A new challenge for Leeds’ business as the Clarion Corporate Challenge returns

Companies across the city and beyond are getting ready to broker a place in the fastest firm league tables at this year Leeds 10K

With a new route for 2020, hundreds of businessmen and women will pull on their trainers when the Leeds 10K Clarion Corporate Challenge returns on Sunday 5^th July.

The recharged route will see entrants start at the University of Leeds Parkinson steps before taking to the leafy streets around Woodhouse Moor en route to Headingley. The course will then bring runners back via Meanwood road and Leeds Arena before a rapturous finish on the Headrow.

A race within a race, the challenge has grown into a popular feature of the Asda Foundation Leeds 10K, organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All. It is open to teams of at least five members – there is no upper limit – with the times of the first three runners home used to calculate the winners.

Awards for fastest male and fastest female are also up for grabs making it an all-round fantastic opportunity to inject some competitive rivalry between colleagues, friends and other firms within the region.

Clarion, who have sponsored the challenge since its inception in 2007, remain an integral support for Jane Tomlinson’s lasting legacy as they endorse the Corporate Challenge once again for 2020.

Roger Hutton, Joint Managing Partner for Clarion said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Leeds 10K Corporate Challenge and Run For All. Not only does the event foster an element of friendly inter-business and sector rivalry, it provides an excellent opportunity for organisations across Yorkshire to support a good cause of their choice.”

Mike Tomlinson, Chief exec at Run For All, said: “We are immensely proud to have had Clarion run alongside us for so many years and we can’t wait to see what this year’s event has in store. The Corporate challenge continues to grow year on year and it’s great to see familiar faces taking on the challenge each year whilst also attracting a wide range of new businesses. With a new route we hope get more companies involved this year.”

Already on the team sheet and set to line-up alongside Clarion are UBS Wealth Management, Enterprise and Reward Finance Group.

Nick Smith, Managing Director at Reward Finance Group said “We are returning to the Corporate Challenge for the 4th year running and, whilst we are yet to make the podium, we always enjoy the pasta night and race day. Lots of fantastic causes benefit from the event be it national or regional charities, large or small, everyone gets stuck in and there is a great sense of achievement on the day regardless of ability.  The corporate team angle gives us chance to pull together colleagues across our business (and the odd ringer we have drafted in for the day!!!) and have a bit of competitive fun at the same time. Plus, the runners of Reward Finance Group are building a nice selection of purple Clarion t-shirts.  It’s a great event for the city and the businesses of Leeds and beyond – and, we always look forward to the 11am pint to celebrate our success...which is getting over the finish line.”

Sak Gill, General Manager at Enterprise said “The Leeds 10K has become a firm favourite on our annual events calendar. Whatever your ability, the Leeds 10K provides a fantastic inclusive opportunity for all employees to set a personal goal outside of the workplace. Running is great for your physical shape and health, as well as an excellent solution for dealing with stress, anxiety and depression and self-esteem issues. The event has encouraged friendly competition between employee’s, and we have seen a high number people keen to take part year after year in an attempt to beat their previous bests!.”