Next race
Sunday, 9 May 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Approximately 4,380 finishers
Course & terrain
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 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.
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 50 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is held in May, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is through https://www.runforall.com/events/marathon/leeds-marathon/.
Getting there
Leeds, West Yorkshire (LBA)
Leeds Bradford Airport
11 km / 7 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
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Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
