Return of the dashing heroes

Jon Reeves posing as Deadpool during last year's Abbey Dash in Leeds

After last year’s run featured the likes of Iron Man and Batman, organisers are expecting a bumper crop in 2017.

Jon Reeves, 45, plans to run dressed as Deadpool - the Marvel Comics/X-Men character - and expects his 2016 group of five superheroes to swell to 15-20 and include Mr and Mrs Incredible and the Mario brothers.

He said: “We, the superheroes, decided to run last year’s Dash in fancy dress to support a friend, Kirsty, who had lost the use of her legs from Lyme disease. We pushed her, Wonder Woman, around the course in a wheelchair and this year we will repeat it but she is aiming to get round some of the course on her legs after a long recovery.

“The support the crowd gives costumed runners is amazing - it’s like taking miles off the distance - the looks on kids’ faces when they get a high five from Batman can’t be beaten.”

Drighlington-based Jon added: “Some of the costumes can be harder to run in but it depends - some are heavy, others tight and some just awkward but it all adds to the challenge.”

Would-be runners can still register for the 31st instalment of the annual run, the Wheelchair Dash and 2k Junior Dash.

The 10K event hugs the River Aire before finishing at the Town Hall, near Westgate Point.

Jon, who will be running his fourth Dash this year, added: “For anyone out there thinking about running the Dash in costume I would highly recommend it. Just pick a character people know, and run near the side of the road so you can get all those power boosting hi-fives!”

The Yorkshire Evening Post is backing Age UK’s event, which will see 12,000 runners take to the streets of Leeds from 9.30am on November 5, to support vulnerable older people.

Enter the race at