The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is a 26.2-mile event in Leeds honoring rugby legend Rob Burrow, supporting the MND Association and the Rob Burrow Centre for MND appeal. It is all about community engagement and charitable support, organized by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in partnership with Leeds City Council. Residents are urged to plan ahead as the city prepares for this grand showcase of human spirit and generosity, with extensive traffic arrangements and special services for attendees in place.
What is the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon?
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is a 26.2-mile event in Leeds celebrating the resilience of rugby legend Rob Burrow and supporting the MND Association and the Rob Burrow Centre for MND appeal. It emphasizes community engagement, charitable support, and is organized by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in partnership with Leeds City Council.
Sporting Enthusiasm in Leeds
Amidst the buzzing anticipation for one of Leeds’ most awaited sporting occasions, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, residents are prompted to strategize their day. The event, set for May 12, is not merely about athletic prowess but also extends into a significant fundraising effort. Anchoring this year’s marathon is a partnership with Clarion, which pledges to uphold the philanthropic spirit of the event.
The streets of Leeds will come alive as thousands of runners lace up for the second annual run. This marathon, a tribute to the formidable spirit of Rob Burrow, is not just a test of endurance but also a union of community, with proceeds benefiting the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and the Rob Burrow Centre for MND appeal. The 26.2-mile stretch is set to be a display of resilience and unity, echoing the success of last year’s inaugural event that was lauded for the vibrant atmosphere.
Behind this massive undertaking is Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, in collaboration with Leeds City Council. Run For All, born from the indomitable legacy of Jane Tomlinson CBE, works tirelessly as a not-for-profit to orchestrate events that transcend sports. They ensure that the essence of community engagement and charitable support is woven into each race’s fabric, making every stride count towards something greater.
Coordination and Travel Implications
As the city gears up for this grand showcase of human spirit and generosity, substantial traffic and travel arrangements are underway. Leeds City Council, in partnership with Run For All, has embarked on an extensive communication campaign to inform affected residents and businesses. With the event’s proximity, it has become imperative for the wider public to familiarize themselves with the impending traffic modifications.
The marathon’s route, a circular traverse through Leeds’ vibrant districts, will commence and conclude at the iconic AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium. Runners will be greeted by the sights of Woodhouse Moor, the charm of Adel, the green expanses of Bramhope, and the welcoming communities of Pool in Wharfedale and Otley. This course, shared with the Leeds Half Marathon, is a testament to the city’s multifaceted landscapes and community-centric ethos.
A significant road closure program is essential for participant safety and event success. Specific timings have been announced—St Michael’s Lane will see closures from the early hours, with subsequent areas following suit throughout the morning. All efforts are directed towards a seamless and safe marathon experience. For further details, the council has provided an informative guide that includes road closure information, vehicle crossing points, and access details unique to each area.
Accessibility and Support for Spectators
The council aims to balance the excitement with pragmatic solutions for attendees. To ease the day’s transitions, special park & ride and shuttle services are available from various points such as Elland Road and the city centre. A practical ‘park & stride’ facility is also introduced for those parking at Cinder Moor and ascending the A660 into Headingley on foot. Through these measures, the council demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a spectator-friendly environment, despite the absence of dedicated event parking within Headingley.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education at Leeds City Council, encapsulated the sentiment of the city when he remarked:
“Last year’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was an incredible occasion… We’re encouraging everyone to find a couple of minutes between now and May 12 to see how they might be affected by the temporary road closures… Having taken part in last year’s marathon, I’m looking forward to running again next month and experiencing a repeat of the magical atmosphere that an event like this always creates.”
The marathon, a beacon of hope and determination, celebrates Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow and his tireless efforts to combat MND. His comrade Kevin Sinfield is a pillar of inspiration as well, having raised millions through endurance challenges, including participating in last year’s marathon.
Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All, expressed his enthusiasm and the broader ambition of the event:
“We are hugely excited for the return of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon next month… With the help of our amazing runners, we continue to be able to generate a huge boost for the two primary partner charities… as well as a host of other charities.”
The marathon and half marathon have drawn around 14,000 participants, a testament to Leeds’ community spirit and the enduring impact of the city’s sporting events.
Notes to Editors
Run For All stands as the custodian of Jane Tomlinson’s legacy, a beacon of charitable endeavours within Leeds. The organization channels the goodwill of citizens into a force for positive change, honouring Jane’s inspiring journey through her battle with incurable cancer.
Endorsement from various quarters, including Leeds-based law firm Clarion, has been pivotal to the success of the event. The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Leeds Half Marathon’s charity partners encompass a broad spectrum of causes, ranging from MND support to cancer care and research. These partnerships reflect the event’s ethos—every step is a stride towards hope, every kilometer a beacon of community support.
ENDS
- The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is a 26.2-mile event honoring rugby legend Rob Burrow and supporting the MND Association and Rob Burrow Centre for MND appeal.
- The marathon emphasizes community engagement and charitable support, organized by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in partnership with Leeds City Council.
- Significant traffic arrangements and special services are in place as the city prepares for the marathon, urging residents to plan ahead.
- The marathon’s route passes through Leeds’ vibrant districts and starts and ends at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium.
- Special park & ride and shuttle services are available for spectators, showcasing the council’s commitment to maintaining a spectator-friendly environment.