Rob Burrow 'sent sun to shine on marathon runners'

Rugby league legend and fundraiser Kevin Sinfield said his best friend, the late Rob Burrow, had "sent the sun to shine" on thousands of runners taking part in the Leeds marathon held in his honour.

Runners, who were joined by crowds of spectators and volunteers, gathered for the fourth Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, which set off from Headingley Stadium earlier.

Burrow died from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in June 2024.

The marathon was launched in 2023 to honour Burrow's campaign to fund research into the disease.

Sinfield, who pushed his former teammate Burrow around the course during the inaugural marathon before carrying him across the finish line, said the atmosphere "made it such a special event".

He added: "This is the fourth year year we've had great weather and unfortunately the last couple without Rob, but he's still sending glorious sunshine for us."

Sinfield, who has raised millions for MND research through a series of endurance challenges, praised everyone who had taken part in the marathon and half marathon.

He said: "It's really powerful when you run for someone else - for friends and family and there's so many out there doing that.

"My hat goes off to everyone, because without them turning out and doing it and without them putting those hours in, we wouldn't have such a wonderful event here in Leeds."

This year's event was held in support of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal, as well as the MND Association.

Burrow and his family successfully raised funds and campaigned for an MND centre to be built in the city where he spent his sporting career.

Among those taking part was Burrow's wife Lindsey, who completed the run as part of a relay team.

She said they were running not only in her husband's memory but also in tribute to his father Geoff Burrow, who died earlier this year.

"We had Geoff on the start line last year so Rob and Geoff not being here is tough, but we run in their memory and to make them proud."

She added: "I think the spirit and community of Leeds is brilliant and people really come out to support this event."

Another runner drawing huge support was Ian Flatt, from York, who has MND.

He said he was taking on his fourth and final marathon.

Diagnosed seven years ago, he completed the course supported by a team of people, to raise money for the Leeds Hospitals Charity and the MND centre.

Speaking before taking on the run, Flatt, who has undertaken countless fundraising challenges, said: "You can get so much joy out of life regardless of the challenges you may face.

"There's so much love and friendship in this community. You've got to embrace life and just enjoy it."

Jo Coker, from the MND Association, described the atmosphere as "absolutely electric".

She said 541 runners raised funds for the charity.

"This was a little known disease five years ago," she said.

"Rob [Burrow] made a huge difference to the awareness levels and there are people out there who are really carrying that forward."

She said money raised not only went towards research and treatment but also to supporting families living with MND.

"Over £4m will go towards to help them with things like housing adaptations, equipment they might need but also for those around them."

About 45,000 people have taken part in the marathon and a half marathon since the event began.

This year, about 5,000 runners are thought to have taken part, raising funds for various charities.

Another runner, Perry, was joined by his friends brandishing a large banner with the promise of a treat when he finished.

One of his friends explained: "He lives on the Isle of Wight and they don't have a Greggs there, so we're convinced that one of the main reasons he's come for the marathon is so he can go to Greggs after."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.