Ex-rugby league star Rob Burrow has wished around 14,000 runners – as well as his doting wife Lindsey – the best of luck as they take part in two gruelling races in his honour.
Hoards of people have descended on the electric streets of Leeds to take on the Rob Burrow Marathon and the Half Marathon in the ex-rugby legend’s honour.
Thousands of runners – including his loving physiotherapist wife – began the arduous 26.2-mile run in support of Rob, 41, who received his motor neurone disease diagnosis (MND) in 2019.
A married father of three young children, he is now unable to talk but can articulate his thoughts through Eyegaze, a device which translates blinks into letters and then builds them into words on a screen.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to various charities including a Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to construct a Rob Burrow Centre for MND, as well as the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Ex-rugby league star Rob Burrow has wished around 14,000 runners as well as his doting wife Lindsey the best of luck as they take part in two gruelling races in his honour (pictured: Rob and his family)
His doting physiotherapist wife Lindsey Burrow has began her half marathon (pictured)
The former Leeds Rhino player is set to greet his ex-teammate and close friend Kevin Sinfield, who has raked in over £800,000 for the condition, at the finishing line.
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Rob Burrow's touching tribute to his wife Lindsey: Ex-rugby star with MND says 'I've played with some strong players, but no one is as strong as her' – as she cares for him, their children and works as NHS physiotherapist
Various entertainers such as Leeds Pipe Band, Otley Ukelele Orchestra, Garforth Brass Band and more are set to keep competitors upbeat.
Eager supporters can also cheer the runners on from two viewing points located at Otley Market Place and Otley Road in Adel.
Ahead of the race Leeds City Councillor Jonathan Pryor said: ‘Leeds has a well-deserved reputation as a passionate and knowledgeable sporting city.
‘It will be great to see people lining the streets and showing their support for the runners on Sunday.’
The lengthy race began at 9am today at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
Participants will head off on a circular route of the city, running down to Woodhouse Moor before making their way to Adel, Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool and Otley, according to Leeds City Council.
The former Leeds Rhino player is set to greet his ex-teammate and close friend Kevin Sinfield (pictured), who has raked in over £800,000 for MND, at the finishing line
Rob Burrow with his wife Lindsey Burrow before the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
Thousands of people have descended on the electric streets of Leeds to take on the Rob Burrow Marathon and the Half Marathon in the ex-rugby legend’s honour
Proceeds from the event will be donated to various charities including a Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal to construct a Rob Burrow Centre for MND, as well as the Motor Neurone Disease Association
Several road closures have been issued in anticipation of the two races.
There have been street closures on St Michael’s Lane in Headingley since 4am, whilst Cardigan Road and North Lane have been cordoned off since 6am.
Additional road closures were enacted in parts of Headingley and Far Headingley between 6am and 7.30am this morning.
Other closures in Adel, Lawnswood and Bramhope came into effect at 8.30am whilst some roads in Pool and Otley were closed at 9am.
This comes shortly after Rob Burrow paid tribute to his wife last week as he said he’s played some tough people in his rugby career, but no one is ‘as strong’ as Lindsey.
The rugby legend, 41, – who was awarded a CBE in January for raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.
The former captain of the Leeds Rhinos and member of the British rugby league teams previously paid tribute to his supportive wife Lindsey on BBC Breakfast.
Rob Burrow previously paid tribute to his wife last week as he said he’s played some tough people in his rugby career, but no one is ‘as strong’ as Lindsey (left to right: Mark Newton, Rob Burrow and Lindsey)
Lindsey cares for Rob, their three children and works as an NHS physiotherapist. She has previously spoken about the ‘huge emotional and physical challenges’.
Her husband today told BBC Breakfast: ‘I’m trying not to be soppy but some of the things that Lindsey does for me is proof I’ve found my one and only.
‘I’ve played with some strong players in my rugby career but no one is as strong a personality than Lindsey. I hope that will inspire people to be more like her…what a world that would be.’
In turn, Lindsey said: ‘What keeps me going is I have three beautiful children, I have a husband I adore and I think the world of and is battling a life-limiting disease. He is an inspiration to all of us. Despite the situation, there is reason to smile.’