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

Daytime Run We have a daytime run, at 10am, every Tuesday. This run is between 6.5-8K & is, usually, made available to view & book by Monday. To register, for free, & book onto this run 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. The meeting point for this run is Watsonian Pavilion (Bridge cafe) in Cross Flatts Park .

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

Vintage Lakers Photos

Leeds Abbey Dash 10k 2023

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!!

Annual Awards 2025 Our 2025 Annual Awards Evening was a fantastic, well‑attended celebration of everything that makes the South Leeds Lakers Running Club so special – our members. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to recognise achievements, dedication, and the passion that runs throughout our club. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, helping make the awards truly meaningful & representative of our community. We’d also like to give a special shout‑out to our amazing committee, who organised the event and provided the delicious food enjoyed on the night. So much work goes on behind the scenes to make occasions like this possible, & evenings like this remind us just how much that effort is appreciated. Congratulations to the winners Laker Club Person 2024: Alastair Turton Tracy Allison Laker female of the year: Victoria Render Laker male of the year: Neil Laird Coaches choice award: Kathryn Robertson Parkrun League Winners 1st - Andrea Douglas 2nd - Neil Laird 3rd - Haydyn Harrison Laker Most likely to get lost on a social Denise Thurlow Well done to all the nominees Andrea Douglas, Barbara Kowalska, Charlie Sharpe, Emma Atkinson, Haydn Harrison, Michelle Ahern-Gibson, Tom Hazelhurst, Tony Bates 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

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. Thursday 2nd July 2026 (evening) - Yorkshire Veterans' Grand Prix Race Sunday ? December 2026 - South Leeds Bah Humbug 10k West Yorkshire Winter League Race - TBC 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 10th May 2026 Rob Burrow Marathon & Half Marathon Contact Shelly if you want to help. 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.

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.

Meet the Committee Chair Richard Harrison Coming soon... Running Section Rep Ian Pickles Hi all, I joined South Leeds Lakers in 2015 after meeting people at Cross Flatts Parkrun. I enjoyed the friendliness and vibe of the club and in 2016, when we became affiliated, I was asked to be Run Leader & then 'Run Co-ordinator'. I have seen us move from a bench outside Beeston Co-op, to the Community Centre to the Hunslet Nelson & have seen over 40 Run Leaders come & go. I have been on the committee since 2016 & although it's challenging we have achieved some fantastic results, seeing over 500 people through our doors. In 2019 we successfully launched a Junior Section & I have trained as a 'Junior Assistant Coach'. We coach 40 children a week running, jumping & throwing. As Run Co-ordinator I assign the groups each week, I would love people to come and give me feedback as we can not improve if we don't know. Let's carry this club forward & enjoy our running. Membership Secretary Shelly Parker Hello, I'm Shelly, one of the club secretaries and you can get in touch with me for any matters relating to the running club, but particularly membership queries. We are a free social running club but there is the option to join us as a competitive athlete through club affiliation. I discovered my love for running whilst training for Tough Mudder in 2018 and joined Lakers in the spring of 2019. We are a supportive and inclusive club where all abilities are welcomed. Through the club I have met some inspirational people that I now call friends. I enjoy trail running & cross-country and also occasionally venture into the world of fell and international running. My proudest achievements to date are completing Manchester marathon and the Yorkshireman half fell race. Although I'm generally a midpack runner, I like to push myself and enjoy a good race. I am always on the lookout for new races and enjoy offroad adventures. Membership and affiliation queries can be sent to missshellyparker@gmail.com Governance Secretary & Welfare Officer Ant Gibson I joined South Leeds Lakers in Oct 2022 & quickly made a lot of friends. The club has helped me to not only keep fit, but also expand my social circle & improve my mental health. After doing a few 5k runs, I decided to join our coached 5-10k improver group, graduating at the Dewsbury 10k in Feb 23. In Sept 23 I completed the Great North Run, the biggest half marathon in the world! Raising nearly £800 for charity in the process. In May 2023 I took the opportunity to join the committee as a Welfare Officer. I wanted to give something back to the club & help to look after the welfare & wellbeing of all members. If you have any questions or concerns about the club, or just want to say how Lakers can help you more, please feel free to contact me using the below email address. Alternatively you can speak to me in person at our Tuesday evening club nights. welfare.lakers@gmail.com Inclusivity and Diversity Officer Tracy Allison Coming soon... Welfare Officer Heather Graham I started on the Couch to 5K program with the Lakers in January 2018 - we ploughed on & completed it despite the beast from the east & graduated into the 5-10K transition. By the time I had completed my first 10K I was fully invested in the Lakers family. In 2020 I stepped forward to be a run leader but all courses were subsequently cancelled due to Covid-19, so I finally graduated as a run leader in April 2021. I often lead Couch to 5K groups which are really important & have seen some great Lakers graduate from it - which makes me feel proud to have been part of their journey. A year later in April 2022 I was elected Lakers Chair which is a great role to be in to help make a difference to the Lakers. To listen to others & steer the club in the direction its members want it to take. Treasurer Claire Burgess Coming soon... Junior Rep Kathryn Robertson Coming soon...

