South Leeds Lakers Affiliation Form You can run with the club as a social member, but to take advantage of the many benefits associated with affiliation, please register via the above form . The England Athletics membership year runs for 1st April to 30th March. There is an offer for new members to join between January and March, receiving additional months membership for the price of the current membership year. For 2025/26 this will be £20. On 1st April 2026 membership will increase to £23, which is dictated by England Athletics. Any queries can be directed to our Membership Secretary, Shelly Parker, at missshellyparker@gmail.com

Yorkshire Veterans' Athletics Association South Leeds Lakers take part in the annual YVAA Grand Prix series of trail races. If you are interested in competing & would like to know more about the league please take a look at the YVAA website . They also have a Facebook page. Eligibility All runners must be over the age of 33 on race day, registered with England Athletics & either a member of a club that is affiliated to YVAA or affiliated as an individual yourself. If you have any questions about affiliation contact Shelly (club secretary). Runners aged 33 or 34 will run as guests & so will not be eligible to score points until they are a fully fledged vet of 35. All Results

Bah Humbug 10K 10th December 2023 "Not really sure where to start, but I’ll try! From the course set up team out at 6am, to the registration team that ensured all aspects of the event went so smoothly, to the core team that have spent 8 months planning, to our amazing course Marshalls for which the feedback from the runners was you are simply the most enthusiastic they have ever seen , to the catering team, water station and finishers team, to the juniors that stood in the rain & handed out medals, our amazing PA & of course Harry The Hawk ! To our fantastic partners and suppliers, to each and everyone of you who brought raffle prizes and bought tickets & of course our amazing runners who trudged though the mud in the most festive of outfits, I thank you all You’ve certainly done yourselves proud today." 10.12.23 Mark Bowman Race Director for 2023 Here are some of our winners More photos 2023 Results 2023 video

Club History Building on the success of Cross Flatts parkrun, which started in 2013, two years later a few of the regulars got together, and with the support of Run Leeds and the Hunslet Rugby Foundation, formed the South Leeds Lakers Running Club. The first social run took place on Tuesday 10th February 2015 with 19 in attendance. 12 months later the Club took the decision to affiliate to England athletics and in 2017 won the Yorkshire & Humberside Club of the Year award. The decision to affiliate was not an easy one with concerns it would affect the decision to provide a free running club to the community. The compromise was reached that Lakers would remain free to members and it would not be compulsory for individual members to affiliate to England Athletics, a model that continues to this day. The Lakers are always looking to evolve and in 2019 formed the junior section. Once again providing free activity to the local community. Over the years the Club has gained a reputation for hosting great races such as the Bah Humbug 10k, Vets League and West Yorkshire Winter League events, and are the self proclaimed Raffle Kings. As well as being recognised by England Athletics the Club and Junior section have won a number of community awards, something we are all very proud of. We even won the Hunslet Nelson cricket competition!!! What’s in a name; A number of names were considered for the new group back in 2015. "South Leeds Misters" was in the frame when there was talk of a men only group to complement the highly successful South Leeds Sisters running club. South Leeds Sprinters was another option but was felt would give the wrong impression for a social running group. Eventually South Leeds Lakers was decided on, giving a nod to Middleton and Hunslet lakes. There was a suggestion to incorporate an “I” in the name. “Laikers” being an old north of England word that we wrongly believed referred to “playing” E.g. Are you laiking out. However, further investigation revealed that the word “Laikers” actually meant Unemployable - South Leeds Unemployables was not the image we were looking for!!! more photos

