Kevin Sinfield has announced that the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon has raised over £4 million for over 300 different charities.
It total, the day saw 12,500 runners running across Leeds to raise money for a range of charities, but with a special focus on the MND community and building the Rob Burrow MND Centre here in Leeds.
A week on from the day, Kevin Sinfield, the inspirational former Leeds Rhinos player that 'just went on a run for a mate' announced the total:
"Oh behalf of Rob, Lindsey would like thank everyone for a huge team effort on Sunday, we made sure that the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was a success and I hope it was a very special day for you, as it was for us.
"Runners, wheelchair users, volunteers, spectators, sponsors, Run For All, Leeds City Council, Leeds Rhinos, and all the different charities, all of you, thank you.
"I'm sure you will all agree the atmosphere was incredible, and that was down to you and all your hard work for our communities, the MND communities, friends, families and to bring everyone together, as a team.
"I am delighted to share with you that the running total raised for 341 for different charities across the UK now sits at over £4 million.
"Friendship was at the heart of this marathon. A run for a mate, with a mate and I hope you are all glowing in the knowledge that we get to help so many people across the UK who need us."
"I hope to see you all next year, it's important that we all keep banging the drum together, rest up, take care, thank you."
📽️ Kevin Sinfield OBE would like to thank everyone who has made this possible pic.twitter.com/bwxGqF6OLW
— Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All (@runforall) May 19, 2023
Rob Burrow announced last week that “the marathon was one of the best days if my life, to be a part of it was amazing [...] I’m so happy to be involved in the first one of my marathons but I don’t think I’ll be in the race for the next one. I have retired.”
The 2024 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is set to take place on Sunday 12 May 2024 starting once again at Headingley Stadium, with over 10,000 participants expected to attend.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Sophie Smith -
22nd May 2023 
