Record numbers of runners take to Leeds streets

Charity on track to raise over £250,000 from Leeds Abbey Dash to help people in later life

A record number of runners from across the UK braved the winter weather on Sunday 17th November to complete the 28th annual Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash and raise vital funds for people in later life.

This year the Dash, which was sponsored by Jet2.com, was chosen as the final event in the prestigious runbritain Grand Prix series and is the first charity event to ever be included due to its fast, flat and professional course. First to finish the 10k course was Matty Hynes in just 29 minutes and 23 seconds winning the men's title, whilst Louise Damen won the women's race in a fantastic 33 minutes and four seconds.

Runners were started by British long-distance runner Susan Partridge on Wellington Street where participants included actor Tom Scurr, best known for his role as student Barney Harper-McBride in Hollyoaks, completing the event in 47 minutes. He joined thousands of participants made up of club, fancy dress and fun runners of all abilities who took part in an aerobic warm-up led by local fitness trainers from Virgin Active.

The 2013 Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash also saw the event's third Junior Dash, which was sponsored Lanzarote Tourist Board, with over 230 runners aged between eight and 15 taking on a two kilometre course. The Junior Dash was won by Oliver Firth in six minutes and 10 seconds.

Lydia Curran, Head of Events at Age UK, said: 'This year's Leeds Abbey Dash has seen a record breaking 12,000 runners signing up to the race! We were thrilled to see so many runners of all abilities taking part in the 10k course and Junior Dash. They have raised vital funds which will allow us to continue to deliver valuable services to vulnerable older people in the local area and across the country this winter.'

Participants who signed up to the Leeds Abbey Dash this year have raised funds for Age UK's annual Spread the Warmth campaign, which helps older people keep warm and well during the colder months. Some funds raised this year will also go towards delivering the befriending service offered by Age UK Leeds which supports some of the most isolated and vulnerable older people in the city.

It's not too late to fundraise and courtesy of Jet2holidays there is a fantastic prize* up for grabs for the individual who raises the most and has the highest fundraising total at the end of the Leeds Abbey Dash.  The holiday prize is for two Adults for seven nights half board at the 4* Seaside Los Jameos Playa in Playa de los Pocillos, Lanzarote. Follow the link for more information: www.jet2holidays.com/abbey-dash-promotion.

Supporters can still donate directly to Age UK by texting Warm13 £4 to 70070 to give direct to Age UK.

For more information about Age UK fundraising events, visit the Age UK events site.

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*Subject to availability. Date restrictions apply.  See full terms and conditions. The winner will be the person with the most fundraising to Age UK banked by Monday 2nd December 2013.

Media contacts

For more information on Age UK please contact Karen Richards on 0203 0331428 or email Karen.Richards@ageuk.org.uk.

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI and our local Age UK partners in England (together the Age UK Family). We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).