Volunteer Be a Marshal South Leeds Lakers host three large races each year, which require lots of marshals & other volunteers. If you can help please get in touch. All races are held in Middleton Woods, with race HQ at South Leeds Stadium. Wednesday 9th July 2025 - Yorkshire Veterans' Grand Prix Race Sunday 7th December 2025 - South Leeds Bah Humbug 10k West Yorkshire Winter League Race - we are not hosting in the 2025/26 season Middleton Yorkshire Veterans League Grand Prix Race 2023 Be part of an event team A team of volunteers from South Leeds Lakers had a great time working at the 2023 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon/Half Marathon. They were based at Headingley Stadium & were responsible for the Half Marathon bag drop. In 2025 we were back offering support to runners in the first mile with a South Leeds Lakers Club Take Over. On Sunday 22nd of October 2023 twelve South Leeds Lakers gave up their Sunday morning to give out medals & water at the finish of the Leeds Abbey Dash. See photos her e . We were back in 2024 to take on bag drop duties. Next opportunity WE NEED YOU! Sunday 7th December 2025 South Leeds Bah Humbug 10K Volunteer form Be a Run Leader We are always looking for qualified run leaders. If you are interested in becoming a run leader, for the club, please get in touch. We have a code of conduct for Run Leaders here Be a Coach If you are a qualified coach & are interested in coaching for South Leeds Lakers please contact us. Read our coaches code of conduct here.

Leeds Abbey Dash 10k 2023

2023 News June Saturday 24th June 2023 South Leeds Lakers ran a stall at Beeston Festival . It was a great opportunity to talk to the local community about the club & all it has to offer. There were kids activities & leaflets given out advertising the club & the next C25K, which is planned for the Autumn. Thursday 22nd June 2023 Representatives from South Leeds Lakers joined The Lady Mayoress of Leeds for a Civic Reception, which was organised by Leeds City Council & Voluntary Action Leeds . The event was an opportunity to say thank you to small groups and charities for their contribution towards making a positive impact on the lives of Leeds residents. Wednesday 21st June 2023 South Leeds Lakers hosted the 3rd race in the 2023 YVAA Grand Prix series. The successful event took place in beautiful Middleton Woods, was enjoyed by over 230 runners & was supported by a great team of volunteers . PHOTOS VIDEO Thursday 1st June 2023 What a great turn out for the Apperley Bridge Canter. An evening racing around the scenic trails and backroads of Apperley Bridge & Horsforth RESULTS PHOTOS July News Tuesday 25th July 2023 - Lakers on a bear hunt August News Friday 18th August 2023 Lakers had a blast at The Leeds Dock Relay. Tuesday 8th August 2023 Lots of Lakers at the 5th YVAA Grand Prix Race in Pudsey. Here we are, happy, that we didn't have to run up Post Hill. Tuesday 2nd August 2023 The winners of the Leeds Abbey Dash 10K FREE places were announced! Congratulations to Ray , Richard , Gary, Mark & Heather. Good luck for Sunday 22nd October. If anyone is available to help out at the race finish we still need more volunteers . September News Sunday 17th September 2023 Read the full report here Sunday 10th September 2023 Vale of York Half Marathon & The Great North Run. Lots of Lakers completing half marathons, some for the first time. Friday 8th September 2023 We were back at the track following the summer break. Wendy held her coaching session, which focussed on speed work. Remember, all members are welcome at our track sessions and it's FREE! October News Friday 27th October 2023 We held the first of our, new, monthly Walk & Talk sessions. Marathon Month Here are, just, some of our marvellous, October, marathon runners. Keelan & Lois went all the way to Chicago to show off the South Leeds Lakers kit & decided to complete the marathon whilst they were there! The hills of Beeston prepared Kevin well for Marathon Eryri. The demanding & spectacular route, encircling Snowdon, has given the event a unique place in the annual marathon calendar ever since 1982. Well done to all our amazing marathon runners. We just love to volunteer Twelve lovely Lakers were up, early, on the morning of the Leeds Abbey Dash, getting prepared to set off the runners and present the medals at the finish. Thank you all! Welcome to the 10k Club October was the month for some 10k first timers. Lucy, Heather and Chris smashed their first 10k races at The Yorkshire Coast 10k, in Scarborough and at The Leeds Abbey Dash. They had lots of support from coach Wendy, who put together a 5-10k improver plan, organised all the training runs and was even, there, giving the medals out at the Abbey Dash. Well done to all and keep up that 10k fitness. More from the Leeds Abbey Dash Did you know Jane came third in her age group? Awesome running Jane! For more photos click here . November News Tuesday 28th November 2023 Well done to the 'Run to the Homeless' group. They made the club proud by running into Leeds to help support homeless people. Lots of coats, hats, scarves, gloves & food parcels were handed out to some very cold people. Same again next year! Sunday 26th November 2023 We had an amazing turnout for the Bah Humbug 10k recce. This was all in preparation for the main event on Sunday 10th December 2023. Friday 24th November 2023 We hosted another successful Walk & Talk session at the track. See our 'Diary Dates' section for details of future Walk & Talk sessions. Sunday 19th November 2023 Lots of Lakers ran in the first West Yorkshire Winter League race of 2023/24. There was just a little mud! Watch race 1 @ Baildon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KUk6cxoWXg Tuesday 7th November 2023 Hunslet Handicap We held our annual fundraising event for Wheatfields hospice & raised £330! Thank you to Claire & Richard Burgess, Julie Harrison, Jeni Sword-Williams, Wendy Murgatroyd & Heather Graham who made a great night run smoothly. Read more here December News Sunday 31st December 2023 A few Lakers braved the mud to complete the Winter League recce in Middleton Woods. Please let Ian know if you can volunteer, at our home race, on Sunday 21st January 2024. Tuesday 19th December 2023 On our last club night of the year we enjoyed a festive Santa hat run to Christmas Island & back. Happy Christmas! Tuesday 19th December 2023 On our last daytime session of the year we enjoyed a festive Santa hat run & some hills! Friday 15th December 2023 We hosted another Walk & Talk session at the track. It had to be a bit earlier in the month due to Christmas holidays. Next session will be on Friday 26th of January 2024. See you there. Wednesday 13th December 2023 We announced our next Couch to 5K programme! Sunday 10th December 2023 Lakers hosted the fabulous Bah Humbug 10K. It boasts a start and finish at South Leeds Stadium and a tough run round Middleton Woods. See more here .

