Leeds is preparing for its most significant sporting weekend of the year as the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon returns this Sunday, May 10. More than 15,000 participants are expected to flood the streets, bringing a wave of color and community spirit to a route that has become a hallmark of the city’s charitable identity. Taking place for the fourth time, the event continues the legacy of the Leeds Rhinos legend, raising vital funds for motor neurone disease (MND) charities and a host of local causes.
Race Day Schedule and Route Highlights
The marathon begins at 9:00 AM at the AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium. Runners will navigate a 26.2-mile circular course that winds through Woodhouse Moor before heading north toward Lawnswood, Bramhope, and Pool in Wharfedale. The route reaches a peak atmosphere in Otley before the return leg toward Headingley.
The Leeds Half Marathon starts shortly after at 10:00 AM from the same location, utilizing a significant portion of the full marathon’s course. Both races culminate with a finish line on the pitch at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium. Spectators should note that stadium tickets are currently sold out, and strict security measures are in place, including a prohibition on bags larger than A4 size.
Spectator Hubs and Live Entertainment
Organizers from Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, in partnership with Leeds City Council, have designated specific areas to maximize the experience for those cheering on the athletes. Two primary ‘cheer point’ hubs will offer concentrated energy and facilities for the public:
- Otley Road in Adel: A key vantage point for the early and late stages of the race.
- Otley Market Place: Known for its high-density crowds and vocal support as runners reach the town center.
The atmosphere will be bolstered by a lineup of local musical acts situated at various points along the 26.2-mile stretch. Performances from Garforth Brass, the Roadblock Sound System, and the Leeds Saxophone Quartet are scheduled to provide a rhythmic boost to both participants and spectators throughout the morning.
Essential Travel and Road Closure Information
To facilitate a safe environment for 15,000 runners, Leeds City Council will implement a series of rolling road closures. Residents and visitors are urged to plan journeys in advance, particularly those heading toward Leeds Bradford Airport, as diversions will be in effect.
| Location / Road Section | Closure Start Time |
|---|---|
| St Michael’s Lane & Newport View (Headingley) | 04:00 |
| Cardigan Road & Kirkstall Lane | 06:00 |
| Headingley Residential Side Roads | 07:30 |
| A660 (Headingley to Pool Bank New Road) | 08:00 – 08:30 |
| Pool in Wharfedale & Otley Center | 09:00 |
Roads will reopen on a rolling basis once the final participants have safely passed and the course is cleared. Emergency service access will be maintained at all times. For those traveling into Headingley, there is no dedicated event parking. Instead, the public is encouraged to use pre-booked park and ride services from Elland Road and Stourton, or shuttle buses operating from the city center.
What this means locally
- Community Engagement: Over 15,000 entrants and thousands of spectators will provide a significant footfall boost to businesses in Headingley and Otley.
- Charitable Impact: Fundraising efforts benefit the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, and local organizations like the Leeds North & West Foodbank.
- Transport Shifts: Significant bus route diversions and the suspension of on-street parking along the route from early Sunday morning.
Continuing the Legacy of Rob Burrow
Since his diagnosis in 2019, Rob Burrow worked alongside his family and friends to transform the landscape of MND care in the UK. This marathon remains a primary vehicle for that mission. Beyond the main Sunday races, the event weekend includes the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon Relay and the MND Mile. The latter takes place on Saturday, May 9, at the Leeds Beckett University Headingley campus, offering a space for participants of all ages and abilities to contribute to the cause.
Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All, emphasized the importance of community patience during the event, thanking residents and businesses for their role in making the marathon a success. The collective effort of volunteers, spectators, and athletes continues to showcase Leeds as a city capable of hosting world-class sporting events with a deep social purpose.
Source: Leeds City Council
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