Leeds, England, United Kingdom
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon honours the Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend and MND campaigner, drawing approximately 4,380 finishers each May through Yorkshire's largest city. The course passes Kirkstall Abbey, Roundhay Park, and the Leeds city centre before finishing outside Headingley Stadium. May's Yorkshire spring and enthusiastic local crowds make it one of northern England's most emotional community marathons.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 23 May 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is an urban road that starts at Leeds Dock or the city centre and finishes outside Headingley Stadium. The loop passes Kirkstall Abbey, Roundhay Park, and the Leeds-Bradford canal corridor. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is held in May, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is through https://www.runforall.com/events/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon/.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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