Annual Awards 2024 What a great turn out we had for the South Leeds Lakers 2024 Annual Awards. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted & a special shout-out to our committee for organising the event & providing delicious food. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make these special events possible. The time & effort from all the volunteers is very much appreciated. Congratulations to the winners Laker Club Person 2024: Michelle Ahern-Gibson Laker Young Fliers Archie Harrison & Haydn Harrison Laker female of the year: 1st Wendy Murgatroyd 2nd Michelle Ahern-Gibson 3rd Hannah Lewis Laker male of the year: 1st Ant Gibson 2nd Richard Harrison 3rd Ian Pickles Coaches choice award: Simon Purll Park Run League Winners 1st Silas Laird 2nd Wendy Murgatroyd 3rd Neil Laird 10th anniversary t-shirt competition 1st Keenan James 2nd Phil Hodgson 3rd Cheryl Harrison Thanks for the fab photos Max! 2023 Laker Club Person 2023: Mark Bowman Laker female of the year: 1st Wendy Murgatroyd 2nd Michelle Ahern-Gibson & Claire Louise Burgess 3rd Shelly Parker Laker male of the year: 1st Thomas Metcalf & Richard Harrison 2nd Antony Gibson 3rd Mark Bowman Coaches choice award: Richard Burgess Park Run League Winners 1st Mark Reid 2nd Mark Harding 3rd Wendy Murgatroyd Last Man standing at the bar: Jason Duggan Best Selfie Taker: Stewart Forsyth

