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."
One of Leeds' longest-running pub will be closing.
The Cross Keys in Holbeck is a lovely little boozer.
And it's got a fair bit of history too. Dating back to the early 1800s, the pub has stood on Water Lane for more than two centuries, with its story closely tied to Holbeck's industrial past.
Back when the area was one of Leeds' major manufacturing hubs, the Cross Keys was a local drinking spot for workers from the surrounding foundries and engineering works.
The pub itself fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1980s, before being brought back to life during a major restoration in the 2000s.
But now, The Cross Keys is closing once again.
Images: The Cross Keys
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, the pub said: "It's with a heavy heart that we share the Cross Key's will be closing its doors on the 3rd of October.
"The whole team thank you for your support during our time in business."
In classic Leeds fashion, the comments were flooded with support from fans of the pub alongside fellow local businesses.
One comment reads: "Absolutely gutted about this. I held my fiance (now husband’s) 30th at The Cross Keys and it was excellent and the team were so helpful and hospitable. So sad to hear this."
Whilst another said: "Gutted, the home of some great memories and significant pints in my life."
So, if you've had a significant pint in The Cross Keys and wish to bid it a proper farewell, you've got until Saturday 3 October to do so.
Brand-new ‘party pub’ to take over the old Revolution site on Call Lane after £600,000 investment
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready to party Leeds, because a 'party pub' experience is coming to Call Lane.
Following a whopping £600,000 investment, Bonnie Rogues is preparing to open in the former Revolution site in Leeds city centre that will close this month.
After a major refurbishment, Leeds’ first Bonnie Rogues venue and the sixth site for the fast- growing UK brand will open in November 2026.
Designed as an all-day-to-night social destination, Bonnie Rogues combines live music, live sport, and late-night celebrations in one immersive venue.
From big nights out to spontaneous after-work drinks and even Sunday Roasts, Bonnie Rogues aims to offer something completely different from the traditional pub experience.
Expect live performances, crowd-involved entertainment and interactive moments in an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from day to night.
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said, “Leeds has such a strong social scene and a real appetite for experience-led venues, so we think Bonnie Rogues will fit perfectly into the city.
"It’s a concept that brings together everything people love about going out - live music, sport, food, entertainment and great atmosphere, all in one place. We’re excited to bring something new to Leeds and can’t wait to welcome guests later this year.”
The Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Bonnie Rogues venues across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its portfolio following its acquisition of multiple Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites earlier this year.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more.
Clementine Hall -
16th May 2023 
