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

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. Running Section Rep Shelly Parker Hello! I'm Shelly, club secretary & you can get in touch with me for any matters relating to the running club, including membership queries. We are a free social running club but you have the option to register as a competitive athlete & affiliate to the club (this costs £17 per year which goes to England Athletics). I discovered my love for running whilst training for Tough Mudder in 2018 & joined Lakers in the spring of 2019. There's something so special about this club, the support is amazing & I have met some inspirational people that I now call friends. I enjoy trail running & cross-country & have recently ventured into the world of fell running. My proudest achievements to date are completing Manchester marathon & most recently the Yorkshireman half fell race. Although I'm generally a midpack runner, I like to push myself & enjoy a good race! I like to try out new races & enjoy adventures, new experiences and testing my limits! 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 Martin Lee Hi, I'm Martin Lee & I joined South Leeds Lakers in May/June 2015, & having always run on my own I was surprised how quickly I settled into running with others. Over the last 9 years, my running has improved no end & that’s all down to the variety of running groups available & running events on offer at our club. Whether that be social runs, meeting up at organised events like the Abbey Dash, Leeds 10k etc, or competing in the Winter Cross Country league, or summer veterans league, Park Run series, Couch to 5k, the Lakers have it all. Over the last nine years, I’ve also got involved with the club away from the running & tried to give back where possible. I've been on the executive committee at different times since 2015, taking on various roles such as, Chairperson, Governance secretary & Junior Representative. It was during my position as Chair, that I started a Junior Lakers in 2019. Where we now have a thriving junior section, who meet every Friday at 6pm at the John Charles Stadium. I'm part of a team of nine coaches, who all coach run, jump, & throw athletics to children aged 8-14 years. I also take part in club fundraising & have been on the organising committee for the Bah Humbug 10k since its inception. I was responsible for designing the course route, so any complaints then send them my way. I was the race director in 2022 & after realising how much effort it takes to organise such a large event, I quickly handed this over in 2023. I can usually be found organising things out on the course, during a cold & wet December, so I was hugely grateful for an electric bike last year. I am also a run leader for the club & enjoy leading groups of runners of all abilities. I particularly like introducing new runners to our club & have previously led the clubs Couch to 5k, & 5-10k programmes. This gives me enormous satisfaction, to see people nervously embark on a huge challenge, & over time with effort, determination & support they hit their target.

2024 AGM On Tuesday 16th April 2024 the club held it's Annual general Meeting. The agenda & discussion points, along with the minutes from the meeting can be found below. Presentation Minutes

Couch to 5K South Leeds Lakers are delighted to be offering a FREE C25K programme starting Tuesday 4th February 2025. What: New C25K, 9 week programme When: Starts Tuesday 4th February 2025 Time: 6:50 for a 7pm start Where: The Pump House Bar, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club Other info: The programme will be lead by England Athletics qualified run leaders C25K is a running plan for absolute beginners. The plan involves 3 runs a week, with a rest day between each run. One run, per week, will take place on a Tuesday evening during the South Leeds Lakers Club Night. The other runs will be discussed at the first session. C25K works because it starts with a mix of running & walking to gradually build up your fitness & stamina. C25K is for everyone. Whether you've never run before or you just want to get more active, C25K is an easy way of getting fitter & healthier. At the end of the 9 weeks participants will graduate by completing a Parkrun. Step 1 Register by filling out the Google Form This form is now closed for 2025 Google Form Step 2 Double check all the information on this page. Step 3 Join our Facebook members group . Don't worry if you don't use Facebook, you can miss this step. If you have filled out the Google Form the C25K Run Leader will contact you by email & ask you to register & book your first session by visiting our RunTogether page. This will happen about a week before the programme is due to start. We look forward to meeting you on Tuesday 4th February. Remember to dress for the weather & wear hi viz to stay safe in the dark. Our meeting point is The Pump House Bar, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Please take a look at our Club Night page for further details. Click here to see how our 2024 C25K group got on

Our Committee We have a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time and effort to keeping South Leeds Lakers running. We have regular meetings and an Annual General Meeting. Current committee members Chair Richard Harrison Governance Secretary Ant Gibson Treasurer Claire Burgess Running Section Reps Ian Pickles Shelly Parker Junior Section Rep Martin Lee Inclusivity & Diversity Officer Tracey Allison Welfare Officers Heather Graham Ant Gibson

