Leeds prepares for emotional return of Rob Burrow Marathon

Liam Foster Author

2026-05-08 09:53 • 4 min read

Final preparations are underway for the fourth edition of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, May 10. The event, organized by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in partnership with Leeds City Council, will see more than 15,000 participants take to the streets for both the full marathon and the Leeds Half Marathon.

Since its inception in 2023, the race has become a cornerstone of the city’s sporting calendar, serving as a major fundraising vehicle for the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity. The marathon honors the legacy of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow, who dedicated his final years to raising awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Race day schedule and stadium access

Both the marathon and the half marathon will start and finish on the pitch at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium. The full marathon is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am, followed by the half marathon at 10:00 am.

Spectators should note that tickets for inside the stadium have already sold out. For those with tickets, a strict security policy is in place: bags larger than A4 size will not be permitted inside the ground. The route follows a circular path, winding through Woodhouse Moor before heading toward Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale, and Otley.

Key spectator hubs and live entertainment

To manage the expected crowds and enhance the atmosphere, two dedicated ‘cheer point’ hubs have been established. These are located at Otley Road in Adel and Otley Market Place. These hubs are designed to be the primary gathering spots for those wishing to support the 15,000 athletes.

Live musical entertainment will be stationed at various points along the 26.2-mile course to maintain energy levels for runners and spectators alike. Performance groups include Garforth Brass, the Roadblock Sound System, and the Leeds Saxophone Quartet.

Essential road closures and travel diversions

Significant traffic measures will be implemented across Leeds to ensure the safety of participants. Closures will be enacted on a rolling basis, with roads reopening once the final runners have passed and the route is cleared.

Direct access to Leeds Bradford Airport will be maintained via specific diversions. Emergency service access will also be preserved throughout the duration of the event. Residents in affected areas are advised to check the full schedule of temporary traffic orders to avoid disruption.

Travel and park and ride services

There is no dedicated event parking available in Headingley. Organizers strongly encourage spectators and participants to utilize the pre-booked park and ride services operating from Elland Road and Stourton.

Shuttle buses will also run between Leeds city centre and Headingley. All transport services, including the shuttle and park and ride, must be booked in advance to guarantee a space.

Supporting the fight against Motor Neurone Disease

While the marathon bears Rob Burrow’s name, the event supports a wide network of charitable organizations. In addition to the primary MND charities, partner organizations include the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Candlelighters, Macmillan Cancer Support, and St Gemma’s Hospice.

The weekend of events actually begins on Saturday, May 9, at the Leeds Beckett University Headingley campus. The MND Mile will take place there, offering a shorter, accessible route for participants of all ages and abilities. On Sunday, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon Relay will also run concurrently with the main race, featuring teams of seven tackling different sections of the course.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All, noted that the collective fundraising efforts remain the heartbeat of the event, thanking the local community for their patience during the necessary road closures.

Source: Leeds City Council