It’s finally here! Today marks the second-ever Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Half-Marathon, and both Burrow and his best mate Kevin Sinfield have provided a last-minute message to all those competing and supporting.
The marathon finally returned to Leeds last year and who better to name it in honour of than the city’s rugby league legend Rob Burrow? That inaugural event would help raise over £4 million and there are ambitions and hope for an even larger figure this year.
Unlike last year, Rob Burrow won’t be taking part in the event but he has sent a message to fans and competitors that he will be at the start line to cheer on those who are involved.
The former Leeds Rhinos legend send his message out via Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All’s social media page, the charity being one of those organising the event.
Burrow said: “Hi there everyone, it’s Rob. I just want to wish all the runners taking part in this year’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Half Marathon the very best of luck.
“Although I won’t be taking part in the marathon this year, I will be there at the start line to cheer you on and make sure that you enjoy the day and keep smiling.
“Thank you to everyone taking part and good luck. Rob”
A similar message has also been sent by rugby league’s very own ironman Kevin Sinfield with the former Rhinos captain adding the Marathon as another one of his many incredible fundraising feats in aid of Rob Burrow and Motor Neurone Disease research.
Rob Burrow Marathon – Kevin Sinfield’s finals words of encouragement
Credit: Imago Images
Last year’s Marathon saw the iconic and emotional scenes of Sinfield carrying Burrow over the line for the final few metres of the 26.2 mile-long course and Sinfield has reflected on that in his final message to those attending as either competitors or spectators.
Speaking via BBC Yorkshire, Sinfield said: “Rob means a lot to all of us and to see so many people out on the streets last year proved that.
“Last year was incredible for so many different reasons but the main one being the spirit out on the streets and the spirit between the runners. The way that Leeds got behind it was fantastic.
“To have the experience of having just over four hours with Rob when pushing him around was something that I’ll never forget. Every moment I get to spend with him is special and that’s not lost on me.”
Sinfield has previously spoke fondly about the ‘lease of life’ that his best mate Rob Burrow has given him and whilst the pair won’t be competing together this year, Sinfield is still hopeful that the people lining the streets will be as supportive as in previous fundraising efforts.
“I hope the spirit is still as lively, bubbly and caring as it was last year,” Sinfield explained.
“There were people standing on the streets handing out jelly babies and bananas and drinks. Please do the same again.
“Good luck, make sure you hydrate properly and make sure you look after each other. Don’t set off too quickly.”
The marathon hasn’t been the only event on in Leeds this week with the Premier League Darts taking place on Thursday evening and Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos fan Luke Humphries, the current World Champion, also offered up an incredible gesture to Rob Burrow.
Humphries changed up his traditional shirt and has revealed that he will be auctioning off that one-of-a-kind Leeds-based design with funds going to Rob Burrow and the MND Association.
Details on the Marathon and how to donate to the MND Association can be found here.
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