Leeds prepares for Rob Burrow Marathon and Half Marathon

City gears up for major running events on Sunday

Leeds is set to host the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Leeds Half Marathon on Sunday, 10 May 2026, with thousands of runners expected to take part in the fundraising events. The races, organised by the not-for-profit company Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in partnership with Leeds City Council, will once again bring a vibrant atmosphere to the city’s streets.

Event details and route

The marathon, now in its fourth year, will start and finish at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium. The 26.2-mile circular route will initially pass around Woodhouse Moor before heading towards Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale, and Otley. The half marathon will follow much of the same course.

In addition to the marathon and half marathon, the day will feature the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon Relay, where teams of seven will cover different sections of the full route.

Road closures and travel arrangements

To facilitate the events, a series of temporary road closures and travel measures will be in place throughout Sunday:

• Parts of St Michael’s Lane and Newport View in Headingley will close to vehicles from 4am.
• Additional closures on Cardigan Road, Beechwood Crescent (St Annes Drive direction only), Kirkstall Lane/North Lane, and the Cardigan Road-St Michael’s Grove section of St Michael’s Lane will begin at 6am.
• Other selected roads in Headingley will close from 7.30am.
• The A660 stretch between Headingley and Pool Bank New Road, including Lawnswood Roundabout and Bramhope, will close between 8am and 8.30am.
• Further closures will take effect around Pool in Wharfedale and Otley from 9am.

The marathon will start at 9am, with the half marathon commencing at 10am. Roads will reopen on a rolling basis as soon as it is safe, with emergency service access maintained throughout.

Full details on road closures, diversions, and vehicle crossing points are available on the Leeds City Council website.

Transport and spectator information

People travelling to Headingley are encouraged to use park and ride services from Elland Road and Stourton, which require advance booking. Shuttle buses will operate between the city centre and Headingley, also requiring prior booking. There will be no dedicated event parking in Headingley.

The finish line for both races will be on the pitch at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium. Spectator tickets for inside the stadium have sold out. Attendees should note that bags larger than A4 size are not permitted inside the ground.

Community involvement and fundraising

The marathon is named after Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019 and has since worked to raise awareness and improve care for those affected. Funds raised by the event will support the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity.

Other partner charities benefiting from the event include:

• Jane Tomlinson Appeal
• Candlelighters
• Happy Days Children’s Charity
• Leeds North & West Foodbank
• Leeds Rhinos Foundation
• Macmillan Cancer Support
• St Gemma’s Hospice

Additional activities

On Saturday, 9 May, Leeds Beckett University’s Headingley campus will host the MND Mile, an inclusive Run For All event designed for participants of all ages and abilities.

Advice to residents and visitors

Leeds City Council has advised residents, businesses, and visitors to familiarise themselves with the temporary road closures and travel arrangements ahead of the events. The council and event organisers will work to minimise disruption and thank the local community for their patience and understanding.

For more information on the event, road closures, and travel arrangements, visit the Leeds City Council website.