The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was Hilary Wharam's 175th marathon, which she said was "one of her very best".
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon saw thousands of people taking part and honouring the Leeds Rhinos legend last Sunday, 14 May 2023.
More than 12,000 people started the 26-mile run around the city which kicked off at 9am, with a further 3,000 people running the half marathon an hour later.
And taking part was one very special lady, an 81-year-old running veteran named Hilary Wharam.
Taking up the sport at age 55, Hilary said she was eventually aiming to complete a whopping 300 marathons - the Rob Burrows marathon being her 175th.
Representing Horsforth Harriers, she completed the marathon in eight hours and 15 minutes.
At 81 years old Hilary has just completed her 175th marathon 👏
Hilary spoke to the BBC about her experience: "So many people know me, not just the runners but from other disciplines, so as I was running round people were jumping out from the crowd to give me a hug.
"At eight miles, I caught up with a lady who had only been running for two years.
"She joined the marathon and had been training ever since, but your training doesn't tell you how to cope when the wheels start coming off and you start hurting.
"So from eight miles, all the way round, I talked her to the finish. I'm croaking now because of all the talking. Actually she gave me one of my very best marathons.
"It's always hard, it's harder on your own, but if you've got a captive audience, and you're thinking about helping them, you just fly because you're not concentrating on yourself at all."
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Clementine Hall -
16th May 2023 
