City set for supporting role as countdown continues to Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

Thousands of enthusiastic athletes will be in action on Sunday (May 10) in the high-profile fundraising race, organised by the not-for-profit sporting events company Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in partnership with Leeds City Council.

Taking place for the fourth time, the marathon is famed for the special atmosphere that is generated by the spectators who line its 26.2-mile route each year.

And people are being encouraged to turn out in numbers once again on Sunday to support the runners and help showcase Leeds as a city that always rises to the big occasion.

Spectators who have yet to decide where to watch the race may want to head for one of two dedicated ‘cheer point’ hubs, at Otley Road in Adel and Otley Market Place.

The atmosphere at various locations along the route will also be given a tuneful extra lift by musical entertainment from acts and groups such as Garforth Brass, Roadblock Sound System and Leeds Saxophone Quartet.

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said:

“We’re proud to again be playing our part in delivering the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, which has acted as a wonderful advert for the city since it was first staged in 2023.

“One of the standout features each year has been the electric on-course atmosphere created by spectators and it would be great to have this repeated on Sunday.

“We would also encourage people to take a few minutes, if they have not done so already, to familiarise themselves with the programme of temporary road closures and other traffic and travel measures that will be in place.

“These are needed to help ensure the best possible experience for athletes and spectators while mitigating general impact on residents, visitors and businesses.

“We will be working hard alongside Run For All to minimise disruption and thank local communities in advance for their patience and understanding on this important day for the city.”

 Key details to note about the arrangements for Sunday include:

• The marathon will start and end at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, with runners following a circular route that initially winds around Woodhouse Moor before striking out for Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley. The Leeds Half Marathon, which is also on Sunday, will use much of the same route. The two events have together attracted more than 15,000 entrants;
• In Headingley, parts of St Michael’s Lane and Newport View will be closed to vehicles from 4am on Sunday. Further closures will start to kick in on Cardigan Road, Beechwood Crescent (St Annes Drive direction only), Kirkstall Lane/North Lane and the Cardigan Road-St Michael’s Grove section of St Michael’s Lane from 6am. Closures of other selected roads in Headingley will be implemented from 7.30am;
• Closures on the stretch of the A660 that runs between Headingley and Pool Bank New Road – via Lawnswood Roundabout and Bramhope – will then come into force between 8am and 8.30am. Further closures will take effect from 9am around Pool in Wharfedale and Otley;
• The marathon will get under way at 9am, with competitors in the half marathon setting off from Headingley at 10am;
• Affected roads along the route will be reopened on a rolling basis through the day as soon as it is safe to do so. Emergency service access will be maintained at all times.

Full details on road closures and other traffic and travel arrangements – including diversions for Leeds Bradford Airport and vehicle crossing points – can be found here.

People travelling to Headingley on Sunday are being encouraged to use park and ride services – which must be booked in advance – from Elland Road and Stourton. Shuttle buses will be operating between the city centre and Headingley and must also be booked in advance. There will be no dedicated event parking in Headingley itself.

As has been the case in previous years, the finishing line for both the marathon and half marathon will be on the pitch at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium.

Spectator tickets for inside the stadium have now sold out. Those planning to attend should be aware that bags larger than A4 size will not be permitted in the ground.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All, said:

“Ahead of race weekend, we encourage participants and spectators to take a moment to familiarise themselves with key event information, including race day timings and planned road closures.

“We’d like to thank residents and businesses in advance for their patience and understanding, and apologise for any inconvenience which may be caused.

“We’re looking forward to another brilliant weekend for the city and to continuing our collective fundraising efforts.”

After being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019, Leeds Rhinos great Rob Burrow worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition and deliver improved care for those affected by it.

The marathon that bears his name will this year again be raising funds for the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity.

The event’s partner charities also include the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Candlelighters, Happy Days Children’s Charity, Leeds North & West Foodbank, Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support and St Gemma’s Hospice.

In addition to the marathon and half marathon, Sunday’s schedule includes the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon Relay in partnership with Clarion, which will see teams of seven tackling different legs of the full route.

Leeds Beckett University’s Headingley campus, meanwhile, will tomorrow (May 9) be playing host to the MND Mile, a Run For All event designed to cater for participants of all ages and abilities.

ENDS