Leeds Rhinos Foundation for the first time in 2016 will be the official charity partner for the Urban Trail Runner Leeds series and with the first race starting at Temple Newsam on June 8th, it’s not too late to get involved in the unique running series this summer.
Urban Trail Runner, devised in 2015, is an exciting concept which aims to share the unrivalled buzz of trail running through a series of easy to get to – tough to complete – trail races in parks and woods in city locations, creating an off-road running revolution in the process.
The Leeds Series consists of three 6-8 mile trail runs that take in beautiful and scenic routes starting at Temple Newsam on Wednesday 8th June and then Roundhay Park on Wednesday 13th July before the final race at Middleton Park on Sunday 21st August which starts and finishes at South Leeds Stadium.
Each event is designed to make the excitement and enjoyment of trail running accessible to runners of all ages and abilities as UTR co-founder Gavin Longley explains:
“We believe the UTR race series is fairly unique, our courses are exciting, challenging and achievable in Leeds because of the fantastic parks we have on offer. Ultimately, our aim is for the UTR race series to become a well-established fixture on the Leeds running circuit that is supported by the extensive running community, encouraging park runners and fun runners to challenge themselves on more challenging routes.”
Although the races can be entered individually, Urban Trail Runner is designed as a series of three races with times added together to calculate final times and placings with improved chip timings and route marking coming to the series in 2016.
“We held our first race series last summer, averaging 120 runners per race. We had really positive feedback from those who raced, many saying they loved the relaxed vibe about the races, but were shocked at how challenging the courses were – exactly what we set out to achieve,” said Longley.
Through its partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Urban Trail Runner are encouraging people to sign up for the races and raise money for their charity partner in the process this year, with fundraising incentives available for runners who can reach targets of £100 or £250.
Runners who choose to fundraise as part of the Run with the Rhinos team will support the Leeds Rhinos 10-year-old official charity the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and the many community projects going on in Leeds, working with primary and secondary schools, community Rugby League clubs and local organisations to change lives through sport, something Gavin and his team are proud to support:
“We believe in investing back into the local sporting community and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation is our chosen charity this year. They have given us fantastic support and recognise the longer term fundraising potential of the race series.”
Entry for the Urban Trail Runner series is available at www.urbantrailrunner.co.uk
To sign up and represent Leeds Rhinos Foundation as part of the Run with the Rhinos at the event and start fundraising, email Jessica.bowman@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
Fundraising packages available with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation –
£100+ fundraisers receive:
– 2 X Tickets to a Leeds Rhinos Home Fixture of your choice with Players Bar Entry
– Invitation to an exclusive end of year Dinner & Social at Trios Leeds with VIP guest speaker
Unique #TEAMRHINOS Race Day Shirt
£250+ fundraisers receive:
– All of the above PLUS
– Bespoke Leeds Rhinos Foundation Fitness Session 'Rhinos Style'
– Complimentary invitation for runner and guest to Leeds Rhinos Foundation Annual Dinner in 2017
– Leeds Rhinos Foundation Keepsake Mug