THE Leeds Half Marathon is back for 2023 and has unveiled a brand new route.

Traditionally following a city centre start and finish, runners can now look forward to a brand new 13.1-mile route which will take in Leeds most scenic countryside and outer suburbs.

Starting and finishing at the home of the Leeds Rhinos, Headingley Stadium, the 2023 Leeds Half Marathon route will take runners on a journey around Woodhouse Moor before travelling up through Headingley, Adel and into Bramhope before returning back to Headingley for a stadium finish.

The event takes place on Sunday, May 14, the same day as the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, which also starts and finishes at Headingley Stadium, taking in scenic countryside, including Otley Chevin, Bramhope and Arthington. The event will honour Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow MBE and help raise vital funds for the Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, as well as the MND Association.

The Leeds Half Marathon is run by not-for-profit events company, Run For All, in partnership with Leeds City Council. It will be the 29th staging of the event, and will mark 20 years since Jane Tomlinson officially started the race in 2003.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “The Leeds Half Marathon is a fantastic occasion and one that I know many, many people look forward to supporting each year.

"The council is proud to be involved with an event that promotes such a spirit of inclusivity while also doing incredible work for good causes, honouring and building upon the fundraising legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson.

"This year’s new route looks really exciting and I’m delighted that it will showcase so much of our city’s stunning countryside as well as the world-famous sporting landmark that is Headingley Stadium.”

Mike Tomlinson, CEO of Run For All, added: “We are delighted to see the return of the Leeds Half Marathon in our home city of Leeds. As a highlight in the region’s sporting calendar, we are delighted to be offering a brand-new and exciting route for participants to enjoy.

"As always, it will be our mission to facilitate an event that removes barriers to participation and we hope to inspire people to join us for a great day of running, regardless of age or ability or reason for taking part.”

Due to a limited number of entries available for the event, runners are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Runners are encouraged to fundraise for their own charity of choice or one of the event’s partner charities; the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Alzheimer’s Society, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Candlelighters, Macmillan Cancer Support, St George’s Crypt and Leeds Hospitals Charity.

Entries are now open for the Leeds Half Marathon, with an early bird offer available for one week only. To sign up and check the route out, participants are encouraged to go to www.runforall.com