Run For Rob: The 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon — Everything You Need to Know

Today, Sunday May 10, 2026, the streets of Leeds have been transformed into a river of colour, courage, and community spirit as more than 15,000 runners take on one of the most emotionally powerful marathons in the United Kingdom. The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon — now in its fourth year — is not just a race. It is a tribute, a movement, and a reminder that even in the face of the cruellest of illnesses, the human spirit refuses to stand still.

The Man Behind the Marathon

To understand why this event resonates so deeply with so many people, you have to understand who Rob Burrow was. Former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019. Since then, Rob and his family campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and funds to support other families living with MND. Rob — a diminutive but ferociously skilled rugby league player who won eight Super League titles with Leeds Rhinos — became one of the most beloved figures in British sport, not just for what he did on the pitch, but for the extraordinary dignity and determination he showed in his battle with MND. Supported publicly and passionately by his former captain and best friend Kevin Sinfield, Rob's fight drew national attention and raised millions for MND research before his death in June 2024. The marathon that bears his name is one of his most enduring legacies. 

The 2026 Edition: Bigger Than Ever

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. Thousands of enthusiastic athletes are 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. 

Over 13,000 participants are expected to take part in today's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon alone, with the two events — the full marathon and the Leeds Half Marathon — having together attracted more than 15,000 entrants. 

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 has also been given a tuneful extra lift by musical entertainment from acts and groups such as Garforth Brass, Roadblock Sound System and Leeds Saxophone Quartet. 

The Route: Yorkshire Beauty in 26.2 Miles

Starting at 9am, the marathon starts and ends at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, with runners following a circular route that initially winds around Woodhouse Moor before striking out for Adel, Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley. 

The most talked-about section remains the challenging stretch through Otley, which tests even experienced runners with its elevation changes and undulating Yorkshire terrain. The route uses Leeds roads with enough climbing to make it a strength race rather than a pure personal best setup. This is not the course for those chasing flat-road records — it is the course for those running with purpose. 

The Leeds Half Marathon, which is also taking place today, set off from Headingley at 10am and uses much of the same route. The finishing line for both races is on the pitch at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium — a setting that adds a uniquely theatrical quality to the final strides of every runner. 

A Relay for Those Who Dream of Running Together

For those who wanted to be part of the day without taking on the full 26.2 miles alone, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon Relay in partnership with Clarion Solicitors is back by popular demand, inviting groups of seven to take on the 26.2-mile course collectively. Each team-mate runs a set distance before passing the metaphorical rugby ball to the next, aiming to cross the finish line in the quickest combined time. It is a format that perfectly mirrors the team spirit at the heart of rugby league — and the spirit of Rob Burrow himself.

The Charities: Running for Something Bigger

The 2026 edition continues the event's powerful charitable mission. The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon aims to drive awareness and funds for the Leeds Hospitals Charity's appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease — a vision of Dr Agam Jung, Consultant Neurologist and clinical lead for the MND service. The Leeds Hospitals Charity is aiming to raise £5 million to build the Centre, which will see all MND services housed under one roof for the first time. 

The event's partner charities also include the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Candlelighters, Happy Days Children's Charity, Leeds North and West Foodbank, Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, St Gemma's Hospice, and My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. While MND remains the heart of the event's mission, runners are encouraged to fundraise for any charity that matters to them — creating a day in which thousands of deeply personal stories of loss, hope, and resilience converge on a single finishing line. 

The Atmosphere: What Makes This Race Different

Known for its uplifting atmosphere, passionate supporters and unforgettable spirit, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon raises millions for charities every year. Previous finishers have described it in language you rarely hear attached to a road race. One described seeing Leeds "flooded with orange and blue" — the colours of the MND awareness movement and Leeds Rhinos — as something they would never forget. Another called it "fantastic, overwhelming... Leeds you stole my heart." 

Headingley, Adel, and Otley have proven to be particularly popular cheer points, full of energy and encouragement — and spectator tickets for AMT Headingley Stadium sold out well in advance, reflecting the extraordinary level of public support this event generates. 

A City That Shows Up

Leeds City Council has encouraged people to turn out in numbers to support the runners and help showcase Leeds as a city that always rises to the big occasion. The council noted that the marathon is an event that truly brings the city together, with streets lining with supporters who understand that the runners are not just racing — they are raising funds, honouring the memory of a hero, and telling the world that MND will not be ignored. 

Why It Matters

Motor Neurone Disease is a devastating, progressive condition that attacks the nerves controlling movement, speech, and breathing. There is currently no cure. Every person running today — whether they finish in under three hours or take six — is contributing to the effort to change that reality. The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, when built, will be the first facility in Leeds to house all MND services under one roof, providing patients and families with coordinated, specialist care in one place.

Inspired by the remarkable strength and courage of Rob Burrow, this marathon has become a powerful celebration of community, resilience, and hope. That is perhaps the most fitting tribute of all — that a man who faced the most frightening of diagnoses with a smile and an unwavering refusal to give up has inspired more than fifteen thousand people to lace up their trainers, hit the streets of Yorkshire, and run for something that matters. 

Sources:

Here are the numbered sources for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026 article:

1. Yorkshire Evening Post (Road Closures & Live Updates) — https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/traffic-and-travel/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon-2026-everything-you-need-to-know-8512518
2. Yorkshire Evening Post (Live Blog) — https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/thousands-of-runners-take-on-rob-burrow-leeds-marathon-8515331
3. Leeds City Council Newsroom — https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/city-set-for-supporting-role-as-countdown-continues-to-rob-burrow-leeds-marathon
4. Run For All (Official Event Page) — https://www.runforall.com/events/marathon/leeds-marathon/
5. Run For All (Partner Charities) — https://www.runforall.com/community/people-stories/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon-partner-charities/
6. Run For All (Relay Event) — https://www.runforall.com/events/corporate-challenges/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon-relay-in-partnership-with-clarion/
7. MND Association (Marathon Page) — https://fundraising.mndassociation.org/event/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon/home
8. MND Association (FAQs) — https://fundraising.mndassociation.org/faqs/leeds-marathon-faqs
9. My Name'5 Doddie Foundation — https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/take-action/join-a-challenge/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon-2026/
10. Save the Rhino International — https://www.savetherhino.org/get-involved/events/2026-rob-burrow-leeds-marathon/
11. Sunday Guardian Live (Route & Schedule) — https://sundayguardianlive.com/sports/leeds-marathon-2026-route-map-live-streaming-schedule-and-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-run-for-rob-tribute-event-190772/
12. MarathonScout (Race Guide) — https://marathonscout.com/races/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon
13. EyUp Charity — https://eyupcharity.org/product/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon-2026/
14. TimeOutdoors (Event Listing) — https://www.timeoutdoors.com/events/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon