Kevin Sinfield among 14,000 runners in Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon honoring rugby icon

“It’s great to see Rob with us, Lindsey and the family,” Sinfield said at the start line, according to Leeds Live. “We know they’re at the heart of this – let’s destroy it!

Speaking to This Morning after the 2023 race, Sinfield spoke about the experience. “It was an incredible day raising money, 12,500 people running in Rob’s name… and the first time we’ve been able to do a big event together and run under the banner of friendship and it was a brilliant day, ” he said.

“The marathon was one of the most important and special events we’ve done and it meant so many things to so many people,” added Burrow. “But for me it was about friendship and crossing the finish line with my colleague, Kev will live with me forever and has created a platform to raise funds and awareness for MND charities and I hope the next one will be the same memorable.”

Were you at the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon as a runner or spectator? Tell us about it in the comments section

The thousands of participants in the 2024 race included fast runners who set personal best times and many who took part in costume. Significant amounts are expected to be raised for charity, as was the case in 2023.

Several charities will benefit from the marathon, including the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and a Leeds Hospitals Charity Appeal to set up a Rob Burrow Center for MND. In February, Burrow’s wife, Lindsey, said the couple was “blown away” by the plans for the center.

Rob won’t be attending this year, but Lindsey confirmed ahead of time that he’ll still be there. “It’s been talked about, but it will be there at the start and at the finish line,” she said.

“Rob felt this year he was going to be there. The record of running last year with heat and I probably underestimated it. This year, Rob will be there to see it finish and the runners start – but he isn’t. will take part in it this year.

“It was Rob’s decision. Kevin and Rob had a conversation about possibly doing the last mile, but I think Rob would prefer to just be at the finish line this year to see the runners come through. of preparation. So it just takes the pressure off with Rob being at the finish line. The logistics of getting Rob on the course with so many runners, I think it’s easier to have Rob at the finish line this year.”