Leeds is entering the final stages of preparation for the fourth annual Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. On Sunday, May 10, more than 15,000 participants will take to the streets, supported by thousands of spectators in an event that has become a cornerstone of the city’s sporting and charitable calendar.
Organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in partnership with Leeds City Council, the event serves as a major fundraising vehicle for the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity. The marathon and the concurrent Leeds Half Marathon follow a circular route starting and ending at the AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, winding through Woodhouse Moor, Lawnswood, Bramhope, and Otley.
Spectator Hubs and Live Entertainment Locations
To manage the expected crowds and enhance the atmosphere, two dedicated spectator ‘cheer points’ have been established at Otley Road in Adel and Otley Market Place. These hubs are designed to concentrate support for runners at key points during the 26.2-mile course.
Musical entertainment will be stationed along the route to maintain momentum for athletes and spectators alike. Confirmed performers include Garforth Brass, the Roadblock Sound System, and the Leeds Saxophone Quartet. These acts will be positioned at various intervals to provide a rhythmic backdrop to the race.
Comprehensive Road Closure Schedule for Sunday
Extensive traffic management measures will be implemented across Leeds to ensure the safety of the 15,000 entrants. Closures begin as early as 4:00 AM and will be reopened on a rolling basis once the final participants have cleared each section.
| Time | Affected Areas and Road Closures |
|---|---|
| 04:00 | St Michael’s Lane and Newport View (Headingley) closed to all vehicles. |
| 06:00 | Cardigan Road, Beechwood Crescent, and Kirkstall Lane/North Lane closures begin. |
| 07:30 | Secondary road closures implemented across wider Headingley. |
| 08:00 – 08:30 | A660 closures between Headingley and Pool Bank New Road (via Lawnswood Roundabout). |
| 09:00 | Final closures take effect around Pool in Wharfedale and Otley. |
Emergency service access will be maintained throughout the duration of the event. Residents and businesses located along the route have been advised by Leeds City Council to familiarise themselves with these temporary measures to mitigate disruption.
Essential Travel and Parking Arrangements
There is no dedicated event parking available in Headingley. Organisers are urging spectators and participants to utilise the pre-booked park and ride services operating from Elland Road and Stourton. Shuttle buses will also run between Leeds city centre and Headingley, though these also require advance booking.
For those heading to the finish line, spectator tickets for the pitch-side viewing at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium are now sold out. Security protocols at the stadium dictate that no bags larger than A4 size will be permitted inside the grounds.
Supporting the Legacy of Rob Burrow
The event continues the work started by Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow following his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis in 2019. Beyond the primary MND charities, the marathon supports a network of local organisations including Candlelighters, St Gemma’s Hospice, and the Leeds North & West Foodbank.
In addition to the main Sunday races, Leeds Beckett University’s Headingley campus will host the MND Mile on Saturday, May 9. This inclusive event is designed for participants of all abilities, ensuring the community impact of the weekend begins before the first marathon runner crosses the start line.
Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All, noted that the collective fundraising efforts remain a priority, while Leeds City Council representatives highlighted the ‘electric’ atmosphere that spectators traditionally bring to the course. The marathon starts at 09:00, followed by the half marathon at 10:00.
Source: Leeds City Council
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