Kirkstall Abbey 7 mile race 2026

Kirkstall Abbey 7 is a seven-mile multi-terrain race in Leeds, starting and finishing within the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey. Kirkstall Harriers Running Club hosts this event, which follows a mostly flat course featuring riverside paths, canal towpath, road sections, and the Abbey grounds. The race benefits Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice and is held in memory of Stephen Blades and Paul Reynard. The participant limit is 300 runners, with no race-day registration, making it a small club event rather than a large city race. All finishers receive a bottle of beer. Awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers, age-group winners from V40 to V70, and the leading male and female teams. The Stephen Blades Trophy is awarded to the first local runner. The current course records stand at 37:56 for men and 43:31 for women. The route is not accessible for wheelchairs or headphone use.