The 2025 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (RBLM) is nearly upon us, and with thousands set to flood the region, we thought we'd round up all the important information you need to know, from waves and start times to the route and more.
Getting underway this weekend, this year marks just the third-ever edition of the modern Leeds Marathon, which was set up in honour of Rhinos legend and MND champion Rob Burrow in 2023.
In addition to over 12,000 locals, marathon enthusiasts, fantastic fundraisers and casual runners alike taking part in the 2025 RBLM, there are set to be even more spectators expected to line the streets, so it's best you're all kept in the loop.
So, without further ado, here's our comprehensive guide for the 2025 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq91D55C2BA
Hosted by Run For All yet again, this year's Leeds Marathon is set to be just as special.
What is the route?
Where else to start other than, well, with where the run will be starting?
Getting underway once again from the Headingley Stadium, the 26.2-mile slog will see Yorkshire's finest pass through the busy student district, as well as around Golden Acre Park, towards Bramhope, around Otley, into the city centre and back.
You can see the full route map down below. There's also an interactive version online that you can even link it up to your Strava, with all the details you need to know in terms of segments, elevation and more.
Leeds Marathon map for 2025
If you're running it, you'll also be glad to see that there are a total of eight different toilet stops and water stations, meaning you'll have the opportunity to take any necessary breaks every few miles.
How to get there?
For those travelling to the start/finish line (yes, it finishes back at the iconic cricket ground too), it is advised that people avoid driving and use public transport where possible to avoid further congestion.
Upon arriving, the only way to access the start line on race day is via Gate G behind the western terrace of the cricket stadium off Kirkstall Road.
Spectator shuttles will also be running between Queenswood Drive and the two main spectator hubs: Adel and Otley. You can find out more details on where to watch HERE.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon waves and start times
Now, as for start times, participants will be set off in waves depending on their estimated finish time, which corresponds to the colour of their bib.
The event is set to get underway from 9am, with both of the first two waves (red and blue) set to have gotten underway by 9:30am; green wave is due to set off at 9:41am and yellow from 9:53am.
Meanwhile, those doing the half-marathon distance and fun runners will be starting at 10am. You can see the wave colours and their relevant finish times down below, and don't worry, there will be pacers to help you stay on track.
Now, it goes without saying that setting up a major marathon that spans all the way from Headingley to Leeds, passing through some of the busiest parts of West Yorkshire, involves quite a lot of logistical planning.
Luckily, Leeds City Council have worked closely with the event team to make the marathon route run as smoothly as possible whilst also trying to minimise the impact on traffic and general travel.
You can find a full breakdown of all the road closures for this year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon down below.
It's also worth noting that this will be the first Leeds Marathon to be run without Rob himself being pushed around by former teammate and close friend Kevin Sinfield, who famously carried him over the line in the debut event.
But since that inaugural and deeply emotional year, so many more people have been inspired to take on the challenge; for instance, Rob's wife Lindsey will be running her second marathon in the space of weeks after taking on London in his memory.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, 42-year-old Lindsey knows it's going to be "physically and mentally hard", especially since his passing, but knows he'll be with her in spirit every step of the way.
It really is more than enough to tug on the heartstrings and drum up the tears, but it's also one of the most beautiful things that's ever happened to Leeds.
So, for everyone taking on the Leeds Marathon to honour not just Rob Burrow but whoever they might be running it for, we wish you the best of luck and just know that you've already done him, us, yourselves and everyone else SO very proud.
Now go and smash it!
Featured Images — Run For All (supplied)
Leeds
Everything you need to know about watching the solar eclipse in Leeds
People all across the UK will be able to see an almost total solar eclipse in the sky this evening.
For the first time this century, with the last one being all the way back in 1999, people in the UK and Ireland – including here in Leeds – will get to see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon today (12 August 2026), and if that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this will be the last chance to do so until 2081.
NASA and Royal Museums Greenwich has confirmed that tomorrow’s solar eclipse will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 event.
But what can astronomy fans in Leeds expect from today’s eclipse? When will it be happening? How much coverage is our region going to see? And where are some of the best places to watch?
First up, let’s get the basics out the way – what is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either partly or fully.
Although the UK will only see a partial solar eclipse this time, some other countries – such as parts of Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and Greenland – will be lucky enough to witness the spectacle of a total eclipse for a duration of up to two minutes and 18 seconds.
When will it be happening?
The eclipse is set to start at 6:13pm in Greater Manchester, and will run right through to 8:03pm – with the peak happening at 7:10pm.
How much coverage can Greater Leeds expect?
Of course, we always have to preface anything we say about astronomical events like this by saying ‘it depends on the weather’, as we do like in the north after all, and even though it is the height of summer, that won’t stop the skies from being overcast.
Luckily though, the Met Office is predicting some of the best weather conditions for an event like this in a long time, so it really is worth watching.
Spectators in Leeds will see 90 - 92% coverage, according to expert sources.
How can I watch the eclipse safely?
If there’s one thing experts are stressing, it’s the need to take correct precautions if you are planning to watch tomorrow.
The most important thing is to wear eclipse glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.
It’s true that during an eclipse, the sun does appears dimmer therefore making it easier to look at directly, however solar radiation can still reach and damage the retina, often without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it’s too late.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that there are two safe approaches – specialist eclipse viewers, or indirect viewing methods.
Eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be genuine, sold by a reputable retailer, and have specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). They must also have no scratches, tearing, or damage to the lens.
Old pairs may not be reusable, and sunglasses should never be used.
Indirect view methods include viewing the sun’s image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves on to white paper, or using a pinhole pierced in one sheet of card and projected on to another.
Facial fitness brand loved by celebrities to open second standalone store outside of London in Leeds
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because Facegym is coming to Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
Facegym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide and currently occupies five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester.
Facegym will be opening inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
James Edmondson, asset manager at Victoria Leeds owner Redical, said: “Facegym comes at a transformative time for Victoria Leeds, as we continue to branch out and diversify our tenant mix to a degree that sets us apart from the rest.
“This firmly reflects our position as a prime pitch for brands that want to expand outside of London, as we remain not only a place to shop but also a premium lifestyle choice.”
That's all the information we have for now, but we'll keep you updated with opening times as and when we find out more but in the meantime - get your face ready for the workout of its life.
Danny Jones -
9th May 2025 
