'Thanks for your love and support': Lindsey Burrow's emotional message ahead of Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
Sunday’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will be a tribute to two much-loved and missed figures.
The event, now in its fourth year, is named after Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow, who died in 2024, five years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). One of the marathon’s biggest supporters, Rob’s dad Geoff Burrow, passed away at the end of March.
Rob’s widow Lindsey Burrow is among 16,000 runners taking part in Sunday’s event, which begins and ends at Rhinos’ AMT Stadium.
The marathon is always a poignant time for the Burrow family, but Lindsey admitted it will be even more emotional this year. “It is hard,” Lindsey - who is running for the Leeds Hospitals Charity for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease - told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“There’s always mixed emotions, this is the fourth year of the marathon and when we first had Rob was with us. Crossing that finish line, knowing Rob’s not going to be waiting at the end, is a hard pill to swallow.
“Then a month ago we unfortunately lost Rob’s father Geoff. I would just like to say to everyone, thank you for the outpouring of love and support. Geoff was a wonderful man and he did so much for the MND community, he really spoke up for people with no voice so thank you to everyone who supported us. It has been a tough few months, but we have to stick together and get through this time.”
Lindsey completed the Leeds and London Marathons last year, but won’t be running the full course on Sunday. “I did volunteer to do the hill, but I am doing the last leg,” she said. “The team decided, I was just happy to play a small part.”
Rob Burrow Marathons have raised a staggering £14m for charities and Lindsey believes the event will go from strength to strength. “That is money that wouldn’t have been raised otherwise,” she pointed out.
“There’s been lots for MND charities, but other charities as well. That money raised and people coming together is what it is all about, running for a mate with a mate. It is not an easy course, by any means, but it is one of the best ones.
“If anyone is thinking of doing a marathon, come and have a go. It is not easy, but the support is wonderful and the atmosphere is incredible. I am really looking forward to it and excited to be taking part.”