Once again we had a weekend where Autumnal sunshine was the order of the day! After storm Babet calmed, Saturday saw some patchy sunshine but we were blessed with a beautiful, if slightly chilly Sunday morning to greet runners at this year’s Abbey Dash! An annual event on the racing Calendar, this exciting event starts and finishes in Leeds City Centre. The fast, flat course is an all inclusive event from start to finish, perfect for the PB seekers and those out for an enjoyable run/walk/jog. A fun atmosphere makes for a truly memorable day, once over the start line which took 20 minutes for some waves, the race was well organised with friendly marshals all along the route and a water station at the 3 mile turn around point. Starting and finishing on the Headrow in Leeds centre the 37th edition saw in the region of six thousand runners enjoying the atmosphere as they wound their way through a closed off section after the start before heading out along Kirkstall Road to Kirkstall Abbey for an about turn back to the finish line.
Sadly 1.2 million older people across the UK say they often feel lonely. Age UK believe no older person should struggle alone. That’s why they’re determined to be there, providing information, support, friendship and advice. By taking part runners are helping to provide that service for older people in Yorkshire and across the UK.
Eccleshill had seven runners on the start line today each earning themselves an Age UK Abbey Dash medal: Marc Steele lead the team home in 45:20, closely followed by Gemma Illingworth 48:36 (personal best), Sarah Rawlings 53:56, Julie Steele 55:07, Sue Gregson 77:45, Ann Buckley 78:37 & Noel Akers 90:06, Well done everyone! A big well done to the support crew around the course flying the flag for the club to support the race too!