← Leeds Abbey Dash – 10k for Age UK
10k's are not really my forte so it took several persuasive emails before I finally signed up. Abbey Dash is possibly the largest 10k race in Leeds. It is a charity race for Age UK, which is nice.
Registration was easy and there was lots of pre-race emails.
Race numbers were posted out, along with a race booklet.
Abbey Dash feels like a big event. It has a junior race along side the main 10k, so is great for families. The event village was decent with various stalls, massage, charity tents and a good atmosphere. Baggage deposit collection was quick & easy and starting pens were easy to find.
I last did this race in 2015. The course has changed with a super-fast downhill start from The Headrow before heading down Kirkstall Road, turning at 5k and heading back to finish in front of Town Hall.
The new route has a couple of little bumps but nothing to be concerned about. The fast start more than compensates for this.
Overall it's a super-fast course with plenty of PB opportunities.
Marshals and crowd support were awesome.
Finishers received a nice bespoke medal, finishers shirt, energy drink & water.
It was a really good day.
The introduction of a finishers medal in 2018 is a massive boost for the race - full marks there.
In summary- This is an excellent big city event. Great atmosphere, well supported and great value. It's come on in leaps & bounds since my last Abbey Dash in 2015. The fast course will appeal to speedy PB chasing runners but it is also a perfect event for new runners to tackle a 10k for the first time.
Thank you Age UK for a brilliant day.
