Mark Leadbeater

A bit of background about me. I started running in late 2013 after 36 years of playing badminton in the Bradford and Yorkshire leagues, having played since the age of 12. I even had the opportunity to play against England international players. Fancying a new challenge, I joined Sweatshop Running Community (SRC) in Castleford in September 2013 — which is where many fellow Ackworth Road Runners first started their running journeys.

I quickly fell in love with running and completed a couple of 10Ks later that year. However, shortly afterwards I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery in January 2014, which left me with a hidden disability — single-sided deafness and some balance issues. On the plus side, it can occasionally work in my favour thanks to selective hearing 🙉😉.

Running — along with the incredible support of the running community — became a huge part of my rehabilitation and recovery. I was able to start running again in May 2014 and set myself what was probably a slightly ambitious goal: to complete my first half marathon and full marathon by October that year, while raising awareness and funds for the British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA). Thankfully I achieved both goals and have continued to support and fundraise for BANA and other charities whenever I can.

I joined Ackworth Road Runners in 2017 and became part of the committee in 2018/19.

Since then I’ve taken part in numerous races ranging from 5Ks to marathons. Some of my favourites include the Scarborough 10K, which is always a brilliant day out for the club; the Barcelona Half Marathon in 2024 and 2025, which was an amazing experience shared with many club members; and the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, which I’ve completed in all three years of the event. Some of you may notice a bit of a theme with a few of these trips… 🏃‍♂️🍺🙈

What I love most about the club is the camaraderie and spirit within the group. Everyone is incredibly supportive of each other, whether you’re chasing a PB or just getting started.

You’ll usually find me at Tuesday training sessions (when I’m not injured 🙈), where I enjoy leading one of the pace groups — sometimes slightly quicker than advertised! 🙊

In 2023 and 2024 we also organised several social club events including rounders, social runs and, of course, pub runs. Hopefully we can bring even more of these back in 2026, as they’re a great way for members to meet and mix with runners from different training groups.

I also run the SportsShoes and StartFitness discount codes for the club, so if any new or existing members need help with these, just drop me a message.