Donning the blue and white for Eccleshill this week was Marc Steele. This year choosing the half marathon distance as opposed to the marathon. Billed as one of the biggest and loudest events in Yorkshire and happening alongside the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, the Run For All Leeds half marathon is an event not to be missed. Runners of all abilities are guaranteed awesome support from the crowds and treated to one of the most vibrant atmospheres runners can experience at a race. Started in 2003 by Jane Tomlinson, this event has grown to attract thousands of runners and raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity. Met with cool, misty conditions early morning, runners could have been lulled into a false sense that, for once, they were going to experience perfect conditions for this years event. Alas, with a 9am start for the marathon runners they had around an hour of comfortable conditions before the sun made it’s annual appearance just in time for the start for the half at 10 am! From then on conditions were hot, hot, hot! Starting and finishing at the world renowned Headingley Stadium, the Leeds Half Marathon route explores the very best of Leeds, from its stunning scenery to the diverse neighbourhoods, runners are cheered along by enthusiastic spectators lining the streets and the great Yorkshire spirit we all know and love apparent in good measure. Running alongside the Rob Burrow marathon and using part of the same route, there’s plenty to keep participants entertained from local music groups to cheer stations as they wind their way around the circular, at times, undulating 13.1 mile route. Marc managed the conditions well and finished in a brilliant time of 1:46:20. Well Done!
