Thousands prepare to take part in Leeds 10k

Leeds city centre will be filled with runners and supporters this Sunday as thousands take part in the Leeds 10k race.

First launched in 2007, this weekend marks the 19th time the event has taken place.

It was created by the fundraiser and radiographer Jane Tomlinson, who died in 2007 aged 43 after a long battle with cancer.

Over 5,500 runners are expected to take part this year, raising funds for various charities.

The Leeds 10k is one of Yorkshire's most popular running events, and attracts participants of all ages and abilities.

Since the first event in 2007, around 100,000 people have taken part.

The run will begin outside the University of Leeds Parkinson Building, before finishing on The Headrow in front of Leeds Art Gallery.

Organised by Jane Tomlinson's Run for All foundation, it will support a wide range of local and national causes.

Participants are encouraged to run for a cause close to their hearts.

The 10k will get underway at 09:00 BST on Sunday, with the mini and junior events starting later at 09:45 BST.

Jane Tomlinson CBE was an amateur athlete from Wakefield and an inspirational fundraiser.

She also worked as a radiographer at Leeds General Infirmary.

Tomlinson was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer aged 36, but defied the disease to complete numerous physical challenges to raise awareness and funds.

This included three London Marathons, two London Triathlons and the New York Marathon, plus long-distance bike rides across Europe and the United States.

She launched the first Leeds 10k in 2007 as a way to continue fundraising as her own health declined, before she died later that year.

The Jane Tomlinson Appeal - the charity set up in her name - has raised more than £10m, while her Run for All foundation has grown into one of the UK's biggest not-for-profit events companies.

The 10k will start outside the Parkinson Building on Woodhouse Lane.

Runners will then follow a route through Woodhouse and central Headingley, before dropping down onto Meanwood Road back towards the city centre.

The run finishes on The Headrow in front of the Leeds Art Gallery.

From 04:00 BST on Sunday, city centre areas including parts of The Headrow, Park Row and Calverley Street will be closed to vehicles.

All other affected areas, such as sections of Woodhouse Lane, Otley Road, Grove Lane and Meanwood Road, will close from 08:00 BST.

Roads will gradually begin to reopen from 10:30 BST, with all roads expected to be clear by 15:00 BST.

The forecast on Sunday in Leeds is dry and bright, with the best of the sunshine coming early in the morning.

Temperatures could reach as high as 22°C with a moderate breeze throughout.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.