The sun was shining bright over Headingley Stadium this morning as thousands of runners gathered for the fourth Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, and according to rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield, that glorious weather was no coincidence—it was a gift from his best friend.

"Rob sent the sun to shine on us today," said Sinfield, who famously pushed his former Leeds Rhinos teammate around the course during the inaugural marathon in 2023 before carrying him across the finish line. "This is the fourth year we've had great weather, and unfortunately the last couple without Rob. But he's still sending that glorious sunshine for us."

Burrow, who died from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in June 2024, inspired the marathon's launch in 2023 as part of his tireless campaign to fund research into the disease. Since then, the event has grown into a powerful tribute to his legacy, drawing runners, spectators, and volunteers from across the country.

Sinfield—who has raised millions for MND research through a series of grueling endurance challenges—praised the thousands of participants who took on the marathon and half marathon courses. "It's really powerful when you run for someone else—for friends and family. There are so many out there doing that. My hat goes off to everyone, because without them turning out and putting in those hours, we wouldn't have such a wonderful event here in Leeds."

This year's event supported the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal, as well as the MND Association. Burrow and his family successfully campaigned for a dedicated MND centre to be built in Leeds, the city where he spent his entire sporting career.

Among the runners was Burrow's wife, Lindsey, who took part as part of a relay team. She said they were running not just in Rob's memory but also in tribute to his father, Geoff Burrow, who passed away earlier this year. "We had Geoff on the start line last year, so Rob and Geoff not being here is tough," she said. "But we run in their memory, and that keeps us going."

From elite marathoners to first-time runners, the streets of Leeds were filled with purpose and passion today—a fitting tribute to a man whose courage continues to inspire, one stride at a time.