Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026: Leeds is preparing for one of its biggest sporting events of the year as more than 13,000 runners are set to participate in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026 on Sunday, May 10.
The marathon will bring large crowds, major road closures, bus diversions and heavy traffic across several parts of the city, including Headingley, Adel, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley.
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to plan their journeys as many roads and public transport services will remain affected throughout the day.
What is the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon?
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is an annual marathon event organised in memory of the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow. The event is delivered by Run For All in partnership with Leeds City Council.
The marathon has become one of the most emotional and inspiring sporting events in the UK, attracting thousands of runners who raise money for charities and important causes.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026: Start Time, End Time & Schedule
The marathon will officially begin at 9:00 AM, while the Leeds Half Marathon starts at 10:00 AM.
Expected Event Schedule:
- Marathon Start: 9:00 AM
- Half Marathon Start: 10:00 AM
- Major Road Closures Begin: Around 7:30 AM
- Rolling Reopenings Start: Around 4:45 PM
- Final Restrictions Lifted: Around 6:00 PM
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026 Venue: Start & Finish Place
The marathon starts and finishes at Headingley Stadium.
Runners will begin near St Michael's Lane before passing through several areas of Leeds, including Woodhouse Moor, Adel, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley, before returning to Headingley for the finish.
The stadium area is expected to remain extremely busy throughout the day.
Who Does the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon Raise Money For?
Participants are encouraged to raise money for charities close to their hearts.
Official partner charities include:
- Motor Neurone Disease Association
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- Leeds Hospitals Charity
- Candlelighters
- Leeds Rhinos Foundation
- St Gemma's Hospice
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026: Which Roads Will Be Affected?
Core city & Headingley area
- St Michael's Lane
- Newport View
- Cardigan Road
- Kirkstall Lane / North Lane
- Headingley Lane
- Otley Road (A660 section through Headingley)
- Victoria Road
- Woodhouse Lane
- Cavendish Road
- Hyde Park Road
- Clarendon Road
- Moorland Road
- Bainbrigge Road
A660 corridor (major closure spine)
- A660 Leeds Road / Otley Road (entire stretch through north Leeds)
- A660 Headingley Lane → Lawnswood Roundabout → Bramhope → Pool → Otley
- Otley Old Road (sections)
- Spen Lane / Weetwood Lane junction areas
- St. Anne's Road / Shaw Lane sections
North Leeds / suburban areas
- Adel Lane
- Church Lane
- Eccup Lane
- King Lane
- Black Hill Lane
- Arthington Lane
- Creskeld Lane
- East Chevin Road
- Leeds Road (approach to Otley)
Wharfedale / Otley & surrounding towns
- Boroughgate (Otley town centre)
- Kirkgate (Otley)
- Cross Green (Otley)
- Gay Lane
- Main Street (Pool in Wharfedale)
- Pool Road
- A658 Harrogate Road (sections)
- A658 Pool Bank New Road
Additional connecting/residential roads
- St Chad's Drive
- St Chad's Avenue
- Alwoodley Lane links
- Farrar Lane
- Long Causeway
- Birdcage Walk
- University Road
- Kings Road (selected sections)
- Bridge Street (Otley diversion routes)
- Cattle Market Street (temporary access point)
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026: Road Closures Timings
Road closures began at 4:00 AM in Headingley for marathon preparations.
Important closure timings:
- 4:00 AM: Initial setup closures
- 6:00 AM: Additional route restrictions
- 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Full marathon route closures
- 4:45 PM onwards: Rolling reopenings
- Around 6:00 PM: Final restrictions removed
Emergency services will continue to have access throughout the event.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026: Which Bus Services are Affected?
