The best running events to sign up for in Leeds in 2020

From half marathon challenges to canters along the canal, there is no excuse not to get involved if you're thinking about pulling on your running shoes.

Described as Yorkshire's "biggest and loudest", the Asda Foundation Leeds Half Marathon takes place on May 10 this year, meaning you have just enough time to train if you're fairly new to running.

Despite being one of the biggest, the 13.1 mile event is also one of the hilliest, taking in the long upward slope of Meanwood Road and Stonegate, and braving the hills of the city's outer ring road in north Leeds.

Luckily, the first half is the trickiest and while not quite all downhill from there, the last four miles coast along the relatively-flat Kirkstall Road, finishing triumphantly in Millennium Square.

If you're thinking about dusting off your trainers, you can sign up to this year's event here.

But if 13.1 miles sounds too much, the Run For All Leeds 10k takes place on July 5, meaning half the distance and an extra two months to train.

The route begins in the city centre, heading out along Kirkstall Road down to Kirkstall, before looping back around and heading back into the centre.

You can sign up to the Leeds 10k here.

The north Leeds stately home of Harewood House will once again host the British Heart Foundation Half Marathon and 10k on February 23.

The scenic route weaves through the 1,000 acres of the estate taking in some breathtaking views of the house and grounds, but if you're keen to sign up for this you'd better hurry as the race only allows for 100 participants.

A flatter run along the canal in the form of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Canter takes place on March 21.

The route starts at Kirkstall where it also finishes. You can sign up for the event here.

Cancer Research's Race For Life will once again be held at Temple Newsam in Leeds on May 31.

Contrary to popular belief, the event is open to women and men and runners can choose between a 5k and 10k route in the stately home's grounds. Runners who sign up before January 31 get a 30% discount.

Later in the year is the popular Age UK Abbey Dash.

Dates for the 10k, which also heads along Kirkstall Road and back, have not yet been announced after race organisers were forced to re-assess the course after last year's event in October.

The route was found to be 23 metres too short and organisers had to apologise to participants, whose times were unable to be recognised by UK Athletics as a result.

You can read more on the Abbey Dash here.