsforth Harriers Running Club

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I call on all Leeds running club members, to be in Millennium square, on the same start time and date, of the now cancelled Leeds Half Marathon, to run the course in protest to this ridiculous decision by Leeds City Council.

What a great way to show the Council how stupid and short sighted they have been.

A group of Pudsey Pacers runners will be doing this, if your club feels as strongly as ours please get in touch to join The Healthy Protest.

David Byrom
Pudsey Pacers

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I am shocked and dismayed by the Councils decision to cancel the Leeds 2008 Half Marathon particularly without consultation with the Leeds Running Clubs and Leeds running population.

Previously I have participated in the event and have competed in other UK and overseas running events, but nothing compares to Leeds, it is my home town and as a runner I am disappointed by the decision to say the least. Who at the Council is responsible for making this barmy decision? On the face of it, the decision appears to have made off the cuff without too much consideration. I think it is great to see such overwhelming support for the race to be reinstated and I hope the Council will be man-enough to reconsider their decision and to at least listen to the uproar it has caused.

Jane Tomlinson has set up what will be a well represented, successful 10km road race I am sure and it has my full support, but the longer distance runners require a greater challenge and as justification the suggestion the two races should merge, just goes to show the decision maker knows very little about middle and long distance running and should have consulted with those that do.

Year on year the Half Marathon is attracting greater interest so I would have thought the obvious choice would have been to alter the date in the Calendar. Years ago the Leeds Half and Full Marathon were run in October. Please reinstate this event, the City needs it.

Richard Hodges from Yeadon

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I was appalled to hear that the Leeds half and the Jane Tomlinson 10k have been 'combined' (according to the news last night).

I took part in both events last year and was looking forward to doing the same this year. The Leeds half was a 'proper' run, whereas the Jane Tomlinson 10k was more of a 'fun run' for all - in fact the course was so busy it was impossible to run all the way round. With increased numbers this year I fear it may be even worse, but I have entered anyway, wanting to support the memory of an incredible lady and to help raise money for charity. Why can't I also take part in a half marathon in my home city, Leeds? There is no reason that both events can't be run - cancelling the half won't make the 10k more of a success - in fact some runners are planning to boycott it in protest at the cancellation of the half.

I can only presume that the council are either trying to save money, or avoid the (minimal) road disruptions. Come on Leeds City Council - look at the depth of feeling represented here and show some imagination! Either keep both events separate or do both a 10k and a half marathon on the same day in the memory of Jane Tomlinson and make it a fantastic event for everyone, not just the 'fun runners'!

Judith Scarfe

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I personally think it is ridiculios there will be loads of people wanting to run both of these runs, i really do think that jane tomlinson would have wanted the half marathon to continue and would be upset that they are using her name as a excuse . i feel they should back track and change their minds .

Ben Parr

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I am very dissappointed by the cancellation of the Leeds half marathon in 2008.

Steve Mead

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I just found out last week that the leeds half marathon was cancelled. My wife did the great north run last year so I thought I would do the leeds which would have been my first half marathon. I am very disappointed and can't believe such a good event has been scrapped seemingly on the quiet.

Steve.Reilly.

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I just found out last week that the leeds half marathon was cancelled. My wife did the great north run last year so I thought I would do the leeds which would have been my first half marathon. I am very disappointed and can't believe such a good event has been scrapped seemingly on the quiet.

Steve.Reilly.

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I am very dissappointed by the cancellation of the Leeds half marathon in 2008.

Steve Mead

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I'm stunned by Leeds Council's decision to Cancel this years Half Marathon. It just dosen't make sense? It's not like Jane Tomlinson's Run for all was going to clash with the Half Marathon so i simply don't understand Leeds Ciuncil stand on this. I was planning on running both these events this year and Leeds would have been my first half marathon. I'm gutted and i doubt that the remarkable Jane Tomlinson would have wanted to see it cancel. Plus it boggles the mind that a city as big as Leeds cannot put on two events a year. In all honesty they should be putting on three; Jane's Run for All, the Half Marathon and a Marathon! Come on Leeds Council, bring back the half!

Sarah Longfield
Pontefract, West Yorkshire

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I am shocked and appalled that Leeds CC is cancelling this long standing race. A city the size of Leeds has no excuse for saying it only wants to support on 10K a year and the number that run the Leeds Half show that it is a popular race for runners and fundraisers alike. I cannot believe that Jane Tomlinson would have supported a race in her name supplanting such a longstanding and challenging event; I'm sure with her track record she'd have supported both a half marathon and even the return of the marathon. After all she fired the starting pistol the last time I ran it!

Martin Browne

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What a great move by Leeds City Council…well done for spoiling what is Leeds's biggest running event.

As a member of 'Valley striders' I am saddened by the councils decision not to stage the 2008 half marathon, and their statement about carrying out a consultation exercise next year for the holding of the event in future years sounds like a council way of avoiding their responsibilities.

I thought the council were supposed to act in the interest of developing Leeds as a city and not to cramp its style!

G Skerrett

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Leeds without a half marathon...how sad it will be.
If they think a 10k (however good the cause) is ever going to get the same kind of profile and passion than a half marathon then the Council do not understand running.

The Great North Run is an EVENT. The London Marathon is an EVENT. They represent milestone challenges for the runners, requiring extensive training and hard work. That is why they raise so much for charity, why so many people run them and why the TV film them. Sponsors like you and I know that the runners are putting themselves through tremendous challenges for their sponsor money.
And a 10k? We already have the Abbey Dash!! Will they scrap that next??

Jim Whittaker (member of Abbey Runners)

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Yet another extremely disappointed and frustrated local runner denied the opportunity to run in his home town half-marathon trying desperately hard not to be rude about our elected representatives and the local authority.

As was seen in Thursday nights YEP, consultation is not one of Leeds City Council's strong points. I hope the council can come clean about the real reasons why they have cancelled the half-marathon and not hide behind Jane Tomilinson's reputation as an excuse for their lack of ambition and forward thinking.

If its a matter of cash, logistics, the wrong time of year etc I am sure that there are plenty of experienced people within the running and business community who can advise them accordingly about the way forward.

If Leeds wants to be considered as a city of national and international importance, especially as we head towards 2012, then being able to organise and host a 13.1 mile road race on one Sunday morning a year should be seen as a