Thousands of runners turn out in Rob Burrow's memory

Chloe Aslett

BBC News, Yorkshire

grey placeholder — To a backdrop of cheers, runners set off from the Headingley Stadium earlier

PA Media Crowds of runners setting off at the finish line, running towards the camera. They have lots of coloured running vests and all have a number strapped to their front. — To a backdrop of cheers, runners set off from the Headingley Stadium earlier

Thousands of runners have crossed the start line of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon – the first to be held since the rugby league star’s death.

Leeds Rhinos legend Burrow died last June aged 41 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019.

His wife Lindsey and best friend Kevin Sinfield were among those taking part to help raise money for MND.

Addressing the crowds, Sinfield said Burrow would be “looking down on us, proud as punch of what we have created here.”

PA Media A tall muscly man, Kevin Sinfield, in a white running vest. He has short hair and is smiling at the camera. On his left is Lindsey Burrow, also smiling. She has brown hair in a ponytail and sunglasses on. Behind them are people milling about before the start of the run. — Lindsey Burrow who along with Kevin Sinfield are both taking part, said it would be tough without Rob there

He said: “Today is about looking after each other. Today is about making sure we get to the finish line. Today is about running for our little mate Rob Burrow.”

Crowds of runners set off at 09:00 BST for the third annual running of the event with the route passing through Woodhouse Moor, Adel, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley.

It was followed an hour later by runners taking part in the half marathon challenge.

Paul Green, from Doncaster, was one of thousands of people inspired by the Burrow family’s story.

The 71-year-old said he was running his first half marathon in memory of his wife who died from MND in 2017.

Katy Lambert/BBC An elderly man in an orange running vest. He has dyed his beard bright orange and wears an orange hat. He smiles at the camera. — Paul Green has dyed his beard bright orange to symbolise his fundraising for the MND Association

“It has been eight years, but it is still hard,” he said.

“I am running in memory of Joy. Hopefully she is approving of my lunacy doing it at this age.”

As well as fundraising for the MND Association, Mr Green volunteers as a “befriender”, helping to support people with the disease.

Mr Green, whose grandsons were running alongside him, said: “Hopefully together, we will get there and we will do this.”

Also taking part, Rob Tiffney, said he “knew nothing” about MND before hearing Mr Burrow’s story.

Katy Lambert/BBC A man in an orange MND association t shirt. He has a flag on his back and a collection bucket which, today, contains bottles of water instead of coins — Rob Tiffney planned to raise £5,000, but has already made seven times his initial goal

The 49-year-old is on day 406 of a 500-day challenge to run 5,000 miles.

Mr Tiffney said he was hoping to raise £35,000 for the MND Association.

“Everyday for 500 days, whatever the weather, I get out and raise as much money and awareness as I can.

“Rob definitely influenced others – look at all the people here today.”

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