Thousands come together for Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon | UK News

Thousands of runners have taken part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon – the first to be held since the rugby league star’s death.

Leeds Rhinos legend Burrow died last June aged 41 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019.

His wife Lindsey and best friend Kevin Sinfield were among those taking part to help raise money for MND.

Sinfield told the crowds that Burrow would be “looking down on us, proud as punch of what we have created here.”

Speaking before the run, the former Rhinos captain said: “Today is about looking after each other. Today is about making sure we get to the finish line. Today is about running for our little mate Rob Burrow.”

Sinfield, along with Lindsey, joined more than 10,000 people for the event, which is now in its third year.

It was the second marathon in the space of two weeks for Mrs Burrow, who completed the London Marathon last month.

Speaking to Radio Leeds after finishing the race, she said: “The city of Leeds have shown their support for Rob right from his diagnosis and to finish at Headingley Stadium is just so special.”

The race got underway at the stadium – the home of Leeds Rhinos – at 09:00 BST with the route passing through Woodhouse Moor, Adel, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley.

Runners were followed an hour later by those taking part in the half marathon.

Paul Green, from Doncaster, was one of thousands of people inspired by the Burrow family’s story.

The 71-year-old said he was running his first half marathon in memory of his wife who died from MND in 2017.

“It has been eight years, but it is still hard,” he said.

“I am running in memory of Joy. Hopefully she is approving of my lunacy doing it at this age.”

As well as fundraising for the MND Association, Mr Green volunteers as a “befriender”, helping to support people with the disease.

Mr Green, whose grandsons were running alongside him, said: “Hopefully together, we will get there and we will do this.”

Also taking part, Rob Tiffney, said he “knew nothing” about MND before hearing Mr Burrow’s story.

The 49-year-old is on day 406 of a 500-day challenge to run 5,000 miles.

Mr Tiffney said he was hoping to raise £35,000 for the MND Association.

“Everyday for 500 days, whatever the weather, I get out and raise as much money and awareness as I can.

“Rob definitely influenced others – look at all the people here today.

Jack Cummings, the fastest male marathon runner, said: “The support around the course was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It was insane.”

Katie Brown, who clocked up the fastest female time, described being “in shock” as she crossed the line.

“Coming through and seeing the tape and seeing the stadium was unbelievable.”

Meanwhile Sinfield, who famously carried Burrow over the finish line of the 2023 Leeds Marathon, ended the race hand in hand with rugby league player Jamie Jones-Buchanan and friend Dave Spencer.

He said: “I hope people are really proud of their runs. Rob would be immensely proud of what Leeds have done today.

“He sent the sunshine.”