Thousands of runners set for Leeds Half Marathon
Thousands of runners will be taking to the streets of Leeds this weekend in the city's longest road race.
The Gaz de France Leeds Half Marathon will take in a large part of north Leeds following its 9.30am start on Sunday in Cookridge Street.
Dozens of roads will be either partly or fully closed for the duration of the race, which was reinstated following a public outcry after Leeds City Council planned to cancel this year's event.
Coun John Procter, the authority's executive member for leisure, said: "The half-marathon is a great event for the city, but it is a big challenge to organise.
"We ask people to take notice of the temporary road closures and plan alternative routes if their journeys are going to be affected. We hope this does not inconvenience people too much and hope they understand that these measures are needed to run such a worthwhile event around the city centre."
Motorist have been warned that roads along the route will be restricted or closed between 6.30am and 4pm. In the city centre, The Headrow will be closed between Oxford Place and Briggate.
The whole of New Briggate, North Street and Meanwood Road will be closed. There will also be closures along part of Stonegate Road and King Lane, with the A6120 Ring Road down to one lane heading west.
The whole of Hawksworth Road will also be closed, with reduced lanes on Abbey Road, Commercial Road and Kirkstall Road. A full list of roads affected is available on Leeds City Council's site, ww.leeds.gov.uk.
Last year, 3,000 runners completed the 13.1-mile event, with hundreds more joining in a family fun run. Sunday's event sold out weeks ago, with 3,800 people signing up. A further 1,200 are expected to take part in the 1.5-mile family fun run.
Last year's half marathon winner was Mark Steinle, of Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC. One of the country's top distance runners, he crossed the finishing line in 65.51 minutes. First woman home was Sue Harrison, of Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club, in 77.23 minutes.
The male and female winners of this year's event, sponsored by energy firm Gaz de France, will each receive £500 in prize money. The first male and female from the Leeds local authority area, or from a Leeds club, will each receive £200 in prize money. There will also be additional age-based prizes.
l See Monday's Yorkshire Evening Post for results and full coverage of the race.
Posted: Wednesday, September 03, 2008
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