Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2024 raises half a million for MND Association

The second Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon has raised nearly half a million pounds for the MND Association, and the total is still rising, as thousands of runners take part.  

Starting on Sunday morning (May 12) at 9am, the 26.2mile course spanned Headingley to Otley and back – with 14,000 people hitting the streets for various charities.

The 13.1 mile half marathon explores much of the same route, with over 1000 competitors of differing experience turning the streets of Leeds blue and orange.

Kevin Sinfield, whose friendship with former teammate Rob Burrow has inspired thousands across the world, took part again this year after carrying his friend over the finish line in 2023. He told the MND Association:

 “It was great to see the orange and blue today and many different charities represented today – the main one being the MND Association.  

“As people know, I am a very proud supporter and last year was incredible but today is equally as special. I can’t wait to see the numbers raised – especially for MND charities.  

“I can’t thank people enough including the volunteers and all those that have helped create this today. Every single runner has put hard work in and has made it such a special day.  

“I’m going to celebrate by eating a load of junk food and a non-alcoholic pint. We haven’t announced the next challenge yet but we are going again so watch this space.”

 

As it stands, over £486,000 has been collected so far for the MND Association across the full and half marathon distances. Jo Coker, Director of Income Generation, said: 

“This is an amazing day to be involved in and a wonderful feeling to witness a sea of orange and blue runners take part for the MND Association.  

“A big thank you to everyone who laced up their trainers and took to the streets of Leeds to support this special event.

“Our gratitude must also go to our incredible volunteers who provided support along the course.  

“Today was yet another incredible example of what can be achieved when we all work towards the same goal.  

“We will continue to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND), support those affected, and raise vital funds to eventually beat it.”

 

Helen Wilson, whose husband David was diagnosed with MND in 2021, said their three daughters were all taking part in the marathon. 

At the last Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, she pushed David around the course so they could do one more run together. She added: 

“Having our girls run round for their dad is amazing. On the start line, seeing the sea of MND t-shirts just means a phenomenal amount.

“It is incredibly emotional, and I hope it's the start of something. It is too late for David but not for other people who still live in hope for treatment.  

“I am unbelievably proud of our three daughters but as David and I were the runners in the family, I have serious run envy watching!”

 

We second this 🙋‍♂️ Congratulations to all of the runners, volunteers and staff for making #RobBurrowLeedsMarathon a day to remember. Will you be celebrating with some junk food like Kev? pic.twitter.com/yFeqoIslJF

— MND Association (@mndassoc) May 12, 2024