The inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was held last Sunday across Leeds and saw the man himself taking part with the help of former team mate and friend Kevin Sinfield.
As well as an additional 12,500 runners — nearly 5,000 more than was initially scheduled, and all in in Rob’s honour.
And as the excitement of the day dies down, Rob Burrow has been reflecting on the day itself, and explained to the BBC that it will be probably be his last marathon.
Speaking with the BBC, the former Leeds Rhinos player said that: "The marathon was one of the best days if my life, to be a part of it was amazing."
"By the time I was finished with the run I felt like I'd been running the whole way. It really did take it out of me, but I would do it again in a heartbeat."
"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."
"It was a great day and to be carried in over the final few yards [from Kev] was incredible - and how many people will be jealous of a smacker on the cheek? It just shows the love and care for me and I assure you I have the same for him".
"Of course my wife smashed it, I knew she would because she is the most determined girl I have ever met. When she gets something like this in her mind there's no stopping her, I've never been so proud of her than Sunday The amount of money raised in her name is testament to her. The money keeps going up and I'm so glad she's getting the attention she deserves.
In December 2019, former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and told he may only have a year to live, two at the most. Defying the odds, Rob has now reached his 40th Birthday.
MND is a degenerative disease that has left Leeds Rhinos legend of 16 years, Rob Burrow, paralysed and forced to communicate with his family through an eye-driven device. The condition affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord and has life-changing consequences for anyone diagnosed with the condition.
There are currently over 5,000 people in the UK living with the “brutal disease” according to the MDA Association.
Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019. / Image: BBC
The number seven has been one of a signature trademark for the former rugby player. Rob used to play with a 7 on his back, and ever since we’ve seen it used it a range of charity events to raise money for MND charities and supporting the Burrow family.
Feature Image -Leeds Rhinos via Instagram
News
A new Turkish-inspired street food spot serving homemade shawarma is coming to Leeds city centre
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Sophie Smith -
18th May 2023 
