Top 5 Running Events In Leeds
In this blog post you will find my top 5 running events in Leeds. From the 5k all the way up to the marathon distance. I will even provide a bonus running event, just purely because I feel it’s one some people will be interested in.
1. Age UK’s Leeds Abbey Dash 10k
If you are looking for a flat and fast course for your next 10k personal best time, look no further than the Abbey Dash. This was once voted in the top 10 fastest courses in Europe, a flat 10k road race that is usually held in October/November.
You still have time to enter this outrageously fast race which will be held on Sunday 13th October 2024. Here is the link TO ENTER!
2. Even Splits Leeds 5k
This flat and fast running event in Leeds will present the perfect opportunity for you to achieve your next 5k PB. The Even Splits 5k is held monthly from February to November at the University of Leeds Brownlee Centre. This is a chip-timed event and entry fees are between £9 and £11 depending on whether you are UKA Licensed. Click here to ENTER!
3. Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
One of the toughest but highly rewarding running events in Leeds. Looking back, I feel privileged to have been a part of the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023 which saw over 10,000 participants take to the streets of Leeds.
This was always going to make my top 5 running events in Leeds.
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is set to be another big one in 2025. Sunday 11th May 2025, you can enter here!
4. Leeds 10k
The Leeds 10k is not quite as flat and fast as the Abbey Dash unfortunately. The Old course was very similar to the Abbey Dash 10k so it made sense to spice things up and have it re-routed around Leeds in another direction. Everyone curses the hill nearer the end, especially if you have never run the course before. If I’m honest, I really enjoy the course as it offers up variety and you’re not just running a straight out and back like you do on the Abbey Dash.
Starting outside the Parkinson Steps (University of Leeds) you’ll head out towards Hyde Park and Headingley. Some up’s, some down’s, and plenty flat sections to keep that pace nice and consistent. This running event in Leeds is always held in June and the next instalment will be on the 15th June 2025. Click here to ENTER!
5. Leeds Half-Marathon
The first time I entered Leeds Half-Marathon was back in 2014 (As seen in the pic, didn’t purchase the photo hence low quality). The course has changed since then and now runs alongside the Rob Burrow Marathon so you will have a choice to make. The start line will be in the same location as the marathon so you’ll want to head straight to the Headingley stadium. One thing I will say about this event, the sun always seems to come out in full force and serves up a warm temperature. Yes it’s in May, but this is England!
The date for this event is currently TBC on the website, it’s previously been on the same day as the marathon but let’s see what happens for 2025. Click here to ENTER!
Leeds Half-Marathon 2014 Finish Time
Bonus Running Event – The Golden Mile
Bonus Running Event – The Golden MileEven Splits host a mile race up at the athletics track Carnegie sports centre. If you want to experience track racing then look no further than this running event in Leeds. As I write this, I’m currently 10 day’s away from participating in this event for the very first time. I have previously run a mile in 4 minutes and 58 seconds breaking the sub 5 minute target.
There will be various heats so don’t worry, it’s not just one mass start. Expect to run 4 laps (400m) and if you win your heat, expect to receive a bottle of wine for spilling your guts out all over the track.
I know this is a bonus event, but this really should be part of my top 5 running events in Leeds.
This will be held from 2pm on Saturday 24th August 2024. Click here to ENTER!
For more running endurance events CLICK HERE!
