Leeds Marathon: Thousands take part in honor of Rob Burrow

Around 14,000 runners will later take part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Half Marathon.

Racing will begin at AMT Headingley Stadium from 09:00 BST, with locals encouraged to line the streets for an electric atmosphere.

The event is being held in honor of former Leeds Rhino player Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019.

Before the race, Burrow wished all the runners the best of luck.

To cheer on the competitors will be entertainment from Leeds Pipe Band, Leeds Rock Choir, Garforth Brass Band and Otley Ukulele Orchestra amongst others.

There will also be two dedicated viewing points at Otley Road in Adel and at Otley Market Place.

The event will raise funds for several charities, including the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and a Leeds Hospitals Charity Appeal to build a Rob Burrow Center for MND.

Councilor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, said: “Leeds has a well-deserved reputation as a passionate and knowledgeable sporting city and it will be great to see people lining the streets and showing their support for the runners on Sunday”.

Runners will follow a circular route which initially winds around Woodhouse Moor before heading towards Adel, Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley, Leeds City Council said.

St Michael’s Lane in Headingley was closed from 04:00 and North Lane and Cardigan Road will be closed from 06:00.

Other road closures will be in place between 06:00 and 07:30 in other parts of Headingley and Far Headingley.

Further closures will come into effect from 08:30 in the Adel, Lawnswood and Bramhope areas and from 09:00 around the Pool in Wharfedale and Otley.