Rugby League icon Kevin Sinfield sets up new Leeds marathon in honour of Rhinos legend Rob Burrow to raise funds for MND Care Centre in the city
- The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will start and end at Headingley Stadium
- The run on May 14 is the brainchild of Burrow’s former captain Kevin Sinfield
- There will be 7,777 places available – a nod to his No 7 shirt number at Leeds
A new marathon in Leeds has been launched in honour of Rhinos legend and motor neurone disease sufferer Rob Burrow.
The run is the brainchild of Burrow’s former captain Kevin Sinfield and will take place for the first time on May 14 next year.
It will raise funds for the Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, as well as the MND Association.
Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow launch the new Leeds Marathon at Headingley Stadium
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will start and end at Headingley Stadium, where Burrow played for the Rhinos from 2001 to 2017, and there will be 7,777 places available – a nod to his No 7 shirt number.
‘It’s been amazing to see people in Leeds and beyond get behind Rob on this journey over the last few years, and seeing the launch of a dedicated event in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is an incredible feeling,’ said Sinfield.
‘This event is a vital next step in ensuring we raise even more money, and help to make Rob’s dream of opening a new MND Care Centre in Leeds a reality.
‘We just want to keep banging the drum. We need to find a cure. It’s a terrible disease and it’s been massively underfunded over the years.
Family and friends show their support for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 14 next year
‘We’ve got to keep fighting. Every penny helps.’
The event marks the first time Leeds has hosted a marathon since 2003. The existing Leeds Half Marathon and a family run will take place on the same day next year.
‘It’s crazy that a city like Leeds doesn’t have a marathon and it should have one,’ added Sinfield, who ran 101 miles in honour of Burrow last year as well as seven marathons in seven days in 2020.
‘The fact it’s going to be in Rob’s name is brilliant. He’ll be on that start line setting us off. I think his wife Lindsey’s running and we’ll get as many former team-mates together and try to hobble round.’
Sinfield hopes the fundraising effort can boost plans to open a MND Care Centre in Leeds
Burrow, 39, added: ‘I am so proud to have a marathon named after me. Everything about the amazing city of Leeds is class. I’m going to have to take part in my electric wheelchair. I will start now and get fit! This is for all charities in particular the MND community!
‘Any opportunity to raise awareness and funds to fight MND is wonderful and I know that so much money will be raised by those taking part for so many great causes that are personal to each runner.
‘I am particularly pleased to see that the event combines the half marathon and a family fun run so that everyone, of all abilities, can get involved.
‘Good luck to everyone who signs up and thank you for your support.’
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