Thousands hitting Leeds streets for Rob Burrow Marathon today
The event's being held for the fourth time
Last updated 10th May 2026
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is getting underway today with thousands heading to the streets of the city.
Taking place for the fourth time, the marathon is famed for the special atmosphere that is generated by the spectators who line its 26.2-mile route each year.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said:
“We’re proud to again be playing our part in delivering the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, which has acted as a wonderful advert for the city since it was first staged in 2023.
“One of the standout features each year has been the electric on-course atmosphere created by spectators and it would be great to have this repeated on Sunday.
“We would also encourage people to take a few minutes, if they have not done so already, to familiarise themselves with the programme of temporary road closures and other traffic and travel measures that will be in place.
“These are needed to help ensure the best possible experience for athletes and spectators while mitigating general impact on residents, visitors and businesses.
“We will be working hard alongside Run For All to minimise disruption and thank local communities in advance for their patience and understanding on this important day for the city.”
Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All, said:
“Ahead of race weekend, we encourage participants and spectators to take a moment to familiarise themselves with key event information, including race day timings and planned road closures.
“We’d like to thank residents and businesses in advance for their patience and understanding, and apologise for any inconvenience which may be caused.
“We’re looking forward to another brilliant weekend for the city and to continuing our collective fundraising efforts.”
Key details to note about the arrangements for Sunday include:
• The marathon will start and end at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, with runners following a circular route that initially winds around Woodhouse Moor before striking out for Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley. The Leeds Half Marathon, which is also on Sunday, will use much of the same route. The two events have together attracted more than 15,000 entrants;
• In Headingley, parts of St Michael’s Lane and Newport View will be closed to vehicles from 4am on Sunday. Further closures will start to kick in on Cardigan Road, Beechwood Crescent (St Annes Drive direction only), Kirkstall Lane/North Lane and the Cardigan Road-St Michael’s Grove section of St Michael’s Lane from 6am. Closures of other selected roads in Headingley will be implemented from 7.30am;
• Closures on the stretch of the A660 that runs between Headingley and Pool Bank New Road – via Lawnswood Roundabout and Bramhope – will then come into force between 8am and 8.30am. Further closures will take effect from 9am around Pool in Wharfedale and Otley;
• The marathon will get under way at 9am, with competitors in the half marathon setting off from Headingley at 10am;
• Affected roads along the route will be reopened on a rolling basis through the day as soon as it is safe to do so. Emergency service access will be maintained at all times.