The runners made their way out as far as Thurmaston before heading back into the city centre and Victoria Park
Thousands of runners laced up their trainers and hit the streets of Leicester this morning (October 26) in the half-marathon and 10k races. Many of the runners were pounding the pavements in aid of good causes, including LOROS, Hope Against Cancer, Curve Theatre.
Those taking part made their way from Victoria Park out of the city via Charles Street and Belgrave Gate, heading as far out as Thurmaston. The route went through Canal Street into Watermead Park and Birstall.
Travelling back towards Victoria Park, runners passed the National Space Centre before going through Abbey Park with the final stretch up New Walk to get to the finish line.
The shorter 10k route took runners on Belgrave Gate to Loughborough Road, and crossing over the canal before following the path towards the National Space Centre and past the Clocktower.
LeicestershireLive caught up with some runners after they had crossed the finish line. John Tobin, 54, who completed the 10k, said: "The hill really got me - I say every year I won't do it because of that part on New Walk. It's not what you want at the end of a run - but I did it."
Connor Hewitt, 22, and his partner Megan Francis, 24, completed the Leicester Half Marathon for The Lily Foundation, a mitochondrial disease charity. Connor, 22, said: "It was good, and a great atmosphere, although very cold. Both of us were happy with our times.
"Megan got a PB (personal best) which is very good, especially as she hasn't been well recently after having COVID. I was about 10 minutes quicker than my training runs so I was very pleased."
Two friends, Minda, 29, and Julia, 54, who completed the Great North Run last month, also took part in the races. Minda, 29, was unsure about running but was convinced by her friend to take part in the 10k.
Minda said: "Julia really encouraged me - she is very inspirational. I needed her to push me. I'm glad I did it."
A number of charity stalls were also stationed in the city to cheer on the runners who were raising money for good causes.
Martin, who was with Hope Against Cancer, said: "We're a local cancer research charity, and we've got runners raising money for vital cancer research. It's a fantastic atmosphere, and we're all having a good day."
Jill, who has been a volunteer at Hope Against Cancer for eight years, added: "It's just amazing. The reason we do it is because we're putting it out there that it's a local charity for cancer. It's also about the amazing people you meet, and the places you go."
Curve Theatre, which had a marquee in Victoria Park, had runners fundraising for its creative programmes. Roberta, who was representing the charity, said: "It's really exciting and it's a nice atmosphere. We're fundraising for our creative programmes which are for everybody from young people, to community groups, elders, education and schools."
Jo, with Curve Theatre, added: "It's work that we do out in the community. It's really nice. A lot of people don't realise Curve is a charity, so we're also spreading the news about that too."