Welcome to South Leeds Lakers Running Club So you want o be a Laker? Well we don't blame you! All you need to do is sign up on RunTogether (England Athletics), then book & attend a session. Signing up is FREE & all sessions are FREE. Each week we have a daytime run, club night, a hill session & a track session (40 weeks of the year). There is nothing to pay & no commitment to attend every week. Just join us when you feel like it - you will always receive a warm welcome. Tuesday - Daytime Run Cross Flatts Park 10am Click here for full details Tuesday - Club Night Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club 6.50pm for a 7pm start Click here for full details Thursday - Coached Hill Session Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club (dark nights) Middleton Woods Visitor Centre Car Park (light nights) 6:30pm Click here to learn more about our coaching Friday - Track Session South Leeds Stadium 6pm Click here for full details Check our 'diary dates' page to find out what else is going on this week. Signing up for a run: The runs for each week are posted on Facebook & you can book via the Runner App, or via the Runtogether (England Athletics) website . Groups are mainly advertised by distance & time & are, usually, available to book by Monday. Please make sure your details are up to date. The run leaders are provided with your emergency contacts & any medical conditions that you have disclosed (these details are available to run leaders via an App on their phones, it's crucial they can access this information whilst out on a run with you). Affiliation (optional): Lakers is a free running club but there is the option to become an affiliated member of England Athletics. Their fee will be £23 for April 2026 to March 2027. Becoming an affiliated member is necessary for some races such as the West Yorkshire Winter League but it also allows you to enter other races at a discounted price. Click here for full details. Lakers kit: There is no requirement to wear Lakers kit except for certain races such as the West Yorkshire Winter League (wearing a club shirt is compulsory). If you wish to purchase kit, details can be found here. Contact us: You can contact the club via social media, or you can email us at Southleedslakers9@gmail.com . There are committee members present each Tuesday, so please do come to us with any questions, concerns or suggestions. Extras: Members receive a monthly email with a discount code for SPORTSSHOES.COM The code should not be shared with non-members.

YVAA Middelton 21 June 2023

Track Session Friday night is our track night! For 40 weeks of the year we have access to the track at South Leeds Stadium (John Charles Centre for Sport), LS11 5DJ. The track is available between 6-7pm, is FREE & is open to all. You have two options: 1. Free Track Session (weekly) this session is not led, so come with your own plan to walk or run 2. Wendy's track session (weekly, starting April 2026) Wendy is our coach Meet track side at 5:55pm & sign in with a leader/coach To register, for FREE, & book please visit our RunTogether (England Athletics) page by clicking here. Alternatively, you can download the app for iPhone or Android by clicking on the links below. iPhone App Android App If you need any help with this please do get in touch or let us know at your first session & we can assist.

South Leeds Lakers annual winter 10k race , Bah Humbug, entries now open South Leeds Bah Humbug 10K 2025 Enter the race 25 Sponsorship details Volunteer Come & join us, for a fun, friendly & very festive run, in & around the beauty of Middleton Park. The race starts on the track at the South Leeds Stadium, then meanders on a single lap of the park, before a stadium finish & of course one of our legendary Mince Pies! Here are some key points for race day: - Registration opens at 9am. Race Starts at 10.30am . Free Children's Fun Run starts 10.35am (2 laps of the track, register on the day) - Fully Marshalled & sign posted course. - Plenty of parking but look out for 3 hour limit signs on the ones nearest the stadium. - It could be muddy!!! Trail shoes are recommended. Showers are available at the stadium. No muddy shoes in the bars please. - Drinks station on course. - We aim to make this the most sustainable race to date, so please bring your own cups/bottles to help do our bit for the environment. - Bespoke Finishers Medal & Goody bag for all, with technical t shirt add on available until mid November - Presentations will be in the Bar at 12.15; there will be prizes for: ~ First 3 women & first 3 open ~ Veteran categories ~ Course records (£50 cash prize each open & female). ~ Best fancy dress Profits from the event will be invested back into providing health & sporting opportunities to young people in South Leeds, specifically removing barriers to participation by offering free access. Bring your A game, be that running or fancy dress, let’s make it a great day!!