Amazing fundraising landmark smashed in the name of Leeds legend Rob Burrow

Run For All announced today that the highly anticipated Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon has surpassed the £1 million mark in fundraising efforts, with just over one month to go until the event.

Inspired by former Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield OBE’s running challenges in recent years in support of his friend and team mate Rob, the event has motivated thousands of others to take on their own marathon challenge, whether it be the Motor Neurone Disease community or charity of their own choice.

This year’s marathon will raise funds for the two main partner charities; The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal and the Leeds Hospitals Charity, as well as a host of other charities.

Diagnosed with MND in December 2019, Rob and his family have continuously campaigned to raise awareness and funds to support everyone impacted by MND. Rob’s latest goal is to realise the dream of a new MND Care Centre in Leeds that will bear his name and support people living with MND and their families.

This very special event will be the county’s biggest, brightest and most exciting running event in recent history. Marking the first time that the city has hosted a marathon in over twenty years, inspiring fundraisers, club runners and first timers are getting ready to lace up their trainers for the 26.2-mile challenge.

Over half of the field are expected to be first time marathon runners, with the event reaching runners as far and wide as the US, Canada, South Africa and China. In a spectacle of colour and excitement, over 12,000 runners will be hitting the streets of Leeds on Sunday 14 May.

Kevin Sinfield, OBE commented on the milestone by saying: “The support for the MND community through the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon has been fantastic. Through the event we are able to provide hope for a community that have been in the dark for so long. MND isn’t incurable, it’s just been underfunded, so to host a marathon in honour of my mate Rob and all those living with MND is incredible.

“We have to continue banging the drum for MND and I know that Sunday 14 May will be able to shine a fantastic light on this cruel disease. It will hopefully provide a beacon of light for all those living with and affected by MND.”

To mark the occasion with one month to go until the event, a video of rugby league coach, former player and friend of Rob, Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, has been released. Famous faces, including boxing star and Leeds native Josh Warrington and Olympic Champion, Jonny Brownlee MBE, both make a cameo appearance

Commenting on the video, Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE said: “The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon runners are in for a tough but rewarding marathon route. From Yorkshire countryside to busy hotspots such as Headingley and Otley, the runners will experience the very best our city has to offer.

“The climb out of Otley mustn’t be underestimated, but with the help of the Marathon Motivators from Rothwell Harriers, the runners will be able to look back and be proud of their achievements. I already can’t wait for race day and to run the race, alongside my mates Rob and Kev. It will be a monumental day for our city and I know one that we will look back on in many years to come.”

The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is a partnership between Leeds City Council and Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All – the not-for-profit sporting events company that stages the popular Leeds Half Marathon and Yorkshire Marathon.