Leeds is preparing to host one of its major sporting and fundraising highlights of the year — the 2025 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
With just weeks to go until race day on Sunday, May 11, residents and visitors are being encouraged to plan ahead for travel and traffic disruptions. Thousands of runners are set to take part in the third annual marathon, held in partnership with Clarion and organised by the not-for-profit sporting events company Run For All, with support from Leeds City Council. The event not only raises vital funds for a host of charities but also serves as a celebration of the life and legacy of the late Leeds Rhinos legend, Rob Burrow.
Large crowds are expected to line the scenic 26.2-mile route, which winds through some of Leeds’ most picturesque communities and countryside, including Woodhouse Moor, Adel, Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale, and Otley. The marathon will start and finish at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, alongside the Leeds Half Marathon, which shares much of the same course. Together, the two events have attracted more than 12,000 entrants.
To ensure the day runs smoothly and safely, a series of temporary road closures and traffic measures will be implemented. Part of St Michael’s Lane in Headingley will close to vehicles from 4am on May 11, with sections of Cardigan Road and Kirkstall Lane/North Lane following at 6am. Additional closures in parts of Headingley and Far Headingley will come into effect between 6am and 8am.
From 8.30am, further road closures will be introduced in the Adel, Lawnswood, and Bramhope areas, followed by closures around Pool in Wharfedale and Otley from 9am. The marathon will officially start at 9am, with runners in the half marathon setting off from Headingley an hour later at 10am. Roads will reopen on a rolling basis as soon as it is safe to do so.
Those travelling to Headingley are encouraged to use park and ride services operating from Elland Road and Stourton, or take advantage of shuttle buses running between the city centre and Headingley, as there will be no dedicated event parking available nearby.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development said:
“The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is a wonderful occasion that has to date raised more than £9m for charity while shining a really positive light on our city. We have been working hard alongside our partners at Run For All to ensure that this year’s event is another huge success, with traffic planning forming an important element of those preparations.
“We’re encouraging everyone to find the time between now and May 11 to see how they might be affected by the temporary road closures that are needed for the safe and smooth delivery of the marathon. We will be doing everything we can to minimise the impact of these measures, and thank residents in advance for their patience and understanding.
“Having taken part in the first two marathons, I’m looking forward to running again next month and enjoying the fantastic sense of camaraderie and excitement that the event brings.”
Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All said:
“Here at Run For All, we’re once again honoured to be organising the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in partnership with Clarion, which not only showcases the strength and spirit of the running community but also raises crucial awareness and funds in the fight against MND.
“The addition of the MND Mile and Relay provides a fantastic opportunity for everyone to be part of such an inspirational weekend and we encourage as many as possible to come along and get involved.
“As with other events of this scale, significant road closures will be in place to ensure the safety of all involved and we’re working in partnership with Leeds City Council, emergency services and multi-agency planning groups to make sure the event is operated safely and securely.
“We would like to thank all residents in advance for their understanding and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused. Please be assured that all closures will be lifted as soon as possible.”
This year’s marathon will be particularly poignant, marking the first to be held since Rob Burrow’s passing. Rob, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019, became a tireless advocate for MND awareness and better care for those affected. The event will once again support a wide range of causes, including the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, 4Ed, Candlelighters, Alzheimer’s Society, and many others.
Adding to the excitement, 2025 will see the launch of two new events: the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon Relay, where teams of seven will complete different legs of the marathon, and the inaugural MND Mile, held at Leeds Beckett University’s Headingley campus on Saturday, May 10, offering a mile-long course accessible to all ages and abilities.
Run For All is a not-for-profit organisation created as part of the enduring legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson CBE. An amateur athlete and fundraiser from Leeds, Jane captured international attention by completing a series of extraordinary endurance challenges after being diagnosed with incurable cancer.
With excitement mounting, organisers are encouraging everyone in Leeds to plan their travel and join in the day’s spirit — whether by running, volunteering, or supporting from the sidelines.
Full details on road closures, including vehicle crossing points and access leaflets for specific areas, can be found at www.runforall.com
