LOCAL Councillors Colin Campbell, Ryk Downes and Sandy Lay are looking forward to Sunday, May 14 when the prestigious Leeds Rob Burrow Marathon will be coming through Otley.

The marathon was inspired by former Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield OBE and his running challenges in support of his friend and former team mate Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow MBE.

The marathon will begin at Headingley Stadium and take runners through many of the diverse and scenic neighbourhoods of Leeds. The circular route will take runners around Woodhouse Moor, before travelling up through Headingley, Adel and Bramhope. Runners will then travel through the villages of Arthington and Pool-in-Wharfedale, before weaving through the historic market town of Otley. Runners will then make the journey back to Headingley for a stadium finish.

"This will be an important event in the running calender attracting runners from all over the country and reinforcing the strong local interest in running locally," said Cllr Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon), who will be taking part in the run.

"It's also good news for the town," said Cllr Lay (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon). "The publicity the event will generate and the visitors it will encourage can have a positive effect with extra local spending to help traders."

"We are asking everyone to put the date in their diary," said Cllr Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon). "Go along to cheer the runners and give Ryk an encouraging clap."

The marathon aims to drive awareness and funds for the Leeds Hospital’s Charity’ appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds, as well as the MND Association. However, participants can fundraise for a charity of their own choice.

Partner charities for the event include; The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal, MND Association, Candlelighters, St Georges Crypt, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “This event will showcase the very best of Leeds, from its stunning scenery to its willingness to go that extra mile to help others, and it promises to be one of the highlights of a busy 2023 for the city as a whole."

Organisers Run For All are working in partnership with Leeds City Council and Kevin Sinfield to make the event possible. Since it’s launch in March 2022 over 12,000 entries having been received.

Entries are still open and potential participants can enter at www.runforall.com