City to play host to Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023

A new marathon is coming to Leeds in 2023 that will honour Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow.

It will help raise vital funds for the Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, as well as the MND Association.

The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will take place on Sunday 14 May 2023 and has been inspired by former Leeds Rhinos captain, Kevin Sinfield, running challenges in recent years in support of his friend and team mate Burrow.

The marathon is a partnership between Leeds City Council and Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All – the not-for-profit sporting events company that stages the Leeds Half Marathon and Yorkshire Marathon. There will be 7,777 places in the marathon available, in honour of Burrow’s shirt number at Leeds Rhinos.

Since he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019, Burrow and his family have campaigned to raise awareness and funds to support everyone impacted by MND.

The event marks the first time the city has hosted a marathon since 2003, and will encompass a brand new route that starts and finishes at Headingley Stadium, where Burrow achieved some of his greatest sporting achievements.

The circular route will take in some of Leeds most scenic countryside and outer suburbs, journeying around Woodhouse Moor before travelling up through Headingley, Adel and Bramhope and heading out to Otley and back for the big finish.

Burrow said: “It is wonderful to see the marathon return to the streets of Leeds and I know it will be a fantastic occasion.

“Any opportunity to raise awareness and funds to fight MND is wonderful and I know so much money will be raised by those taking part for so many great causes that are personal to each runner.

“I am particularly pleased to see that the event combines the half marathon and a family fun run so that everyone, of all abilities, can get involved.”

Sinfield said: “Since Rob’s diagnosis, Rob’s former team mates, his family, friends and people around the country have undertaken many fundraising challenges to raise money to help people living with MND and their families.

“It’s been amazing to see people in Leeds and beyond get behind Rob on this journey over the last few years, and seeing the launch of a dedicated event in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is an incredible feeling.”

Esther Wakeman, chief executive of Leeds Hospitals Charity, added: “Leeds Hospitals Charity is so excited that Run for All, the organisers of the Leeds Marathon, have chosen to re-name this legendary run after a Yorkshire legend and support Leeds Hospitals Charity’s Rob Burrow Centre for MND appeal as one of their charity partners.

“I know many people across Yorkshire and the country will be very excited that this truly prestigious event is back.

“The money raised through the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will help Leeds Hospitals Charity make this wonderful new centre a reality, giving people living with MND and their families the best possible care and support.”

For more information, go to: https://www.runforall.com/events/marathon/leeds-marathon/