Thousands run the Abbey Dash in Leeds

They gathered in the city centre for the 10k event, backed by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

The dash sees thousands of runners take to the streets of Leeds for the fundraiser in support of vulnerable older people. Celebrating its 31st year, the Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash is popular with fun runners, celebrities and elite athletes alike and has been hailed one of the best races in the country by Men’s Running magazine.

They include Adrian Howden won the very first Leeds Abbey Dash – and today he is taking on the challenge again.

But after having his right leg amputated following an accident 10 years ago, this time he is competing using a hi-tech running blade.

Since being fitted with the specialist limb by Leeds-firm Steeper, the former international distance runner has competed in 50 triathlons around the world.

Before the race, he said: “Other runners that I meet are always impressed when I tell them I won the race 30 years ago and will be running it again with the blade Steeper have provided,” he said.

Adrian, from Roundhay, had his right leg amputated below the knee in 2006 after being hit by a motorcycle.

He was prescribed the specialist Steeper carbon fibre running blade which has helped propel his success, including finishing third in his age group at this year’s Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon in Leeds.

A spokesman for Steeper, which works with the Specialist Rehabilitation Centre at Seacroft Hospital, said: “He always has a smile and pushes himself and the equipment to the maximum, showing what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.”