Timothy Kibet Kosgei and Heather Townsend set blazing records at the Leeds 10K

Kenya's Timothy Kibet Kosgei set a new Run For All 10K course record at this morning's Leeds 10K, beating the previous course record by twenty eight seconds.
Heather Townsend also triumphed, by setting a brand new female course record for the Leeds 10K. 

Many thousands of participants, spectators, and volunteers united together today to take part in one the region’s most popular running events, the Leeds 10K. 

With the theme of fun and fundraising, the five thousand participants each ran for their own reason, but with one common goal, to make a significant difference to others. It was another unforgettable day for the city centred around running, fundraising and community. 
Opening the doors to mass participation running since it’s inaugural event in 2007, the Leeds 10K continues to welcome participants of all abilities.

The 10K race started outside the Parkinson Steps at the University of Leeds in front of thousands of enthusiastic supporters.

There was a highly emotional moment at the start of the day as the applause rang out to celebrate the life of Rob Burrow CBE, who lost his battle with MND earlier this month. 

The day featured competitive elite races involving many international and regional leading athletes in the 10K distance.

In the men’s race, Timothy Kibet Kosgei set the all the time Run For All 10K course record, crossing the finish line in an incredible time of 00:29:01. The previous Run For All 10K course record was set by Lucian Allison in 2019 at the City of Lincoln 10K, who crossed the finish line in a time of 00:29:29. 
Kosgei also smashes the Leeds 10K course record, taking one minute 41 seconds off the record set by Tesfaye Debele in 2013. 

Runner up Josephat Joshua Gisemo crossed the finish just two seconds later, in a time of 00:29:03. While Jack Cummings crossed the finish line in third place in a time of 00:30:24. 

In the female race, Heather Townsend took to the finish line in a soaring time of 00:33:41, taking 21 seconds off the Leeds 10K Female course record set in 2023 also set by Townsend herself. 

Heather was pushed all the way by runner up Georgia Malir who crossed the finish line in a time of 00:34:37. Sarah Hunter took third place in a time of 00:35:55. 

The first elite Wheelchair participant across the line was Callum Hall in a time of 00:26:14, followed by Jason Richards who crossed the finish line in a time of 00:36:07. 

But the real winners were the many local and national charities, who will benefit from the efforts of the many people who took part for good causes, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds in the process and making a vital difference. 

Participants had been encouraged to fundraise for a chosen charity or for one of the event’s partner charities; the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Leeds Hospital’s Charity, Mind Leeds, MacMillan Cancer Support, St George’s Crypt, Candlelighter’s, Leeds Rhino’s Foundation and Athletic Minds Foundation.

In a spectacle of colour and excitement, local communities across the city came out in full force to show their support. From spectators lining the streets to volunteers and entertainment groups Rock Choir and Lucy’s Pop Choir, the city of Leeds enjoyed a carnival atmosphere throughout the morning. 

The 10K also included the Leeds 10K Clarion Corporate Challenge, with a number of business organisations vying to be crowned Leeds’ fastest business. The results of this event are expected in the coming days. 

Roger Hutton, Joint Managing Partner at Clarion said "Another fabulous day for runners in Leeds! Congratulations to everyone who took part and made this event such a success. The 10K and Clarion Corporate Challenge truly showcase the incredible spirit and determination of our community, and help raise substantial funds for many deserving charities. The atmosphere was electric, with enthusiastic support from the crowds from start to finish. Thank you to everyone at Run For All, the volunteers, and the passionate spectators who contributed to making it such a great day."

The Leeds Mini and Junior runs, sponsored by Xerox Business Solutions followed after the start of the 10K, with children from the ages of 3 to 15 taking part in an uplifting display of energy, determination and enjoyment.

Participants had been encouraged to fundraise for the event’s main partner charity, the Leeds Children's Hospital Capital Appeal. 

Leeds Children's Hospital is one of the UK’s largest specialist children’s hospitals offering a wide range of treatments and care for children from birth to young adulthood and beyond. It's mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Leeds and further afield by providing outstanding care and that's what they do, every day.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All, reflecting on the day, said: “A huge well done and thank you to all participants who joined us for one of our flagship running events, the Leeds 10K. With the addition of the Leeds Mini and Juniors, it has been a fantastic day of running and fundraising for all abilities and ages. 
 
“The enthusiasm and support from everyone involved, from the participants to the many spectators, sponsors, partners and volunteers, all ensured the day was a great success.”

This year’s Leeds 10K was supported by Leeds City Council, the University of Leeds, Clarion, BBC Radio Leeds, Active Leeds, Coopah, Shokz, Up and Running, High 5, Arla Protein, Marathon Photos Live, Wagamama and JogOn. 

Entries are now open for the 2025 Leeds 10K, which will be staged on Sunday 15th June. 

To enter click here