Kevin Sinfield honours Rob Burrow with brand new Leeds Marathon
Rob Burrow is to be honoured with a new marathon in his name in Leeds, inspired by his friend and former captain Kevin Sinfield.
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will be born on May 14 next year. There will be 7,777 places to be made available for runners to take on the 26.2mile distance.
It will be the first time a marathon has been staged in Leeds for 20 years. The race will start and finish at Burrow’s spiritual home, Headingley Stadium.
The run is the brainchild of the Rhinos’ legendary captain Sinfield. The now Leicester Tigers defence coach has completed a series of gruelling endurance challenges since Burrow’s diagnosis. He has raised millions of pounds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
This new event will raise funds for Leeds Hospitals Charity. The goal is to fulfil Burrow’s dream, to build The Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds.
“It is wonderful to see the marathon return to the streets of Leeds,” says Burrow.
“I am particularly pleased to see the event combines the half marathon and a family run so that everyone, of all abilities, can get involved. Good luck to everyone who signs up and thank you for your support.”
Burrow was given the devastating diagnosis in December 2019. He was recently awarded an MBE for both his services to rugby league and his work in raising awareness of the disease.
“It’s been amazing to see people in Leeds and beyond get behind Rob on his journey over the last few years,” adds Sinfield.
“Seeing the launch of a dedicated event in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is an incredible feeling.”
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Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington believes the news creates a massive lasting legacy for the club’s legendary number 7.
Hetherington said: “We are honoured to be able to host the start and finish of the new Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon at Headingley Stadium.
“To be able to bring together thousands of people to start and finish at our home where Rob and Kevin achieved so much is really special.”
The event is a partnership between Leeds City Council and events company Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All. Jane raised £1.85m for children’s and cancer charities before her death from cancer in 2007.
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