Thousands Flock to Leeds Running Festival at Roundhay Park

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of runners took part in the Leeds Running Festival, a 5K, 10K, and half marathon event held at Roundhay Park, with over 700 acres of beautiful parkland, lakes, woodland, and gardens owned by Leeds City Council. The event was organized in support of St. Gemma's Hospice, with a sea of runners setting off downhill towards the park's Lakeside Cafe and later racing through the main path. The strong pace held by the front runners was evident, with a strong competition for position among the participants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Leeds Running Festival featured a 5K, 10K, and half marathon course, with thousands of runners participating in the event.
  • The event was organized in support of St. Gemma's Hospice, with the proceeds going towards the charity.
  • The 5K and 10K races were won by Rory Follin of Sheffield and Brandon Wilkinson, respectively, while Matthew Cooper of Manchester took the top spot in the half marathon.
  • The half marathon runners battled through the 13.1-mile course, with high spirits evident among the competitors.
  • Leeds Running Festival was held at Roundhay Park, which covers an area of over 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland, and gardens owned by Leeds City Council.
  • Former Leeds United player Jermaine Beckford, founder of Supernova Living, Organic Adaptogenic Wellness Company, was among the participants, chatting with Paul Wilkinson of Kippax before the start of his race.

Statistics:

  • Over 3,000 runners participated in the Leeds Running Festival.
  • The 5K, 10K, and half marathon courses were held at Roundhay Park, covering a total distance of over 26 miles.
  • The event was held in support of St. Gemma's Hospice, with expectations of raising significant funds for the charity.
  • 700+ acres, Roundhay Park is one of the largest city parks in Europe.

Sources:

  • "Pictures: St Gemma's Hospice's Leeds Running Festival as thousands turn out" - Yorkshire Evening Post, accessed from https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/pictures-st-gemmas-hospice-sunset-walk-roundhay-park-5210655
  • "St Gemma's Hospice Leeds: the woman who has spent the last 15 years making hampers for charity" - Yorkshire Evening Post, accessed from https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/st-gemmas-hospice-leeds-meet-the-woman-who-has-spent-the-last-15-years-making-hampers-for-charity-4343167
  • "Leeds Running Festival 2025" - Yorkshire Evening Post, accessed from https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/whats-on/leeds-running-festival-2025-4867908
  • "28 photos from Leeds Running Festival as thousands turn out" - Yorkshire Evening Post, accessed from https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/whats-on/28-photos-from-leeds-running-festival-as-thousands-turn-out-4746811