Diary Dates 2025 Saturday 12th April 2025 Parkrun League - Lister Park (Bradford), 9am, everyone welcome Sunday 27th April 2025 London Marathon - Go Tracy!! Wednesday 9th July 2025 Yorkshire Vets League race @ Middleton, time TBC Past dates Friday 27th October 2023 Walk & Talk session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, book Friday 3rd November 2023 Wendy's coaching session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, please book Saturday 4th November 2023 Parkrun League, Armley Tuesday 7th November 2023 Hunslet Handicap then pie & peas followed by a quiz, book on in the usual way Saturday 11th November 2023 Parkrun League, Wakefield Thornes Friday 17th November 2023 Wendy's coaching session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, book Sunday 19th November 2023 1st West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Baildon, 10:30 Friday 24th November 2023 Walk & Talk session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, book Sunday 26th November 2023 Bah Humbug recce, meet in front of John Charles reception, 10am, book Tuesday 28th November 2023 Lakers Run to the Homeless, please donate hats gloves and food, book on the run in the usual way, contact Heather for more details Friday 1st December 2023 **NO TRACK SESSION** Friday 1st December 2023 South Leeds Lakers Christmas Party, Holbeck Working Mens Club, 7pm, DJ, raffle, dancing, fuddle, adults £5, kids FREE, arrange your ticket with Claire by commenting on the Facebook post or email Sunday 3rd December 2023 **CANCELLED** West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Queensbury, 10am Friday 8th December 2023 **NO TRACK SESSION** Saturday 9th December 2023 Cross Flatts festive Parkrun, including music, singing, sweet treats and fancy dress (not compulsory but very much encouraged), 9am https://www.facebook.com/events/s/festive-parkrun/182609424905033/ Sunday 10th December 2023 Bah Humbug, 10:30, run or volunteer Tuesday 12th December 2023 Club Night with a 'Reindeer Run' option, join in for some Strava art fun, book Friday 15th December 2023 Wendy's coaching session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, book Friday 15th December 2023 Walk & Talk session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, book Saturday 16th December 2023 Last 2023 Parkrun League run of the year, Cross Flatts Saturday 16th December 2023 Middleton Woods festive Parkrun, fancy dress, 9am Sunday 17th December 2023 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Bramley, 10am (fancy dress) Tuesday 19th December 2023 Last Club Night of the year, Santa Hat Run to Christmas Island and back Friday 22nd December 2023 **NO TRACK SESSION** Monday 25th December 2023 Which Christmas Day Parkrun will you do? A few Lakers are going to Rothwell , everyone welcome, 9am Tuesday 26th December 2023 **NO CLUB NIGHT** Friday 29th December 2023 **NO TRACK SESSION** Friday 29th December 2023 Walk & Talk session with a twist, u nfortunately we don't have access to the track, so the plan is to meet at The Old Peacock, on Elland Road, for a festive drink and a chat, 7pm, walk if you can, everyone welcome https://fb.me/e/td0ZLNUZX Sunday 31st December 2023 A recce around our Winter League Course, 5 miles, steady pace, 10:30, Middleton Clearings, please DO NOT park in the main car park at the Stadium Monday 1st January 2024 Which New Year's Day Parkrun will you do? Monday 1st January 2024 A few Lakers are joining Leeds Dock Running Club for a New Year's Day 10k for all, 10:30, see RunTogether for more details Tuesday 2nd January 2024 We're back! First Club Night of the year Thursday 4th January 2024 Wendy's coaching, hill session, starting @ the car park near the Old White Hart, 6:30pm, book Friday 5th January 2024 **NO TRACK SESSION** Sunday 7th January 2024 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Huddersfield (Stadium Runners), 10am Thursday 11th January 2024 Wendy's coaching, hill session, starting @ the car park between The Old White Hart & Beeston Community Hub, 6:30pm, please book Friday 12th January 2024 First track session of 2024 @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, please book Friday 12th January 2024 Wendy's coaching session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, please book Saturday 13th January 2024 Parkrun League @ Middleton Woods, 9am Thursday 18th January 2024 **cancelled** Wendy's coaching , hill session, starting @ the car park between The Old White Hart & Beeston Community Hub, 6:30pm **cancelled** Friday 19th January 2024 Bonus Walk & Talk session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, please book Sunday 21st January 2024 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Middleton (South Leeds Lakers), 10am Tuesday 23rd January 2024 New C25K starts, part of Club Night Thursday 25th January 2024 Wendy's coaching , hill session, starting @ the car park between The Old White Hart & Beeston Community Hub, 6:30pm, please book Friday 26th January 2024 Wendy's coaching