All you need to know about the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

This Sunday, 14th May, Headingley Stadium will host Yorkshire’s biggest running event, the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, in partnership with Clarion. The event will generate a huge boost for the two leading partner charities, the Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease and the MND Association.

The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon marks the first time the city has hosted a marathon in over twenty years; sealing itself as one of Yorkshire’s most iconic sporting events in recent history.

Honouring Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow MBE, the Marathon aims to drive awareness and funds for the Leeds Hospital’s Charity Appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND here in Leeds, as well as raising vital funds for the MND Association.

Anticipated to be a spectacular day of running and fundraising, the Leeds Half Marathon will also be taking place on the same day. Fundraiser’s, club runner’s and first timers have rallied to the cause, whether that be for the MND community or charity of their own choice.

A run for everyone, over 15,000 runners are now signed up to take part. Attracting runners of all backgrounds, ages and abilities, with the event receiving support from across the UK and abroad, reaching reaching runners as far and wide as the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa and China. 

Inspired by former Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield OBE running challenge in recent years in support of his friend and team mate, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon aims to be a symbol of hope and beacon of light for those living with and affected by MND.

The event is set to showcase the great city of Leeds’ strength, inspiration and determination and will be a reminder to all runners of what they can accomplish with persistence, hard work and community support. Those taking part are encouraged to go that extra mile to help others and ‘Run for a mate, with a mate’.

The race will support many charities and their meaningful work through the extraordinary efforts of those taking part. As part of the event, runners are encouraged to fundraise for their own charity of choice or one of the event’s partner charities; The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal, MND Association, Candlelighters, St Georges Crypt, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. 

The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will bring together the incredible communities in and around the city of Leeds, inclusive of all those involved including volunteers, spectators, schools, local businesses and the surrounding community.

Designed to be a festival of running, participants can look forward to various entertainment, cheer points and spectator hotspots across the route. These include the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus, a classical and new music choir as well as the Roadblock Soundsystem, a bike powered Soundsystem which supports community groups and events.

The brand-new running experience is a fitting tribute to Rob, starting and finishing at the home of the Leeds Rhinos, Headingley Stadium.

The circular marathon route showcases the diverse neighbourhood and villages of Leeds, including Woodhouse Moor, Headingly, West Park, Adel, Bramhope and Pool in Wharfedale. Sweeping views of the lower Wharfedale Valley will be found on the climb out of the market town of Otley and an electric stadium finish will be found at the finish.

The Leeds Half Marathon will feature much of the same route.

Run For All is committed to making this event inclusive for all and has encouraged those of all abilities to take part – whether they are an experienced runner or have never thought about doing an event like this before.

Run For All is incredibly proud to be working in partnership with Leeds City Council and Kevin Sinfield to make this event possible.

Please plan ahead if you are running the event or coming along to cheer on the brilliant participants. You can find out all the information you need here https://www.runforall.com/leeds-marathon-and-leeds-half-marathon-faqs/