Comments on: Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10k Race Report

By: Quinoa with Spiced Roasted Vegetables | Veggie Runners

Quinoa with Spiced Roasted Vegetables | Veggie Runners — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 19:28:21 +0000

[…] was one of the dishes we made for our vegan brunch after the Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10k. The only activities we ever contemplate on race days are running and eating so we needed tasty […]

By: Jayne Rodgers

Jayne Rodgers — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 13:21:36 +0000

In reply to Scott Leach.

Hi Scott
Thanks for your input (all of it! 😉 All this does make me wonder if the JTA has any experienced runners at their planning meetings. As you say, all of the ‘event’ aspects of the races work brilliantly (registration, atmosphere, warm up etc). It’s some of the bits that relate to running that cause problems. They are great events and I think your idea of making them accessible and worthwhile for all runners – from fun runners to those seeking PBs – is a valid one.
Maybe we should drop them a line – I’d happily give up some free time to help make these races as runner-friendly as possible…

By: Scott Leach

Scott Leach — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 12:02:41 +0000

I’ve often waxed lyrical about the JTs shortcomings, that said, I signed up for every one of their races this year, so it can’t be that bad!
I am all for their “run for all” philosophy and think it’s brilliant that they are encouraging everyone and anyone to run, however, I think there is room for the faster runners too; by making it a poor race from a faster runner’s point of view, they are alienating a large amount of people-no longer a “run for all”. It becomes a run for fun runners only and I think that’s a shame because there is room for everyone, if done right.
This year they have clearly had a think about these issues hence the side street to set off the corporate runners. Sadly, it didn’t really work. For a start, the pens were not properly organised, slow corporate runners got everywhere. Secondly there wasn’t enough of a separation, so the corps hit the race route too early, before all the faster runners had got through.
I came 155th overall so I missed them, but only just. Imagine your exasperation if you want to shave 30 seconds off your PB but you’re dodging 1000 slow corporate runners.
The situation has improved since the York JT last year when the faster runners lined up at the front, then 1 minute before the start they herded 50 asda runners in front of us. This is the reason that decent club runners ignore the JTs as fun runs.
Changing the route was an odd decision. If they wanted to give the race “PB potential” , I understand, however, what they did was a half-measure so it entirely failed. You either do it properly, or not at all! The old route was ugly as hell with no sights, so I’ll politely disagree that it made any difference on that front, one ugly route exchange for another!
They have got so much right with these races, the race village and atmosphere are brilliant, but it really wouldn’t take much to make it great for everyone!
I hear you on the t-shirt issue too- My 5ft 9 girlfriend is drowned by the “small” t shirt! Also, I thought the design on them fantastic this year, but what a shame they have chosen such ugly colours! On another point, it’s a shame that if you do all 4 of their 10ks (which I am) you end up with 4 identical medals, the only thing that is different is the ribbon. I realise that it’s to save money, but it’s a bit disappointing when they encourage you to do as many as possible!
Well, I’ve probably banged on far too long now!

By: Jayne Rodgers

Jayne Rodgers — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 15:41:59 +0000

In reply to Jo Stuart (Banners and Mash!).

We love the Leeds 10k too. We had a fab time, think they have just some niggly little glitches to sort out. Overall, great, sweaty fun though – and fantastic to meet the two of you at the end! Twitter friends rule 😉

By: Jayne Rodgers

Jayne Rodgers — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 15:38:15 +0000

In reply to Mary. The whole unhealthy food thing is very odd, isn't it? There seems to be a real disconnect between the runners, who are trying to be healthy, and the sponsors of the goody bags, who are trying to sabotage them! Like we said in the post, Asda know where we are if they need any advice... ;)

By: Jayne Rodgers

Jayne Rodgers — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 15:30:46 +0000

In reply to Fran.

We do love the Leeds 10k – it’s fantastic to have an event this size in the city that’s open to all runners (and walkers!) I hope I didn’t sound too negative, it’s one of my favourite races! I think the route change led to other changes that caused some minor glitches but, yes, overall it was lovely. And you can’t beat a steel band! 🙂

By: Fran

Fran — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 08:00:33 +0000

The Leeds 10k was my first 10k run and first run in England in a year – I’ve been running in Australia for the last year. I really enjoyed your article – I thought the atmosphere was really fantastic & inspiring to see so many raising money for charity. I did find the slow start frustrating, I’ve previously regustered & started in zones, which I think would have been beneficial on Sunday, I tended to find those doing the corporate challenge struggled the most and walked a lot (so I had to dodge the walkers!). Saying that I thought it was really well organised on the whole, I ran a 15k in similar temps in Aus and one water station ran out of cups early on! A highlight for me was the steel band playing en route 🙂

By: Mary

Mary — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:28:01 +0000

What a lovely, genuine photo at the start! 🙂
I’m always frustrated by unhealthy goodies in the bag afterwards. So many runners take up running because they’re interested in their health. They don’t want chocolate cake at the finish line (especially in mid-20 degree heat!) Or, like at one race I saw on a blog recently which was aimed at children and had unlimited burgers at the finish!

By: Jo Stuart (Banners and Mash!)

Jo Stuart (Banners and Mash!) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 17:31:23 +0000

I love to read your various posts and wholeheartedly support your comments regarding the change of route. In my opinion it’s a fun event, not a ‘race’. The Abbey Dash is the place for a PB.

I love the fabric but the t-shirts are MASSIVE! Unisex small is NOT small.

Perhaps I’m alone but I’d happily go without the medal, preferring the money be redirected into the JT kitty.

Having said all that, it’s a great event and we love it. We particularly loved meeting you both at last!

All the best, GoJo & Masher, Banners and Mash.