session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, please book Friday 26th January 2024 Walk & Talk session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, please book Thursday 1st February 2024 Wendy's coaching , hill session, starting @ John Charles Centre, 6:30, please book Friday 2nd February 2024 **NO ADULT TRACK SESSION** Saturday 10th February 2024 Parkrun League @ Temple Newsam, 9am Sunday 11th February 2024 Rescheduled West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Queensbury, 10am Tuesday 13th February 2024 Lakers' Birthday celebrations, food & quiz, after our run, Pump House Bar Sunday 18th February 2024 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Pudsey, 10am Friday 23rd February 2024 Walk & Talk session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, please book Sunday 25th February 2024 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Stainland, Halifax, 10am Saturday 9th March 2024 Parkrun League @ Woodhouse Moor, 9am Sunday 10th March 2024 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Crossgates, 10am Tuesday 12th March 2024 Awards night, after our runs, Pump House Bar, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, 8pm Thursday 14th March 2024 Wendy's coaching , hill session, starting @ the car park between The Old White Hart & Beeston Community Hub, 6:30, please book Friday 15th March 2024 Wendy's coaching session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, please book Friday 22nd March 2024 Walk & Talk session @ South Leeds Stadium, 6pm, please book Saturday 13th April 2024 Parkrun League @ Oakwell Hall, 9am Tuesday 16th April 2024 AGM, after our runs, Pump House Bar, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club Friday 26th April 2024 Walk & Talk, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, 6pm, please book Sunday 28th April 2024 Yorkshire Vets League race 1 @ Honley, 10:30 Saturday 18th May 2024 Parkrun League @ Huddersfield, 9am Monday 13th May 2024 to Sunday 19th May 2024 Mental Health Awareness Week, click here to see the week's activities Tuesday 28th May 2024 Yorkshire Vets League race 2 @ Kirkstall, 7:30 Saturday 8th June 2024 Parkrun League @ Wakefield Thornes, 9am Tuesday 11th June 2024 Yorkshire Vets League race 3 @ Morley, 7:30 Wednesday 19th June 2024 Yorkshire Vets League race 4 @ Middleton, time 7pm Saturday 22nd June 2024 Beeston Festival, we have a stall, please pop along & remember there is no Cross Flatts Parkrun Wednesday 26th June 2024 Race of the Month is Hyde Park Summer Mile, 6:45, more details here Sunday 30th June 2024 Yorkshire Vets League race 5 @ Pudsey, 10:30 Thursday 11th July 2024 Yorkshire Vets League race 6 @ Northowram, time TBC Saturday 13th July 2024 Parkrun League @ Sherwood Forest, 9am Sunday 21st July 2024 Yorkshire Vets League race 7 @ West Vale , 10am Thursday 1st August 2024 Wendy's hill session, 6.30pm, Middleton Park Visitor Centre car park, book here Saturday 10th August 2024 Parkrun League @ Frickley, 9am Sunday 11th August 2024 Yorkshire Vets League race @ Slaithwaite , 10am Wednesday 14th August 2024 Summer social @ Plantation (Middleton), 7pm Thursday 5th September 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Middleton Woods, Visitors Centre (by the lake), please book Friday 6th September 2024 Track session , 6pm, please book Friday 6th September 2024 Wendy's coaching session at the track, 6pm, please book Saturday 7th September 2024 Parkrun League @ Dewsbury, 9am Sunday 8th September 2024 Yorkshire Vets race @ Queensbury , 10am Tuesday 10th September 2024 Hunslet Handicap 2024, 5k, 7k, 9k & 11k, staggered starts to South Leeds Stadium & back, food after the runs, bring some money to donate to Wheatfields Hospice (if you can) Sunday 15th September 2024 5-10K improver group run, 6.5K-8K distance, 9:30, along the canal towards Skelton Grange, open to all, meet @ Crooked Clock Pub on Hunslet Road Tuesday 17th September 2024 Club night, 7pm, t his week we encourage an Autumn clean out, any old racing t-shirts, unloved & unused, bring along & Ian will drop them at St Georges Crypt, they are ideal for people on the street as they wash & dry easily & can be used as under tops, thank you Thursday 19th September 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Middleton Woods, Visitors Centre (by the lake), please book Thursday 26th September 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Sunday 29th September 2024 Race of the month, Restoration Fund Run 10k Thursday 3rd October 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Sunday 6th October 2024 Yorkshire Vets League race @ Ackworth , 10:30 Sunday 6th October 2024 Race of the month, Morley 10k, 9am, photo @ Morley Town Hall @ 8:30am Thursday 10th October 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Saturday 12th October 2024 Parkrun League @ Rother Valley , 9am Sunday 13th October 2024 Leeds Abbey Dash, 9:30, club photo on Leeds City Museum steps, 8:45am, volunteers contact Shelly for details Thursday 17th