Hunslet Handicap Race Winners 2016 - Jean Scopes 2017 - Sue Talbot 2018 - Jacob Parnham 2019 - Andy Cable 2021 - Linda Featherstone 2022 - Jacob Parnham 2023 - Darren Briggs 2024 - Stepanka Edwards 2025 - Silas Laird Tuesday 16th September 2025 Thank you to everyone who took part in the Hunslet Handicap this year. We raised over £175 which the committee have approved to be doubled using club funds. So £350 raised. As in previous years this event was held to raise money for Wheatfields Hospice in memory of John, Kath & Lynn. They were part of the Laker's family & are sadly no longer with us, but will be forever in out thoughts. Congratulations to our winners: 1st place - Silas Laird 2nd place - Thomas Sharp 3rd place - Keelan Henry 1st woman - Andrea Douglas, closely followed by Emily Berg Tuesday 10th September 2024 Congratulations to this year's Hunslet Handicap winner Stepanka Edwards. Stepanka powered up Dewsbury Road & was the first one back to base. This year we raised £310 for Wheatfields Hospice in memory of John, Kath & Lynn. They were part of the Laker's family & are sadly no longer with us, but will be forever in out thoughts. Read more @ South Leeds Life Tuesday 7th November 2023 Congratulations to this year’s Hunslet Handicap winner Darren Briggs. Seen here receiving the John Metcalf Memorial Trophy. WOW!! What a great club night, with a twist, we had!! 74 Lakers were out in force racing for glory & the first pie. Well done to all the groups on tough courses. First back to the bar & winner of The Hunslet Handicap 2023 was Darren Briggs. Big thank you to our organisers & bar team for the special, post run, food & quiz. Thank you all for helping us raise £33 0!! As in previous years this event was held to raise money for Wheatfields Hospice in memory of John, Kath & Lynn. They were part of the Laker's family & are sadly no longer with us, but will be forever in out thoughts. more photos

South Leeds Lakers Juniors A free one hour session of athletics from 6 to 7pm every Friday. For ages 8 to 14yrs. The sessions involve coaching in run, jump & throw athletic events. Our aim is to make this fun & engaging, so whilst we will coach the basic techniques we will have fun doing it. Our coaches have taken courses with England Athletics & are all at various levels on the coaching pathway. Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults need to stay onsite during the session. For our weekly track sessions, we meet at John Charles Centre for Sport Middleton Grove Belle Isle Leeds LS11 5DJ Our sessions are completely FREE. When you arrive simply go straight past reception, out into the stadium & down to the track where the coaching team will be waiting. Occasionally, some weeks, we may take a break from the track & go trail running in the nearby woods, parents are welcome to join in. Any child wishing to take part MUST book first using the online booking form, (one booking per child, i.e. if you have two children then it's two forms). See top of page for booking form. The booking form is usually opened every Monday morning for the following Friday's session. As we have a limit on the number of children taking part each week, we operate on a first come first served basis. When the session is full, the form is closed. Once you've booked for your very first time, you will receive a welcome letter via email & be added to the parents WhatsApp group. This group is where session information is then shared each Friday. If you have any queries please contact us at southleedslakers9@gmail.com Book