Leeds 10K Live: Thousands gather as Paula Radcliffe starts big race (VIDEO)

It was the fourth running of the annial race, founded by fund-raiser Jane Tomlinson just three months before she died following a long battle against cancer.

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At the stroke of nine this morning, her son Steven, 13, set the runners off with a wave of the White Rose flag of Yorkshire.

Moments before, a huge Mexican wave had snaked its way down The Headrow as the thousands of runners showed their appreciation for the founder.

Many of today's charity runners wore multi-coloured costumes and wigs. In a short speech from the starter's rostrum, Radcliffe said Miss Tomlinson would have been proud to see such a suge turnout. "It's great that her legacy continues," she said.

Jane's widower Mike Tomlinson also spoke from the rostrum, under the eye of a Channel Five documentary camera, filming for a programme to be seen next Saturday.

The racers gathered early at Millennium Square for a warm-up. Gradually, they drifted down to the Headwow, where the wheelchair athletes set off first, followed by the elite runners and celebrities at the start of the main race.

Behind them were wave after wave of runners, forming two columns at either side of The Headrow.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets to cheer them on.

All ages and abilities were represented among the racers - most of them raising money for causes close to their hearts.

Radcliffe warned she would only be jogging due to her advanced pregnancy.

She said: "It was such a big honour for me when I was asked by Mike to be a patron of Jane's appeal.

"Jane was such an inspiration to me. She was a really good friend and a really great person.

"I really wanted to be able to take part and this year I can.

"The money Jane raised in her life and the money Mike and his team have raised since is remarkable."

Radcliffe ran the New York Mini 10k last month, finishing with a time of 44 minutes 36 seconds - almost a quarter of an hour longer than her world record road 10k time of 30 mins 21 secs, set in 2003.

The 36-year-old is the world record holder for the marathon, 20k and 10k road runs.

Mrs Tomlinson raised 1.85 million through a series of remarkable challenges as she fought her illness.

The fundraising efforts have continued since her death, led by her husband Mike and her three children.

Mr Tomlinson said: "Suzanne, Rebecca, Steven and myself are delighted that Paula has agreed to be a patron of the charity and know that Jane would have been thrilled.

"That Paula has agreed to come and take part in the Leeds 10k whilst being pregnant speaks volumes and I'm sure the people in Yorkshire will be out in their thousands to cheer her on."

Also among the runners were Leeds model Nell McAndrew, actress Gemma Atkinson, actor Dean Andrews and a team from Emmerdale.

Emily Macaulay and Sue Jewell will compete as the final leg of an incredible 330mile challenge, running from Exeter to Leeds.

Miss Tomlinson, from Leeds, was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2000. Despite her illness she took part in a number of endurance challenges to raise money for charity, including marathons, the Ironman Triathlon and a 4,800 mile bike ride across America. Before her death in September 2007 she had raised 1.85million for charity. Earlier this year her charity announced it had raised 2 million and has now set a 5 million target.

Since the Leeds 10K was launched, the event has raised some 2 million for all the charities supported by runners. The 2009 event raised 300,000 for the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and the Leeds 10K partner charities: Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, Macmillan, Martin House Children's Hospice, the children's medical charity Sparks and Yorkshire Cancer Centre. The Yorkshire Post is media partner for the event.

All Run For All events are not-for-profit charity events open to people of all abilities – whether they wish to run, walk, wheel or jog.

The success of the Leeds 10K has led to the set up of Jane Tomlinson's York 10K, now in its second year, Hull 10K and Pennine Lancashire 10K.

There are a number of road closures in and around the city centre for the race.

Various roads to the south of The Headrow will be re-opened from 10am and most of the roads north of The Headrow from 11.15am.

Some of the streets surrounding the City Library area, including part of The Headrow and the approaches to Millennium Square will remain closed until mid or late afternoon.

Watch coverage of the 2009 race

Your messages

I am a runner from NYC. In 2005 I ran with Jane Tolmilson one of my 6 NYC Marathons. Tomorrow I am going to run 10K in Leeds. As an American since 1984 I would like to celebrate 4th of July...1876 !

..." as the clock srtuck midnight on July 3 , 1876 , the United States celebrated its 100th birthday.

In Philadelphia , where the streets arond Independence Hall were filled with almost half a milion poople , the craced Liberty Bell tolled 13c times , once for each of original colonies , before the band struck op The Star -Spangled Banner....

At that very moment, hundrets of miles to the west a lonely streamer was chugging down the Yellowstone river with the survivers of the most famous military disaster in American history.

The massacre of George A. Custer and the Seventh Cavaler ay the Little Bighorn... Crazy Horse was one fof the Indians...

Tomorrow I am going to run as ....alter ego of Crazy Horse , to collect money for Sue Rider Care..

See you on the streets of Leeds.

Stanley " CrazyHorse"

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