18 May 2023 Fundraising
The very first Rob Burrow Leeds marathon and half marathon took place on Sunday 14 May and runners for the MND Association have now raised over £1.5million in the fight against motor neurone disease. The hilly 26.2mile course from Headingley to Otley and back saw over 12,000 people take part for various charities, with the MND Association being named as one of the official charity partners of the race.
Among those taking on the challenge were Rugby League legends and MND Association patrons Rob Burrow MBE and Kevin Sinfield OBE, who crossed the finish line together after Kevin pushed Rob in his specially adapted wheelchair around the course filled with intense inclines.
Over 2000 runners of varying experience turned the streets of Leeds blue and orange to raise funds and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, raising over £1.5million across the full and half marathon distances.
Andy Roberts took part in the inaugural event for the Association. He said:
"I've never smiled so much doing a marathon. I loved the crowds, they were just amazing. There’s been lots of high fives and grabbing sweets. It was absolutely fantastic."
Rodrigo Santos was inspired to take part after seeing the friendship between Kevin and Rob. He said:
"Ever since I saw Kevin Sinfield doing his first 7 in 7 challenge for his mate, with no ulterior motive or bigger reason, I thought ‘I could see myself doing that’."
Linda Allen, Director of Fundraising at the MND Association said:
"The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2023 was an incredible example of what can be achieved when we all work towards the same goal – to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND), to support those affected, and to raise vital funds to beat it once and for all. Thank you to everyone who laced up their trainers to support this special event, named in honour of our patron Rob Burrow, who is one of the 5000 people living with MND in the UK right now. A special thanks must go to our incredible volunteers who provided support along the route, and our 2000+ runners who took part to raise funds for the MND Association. We are so grateful for your support, and together, we will beat MND."
Registrations are now open for the 2024 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. Find out more below.
