The Otley Run has been a longstanding tradition in Leeds. Punters pack out the pubs on Otley Road right into the city centre, often in fancy dress.
The Otley Run consists of 18 pubs, each one heading in the direction of Leeds city centre. Participants start at Woodies Ale House and continue down Otley Road heading to pubs such as the Original Oak, Skyrack, Hyde Park Pub and finally, the Dry Dock.
Over the years the event has faced criticism from businesses and residents within Headingley due to a rise in anti-social behaviour. Recently, councillors and residents came together to discuss what could be done to kerb the antics with discussions including stripping it back or potentially removing it altogether.
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LeedsLive spoke to residents in Headingley to ask their thoughts on the now infamous pub crawl. There seems to be a divided opinion with some saying people should be free to enjoy themselves and others agreeing that it needs to be better 'policed' some venues refuse Otley Run parties due to the potential behaviours.
We also spoke to a Leeds-based author who has written a novella on the run. He shared his thoughts on the cultural phenomenon it has since become.
One resident, named Janice, who has lived in the north of Headingley for 40 years says she finds the Otley Run is overtaking the local area.
She said: "It's always been a big event, especially during the summer and I understand that but it's getting out of hand now.
"People can be heard all over Headingley and thank God this is just where it begins, I can only imagine what town would be like, I think that it is right there is more scrutiny on people's behaviour and I don't think it should be scrapped, people need to just be mindful of the residents that live here."
Some of the issues highlighted at local council meetings were of people urinating in the street, being too loud and generally disturbing the peace.
Another resident, who moved to Headingley after being a student said there are concerns over people's behaviours but thinks the Otley Run is a part of Leeds' history.
"I've done the run a number of times as a student, it wasn't as popular as it is now and I think even though Covid is nothing like as serious as it was I think people are still getting everything out of their system.
"I don't want to see it disappear, even imposing rules takes away from the fun of the event, it's mainly a summer event so I say let people have fun. Those that want to spoil it for other people should face the consequences.
Joe Williams, an award-winning writer and performing poet in Leeds wrote a book on the run titled 'An Otley Run'
It is a verse novella which tells the story of two groups of people spending their day doing the famous Otley Run pub crawl in Leeds. Joe shared his thoughts on the importance of the run and how it's changed over the years.
We asked him a few questions about the run and what could be done to put residents' minds at ease whilst also making sure the crawl maintains integrity.
Do you think the Otley Run is causing more issues now than in the past?
He said: "There certainly seems to be more public awareness of antisocial behaviour at the moment, and I'm not going to deny any of that is happening, but we need to remember that the Otley Run has been growing in popularity for the last 20 years or more, and it's always at its height over the summer.
"This is the first summer in three years that people have been able to participate fully, so it shouldn't be a surprise that it's been especially busy this year. Plus, after three years of relative calm, it may be that it suddenly feels much bigger than it ever used to be."
What do you think should be done to reduce anti-social behaviour whilst also not policing a pub crawl?
"It's difficult, because there are definitely behaviour problems, but they're caused by a tiny minority. Most people doing the Otley Run don't cause any problems worse than a bit of temporary congestion on the pavements.
"The worst problems are things like harassment, damage to property, and violence, and these are criminal offences that need to be dealt with by the police in the appropriate manner, as any crime should be. The pubs don't want any of those things happening either, and they already do a lot to help prevent it."
And finally, for anyone who hasn't done the Otley Run, any advice?
"My Otley Running days are well behind me, so I may not be the best person to ask! Personally, I'd prefer to just have a few relaxed drinks, enjoy some of the great pubs we have here in Headingley, and soak up the sights and sounds of other people doing the Otley Run.
"You won't find me attempting to do 15 pubs, and I definitely won't be dressing up as a giant banana."
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