These services are affected from the start of service until approx 17:30 unless stated otherwise:
Major affected routes (citywide diversions/suspensions)
- 19 & 19A Ireland Wood/Tinshill - Garforth
- 23 Leeds - Holt Park
- 24 Beeston - Leeds - Holt Park
- 27 Leeds - Guiseley
- 28 Leeds - Adel
- 33 / 34 Leeds - Otley services
- 56 Moor Grange - Leeds - Whinmoor
- 91 Pudsey - Halton Moor SUSPENDED
- X84 Leeds - Ilkley SUSPENDED until 17:30
Airport / regional routes affected
- A2 Bradford - Leeds Bradford Airport - Harrogate
- A3 Bradford - Leeds Bradford Airport - Otley - Wharfedale
Otley / Wharfedale / Dales routes affected
- 820 Bradford - Otley - Pateley Bridge - Ripon
- 821 Keighley - Otley - Scar House / DalesBus
- 874 Wetherby - Leeds - Otley - Ilkley - Grassington - Buckden
Other affected Leeds corridor routes
- Service 6 / 6 variants (Holt Park - city) (diversions via Spen Lane, Kirkstall Hill, etc.)
- Services using Otley Road / Headingley corridor (multiple local variants)
- All routes using A660 corridor (Headingley → Otley → Pool → Bramhope) impacted indirectly via diversions
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026: What are the Holt Park Arrangements?
Special temporary arrangements are in place at Holt Park during the marathon.
Temporary stand changes:
- Service 23: Stand B
- Service 24: Stand C
- Event shuttle buses: Stand A
These arrangements will remain active until approximately 5:30 PM.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026: Route Map
The Leeds Marathon 2026 covers the full 26.2-mile marathon distance and passes through both city and countryside routes.
Key route areas:
- Headingley
- Woodhouse Moor
- Hyde Park
- Adel
- Lawnswood
- Bramhope
- Pool in Wharfedale
- Otley
- Golden Acre Park
Organisers say areas around Otley and Golden Acre Park are expected to attract large spectator crowds.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026 Tracking App: How to Download & Use It?
Spectators and family members can track runners live during the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026 through the official marathon tracking app provided by Run For All.
The app allows users to follow participants in real time throughout the marathon and half-marathon events.
Features Available on the Tracking App:
- Live runner tracking
- Search by bib number or runner name
- Estimated split timings
- Live route position updates
- Finish times and race results
- Event notifications and alerts
- Spectator guidance and route information
How to Download the App?
The official tracking app is available through the Run For All website and major mobile app stores for Android and iPhone users. Organisers recommend downloading the app before arriving at the event because mobile networks may become crowded near the marathon route.
How to Use the Tracking App?
After downloading the app:
- Open the marathon tracking section
- Enter the runner's bib number or name
- Select the participant you want to follow
- View live timing checkpoints and location updates during the race
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026: Weather Forecast
Weather conditions for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026 are expected to remain cool and comfortable for runners and spectators throughout Sunday in Leeds.
The morning is likely to begin with chilly temperatures around 5°C to 7°C during the marathon start time at 9:00 AM. Conditions are expected to gradually become milder by the afternoon, with temperatures reaching around 13°C.
Expected Weather Through the Day:
- Early Morning (6 AM - 9 AM): Cool and cloudy, around 5°C to 7°C
- Late Morning (9 AM - 12 PM): Dry with sunny intervals, around 8°C to 11°C
- Afternoon (12 PM - 4 PM): Mild and partly cloudy, temperatures near 13°C
- Evening (After 4 PM): Cooler conditions return with temperatures gradually dropping
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026: Safety Measures & Medical Support Available
Organisers have deployed extensive safety and emergency arrangements across the marathon route.
Safety measures include:
- Medical tents
- Ambulance teams
- Hydration stations
- Volunteer marshals
- Security checkpoints
- Emergency access corridors
- Crowd management teams and police officers will also remain present throughout the day.
Tips for Runners and Spectators Attending Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026
- Arrive early due to major traffic delays
- Use public transport where possible
- Carry water and weather-appropriate clothing
- Download the tracking app before arrival
- Follow instructions from stewards and police
- Avoid restricted driving zones
- Plan meeting points in advance