October 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Friday 18th October 2024 Wendy's coaching session @ South Leeds Stadium , 6pm, please book Thursday 24th October 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Tuesday 29th October 2024 Club night, Halloween special, dress up if that's your thing (prize for best costume), pie & peas after the runs, look out for an email regarding ordering of pies Thursday 31st October 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Friday 1st November 2024 Wendy's coaching session @ South Leeds Stadium , 6pm, please book Thursday 7th November 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Saturday 9th November 2024 Parkrun League @ Bramley, 9am Sunday 10th November 2024 Race of the month, Run Bolton Abbey Thursday 14th November 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Friday 15th November 2024 **CANCELLED**Wendy's coaching session @ South Leeds Stadium , 6pm, please book**CANCELLED** Sunday 17th November 2024 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Queensbury, 10:30am Thursday 21st November 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Friday 22nd November 2024 **CANCELLED ICE**Wendy's coaching session @ South Leeds Stadium , 6pm, please book **CANCELLED ICE** Sunday 24th November 2024 Bah Humbug recce, 10am, meet outside South Leeds Stadium , come along for a preview of the Bah Humbug route & help check the course, trail shoes recommended, all abilities welcome, please book Thursday 28th November 2024 Wendy's hill session , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Friday 29th November 2024 Affiliated members, last day to OPT IN to the London Marathon 2025 Ballot, reply to the email by midday Friday 29th November 2024, confirming that you want to be in the draw, you do not need to respond if you are not entering, see rules here Friday 29th November 2024 Lakers Christmas Party, South Leeds Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston, function room, 7pm, bring some food for a fuddle, £5 per adult, kids go free, email or comment on FB post, bank transfer for payments Sunday 1st December 2024 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Pudsey, 10am Tuesday 3rd December 2024 London marathon draw, at club night, 7pm Sunday 8th December 2024 Race of the month, Bah Humbug, 10:30, run or volunteer, more details here Saturday 14th December 2024 Parkrun League @ Cross Flatts, 9am Sunday 15th December 2024 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Dewsbury, 10am, fancy dress Tuesday 17th December 2024 Club night, Santa Hat Run, pizza & quiz after the run in The Pump House Thursday 19th December 2024 Wendy's last hill session of 2024 , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book Friday 20th December 2024 **NO TRACK SESSION** Tuesday 24th December 2024 **NO CLUB NIGHT** Wednesday 25th December 2024 Where will you go for Christmas Day Parkrun? Rothwell is on! Friday 27th December 2024 Lakers group run, St Aidan's Twixtmas run, RSPB St Aidan's Nature Park, Astley Lane, Leeds LS26 8AL, 11am, between 5-10k, coffee after, please book Friday 27th December 2024 **NO TRACK SESSION** Monday 30th December 2024 The plan is to meet at The Old Peacock, on Elland Road, for a festive drink & a catch up, 7pm, everyone welcome Tuesday 31st December 2024 **NO CLUB NIGHT** Wednesday 1st January 2025 Where will you go for New Year's Day Parkrun? Cross Flatts is on! Friday 3rd January 2025 **NO TRACK SESSION** Sunday 5th January 2024 Lakers Winter League Course Recce, 9k, 10:30, meet outside South Leeds Stadium , come along for a preview of the Winter League route & help check the course, trail shoes recommended, all abilities welcome, please book Sunday 5th January 2025 **CANCELLED West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Huddersfield, 10am CANCELLED** **CANCELLED Tuesday 7th January 2025 CANCELLED** First Club Night of 2025 Thursday 9th January 2025 **CANCELLED Wendy's first hill session of 2025 , 6:30, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, please book CANCELLED** Friday 10th January 2025 **CANCELLED First track session of the new year CANCELLED** Sunday 19th January 2025 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Middleton, 10am Tuesday 4th February 2025 Our NEW couch to 5k programme starts, part of club night Sunday 9th February 2025 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Crossgates, 10am Tuesday 11th February 2025 Lakers 10th birthday celebrations - club night, from 7pm, special run challenge, wear green & orange if you can, food (including cake), prizes, everyone welcome (even if you're not running) Saturday 15th February 2025 Parkrun League - Halifax , 9am, everyone welcome Sunday 23rd February 2025 West Yorkshire Winter League race @ Stainland, 10am Saturday 15th March 2025 Parkrun League - Nostell Priory , 9am, everyone welcome Tuesday 18th March 2025 2024 Awards Night, after our runs, Pump House Bar, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, 8pm

Leeds Abbey Dash 10k 2023

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

Bah Humbug 2024 Sunday 8th December 2024 saw another successful Bah Humbug 10K, hosted by South Leeds Lakers Running Club. 350 participants of all abilities tackled the challenging trails around Middleton Woods, many in fancy dress. The event was a fantastic showcase of Yorkshire spirit & determination. Runners enjoyed delicious mince pies & humbug sweets upon crossing the finish line, & the Phoenix Bar provided a welcoming space for drinks & hot food. Thank you to everyone who made this event memorable. 2024 Winners! It was a super tough event today so well done to all of you! Female Results 1st- Niamh Conroy 2nd- Melanie Sebo 3rd- Katie Brown Male Results 1st- Terry Forrest 2nd- Thomas Moulding 3rd- Richard Sykes And please say a huge congratulations to our age category winners! Female Results FV40- Amanda Helliwell FV50- Lisa Butterill FV60- Emer Dudley FV70- Gail Tombs Male Results MV40- Dean Playforth MV50- Joseph Lowe MV60- Dave Parker MV70- Martin Simpson Brand new for this year we had our best fancy dress competition! Please say a huge well done & happy 40th wedding anniversary to, our winners, Sue & Jeremy (see photo below). 2024 Results 2024 video more photos Some words from our amazing Event Director As the “sun”! sets on another Bah Humbug 10k , I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone for coming & once again making it such a great event. The stress & the anxiety of watching weather apps for the last 3 days, now feels like a distant memory & although there were a few slight changes we needed to make on the day, things seemed to pass relatively smoothly. As I said post race, it takes an army of people to put on such an event & the feedback we’ve had regarding our amazing course marshalls who were stood there in some really challenging conditions, has been second to none. A massive thank you to the core team, most of who were out on course at 6:30am for setup & still packing things away at 3pm this afternoon. You guys are amazing. Also everyone else who has made this event what it is today, from registration, food, lead bike, water stations, social media, kids race, merchandise, goody bags, Kingy the Lion, our MC, warm up etc etc. A huge thank you to all our sponsors, partners & suppliers - the feedback we’ve had regarding this years medals, trophies T-Shirts has been ace. But finally a massive thank you to all our entrants. You came to see us, when on a day like today it would’ve been easier to stay in bed & in doing so have raised a massive amount of money for local good causes. We hope you enjoyed yourselves & will come back and see us again next year. I’m sure there will be lots of photos shared on Facebook in the coming days. Have a wonderful festive period & all the very best for 2025. Mark - Event Director

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