Watching the beautiful relationship former Leeds Rhinos teammates and best mates Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow share is an honour and we can't and their remarkable journey together as motor neuron disease champions.
Although Rob is sadly immobile and can sadly no longer speak as a result of his condition, for the past few years Rhinos legend and England coach Kevin Sinfield has completed some seriously incredible feats for MND research.
Whether it's smashing out seven ultra-marathons in a week or running for 24 hours non-stop, he's achieved so many astonishing things on his behalf and on Sunday, Sinfield brought Burrow along for his latest effort, where everyone happened to be running in his name.
This weekend was the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, the first this city has seen for over two decades, where Kevin pushed Rob around for the full 26.2 miles in a specially designed wheelchair. However, when it came to the finish line, and his fellow Rhinos running alongside him had other ideas:
Kevin Sinfield carries Rob Burrow over the finish line at his first namesake marathon.
We simply can't stop crying watching this.
As you can see, Sinfield thought it only fitting to lift Burrow out of his wheelchair and carry him across the finish line of the marathon named after him in what was a truly emotional moment for the pair of them and everyone watching.
He literally helped him complete the marathon by giving him a kiss and a cuddle. If that doesn't sum up how special the connection between these two is then we don't know what does.
More than 12,500 runners ended up taking part — nearly 5,000 more than was initially scheduled, as so many simply wanted to come out and run in Rob's honour — with 40% never even having run a marathon before, including his wife Lindsey who said, "the reason I am doing it will get me to the finish line".
As for Sinfield, speaking after it was all said and done, the 42-year-old thanked everyone who turned up and helped "create something so incredible in Rob's name". It's clear that their connection is one that has resonated with millions across the UK.
Prior to setting off, he went on to say, "It doesn’t matter how long it takes. The longer it takes, the more time I get to spend with him... Today is a celebration of friendship".
All told, Sinfield has now raised over £8 million for the Motor Neuron Disease Association (MNDA) and other related charities, running countless miles in the process, so giving his best mate and inspiration a hug on the way over the finish line looked easy in comparison. What a legend.
The route starting and ending at Headingly Stadium proved so popular that next year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon has already been confirmed and we couldn't be prouder of everyone who participated in this wonderful cause.
You can donate to the MNDA and do your bit to help people like Rob HERE.
Guinness and the Six Nations has got to be a match made in heaven.
With the 2026 Six Nations tournament kicking off last Friday Thursday, 5 February – it's safe to say rugby fans across Leeds will be set on finding the perfect place to watch the upcoming matches.
However, we can’t think of many other places offering bottomless black gold in town, let alone anywhere else in Leeds.
So, if you were still unsure of where to watch this year’s tournament, the Social Pub and Kitchen group might have just made the decision for you…
That’s right, this widespread British chain is looking to keep the pints flowing throughout the duration of this year’s competition, thanks to a twist on their standard bottomless brunch format.
Image: Social Pub and Kitchen Group
Running for every single televised meeting between the much-loved half dozen rugby union teams, all 103 of their locations across the country will be providing this impressive offer on pints.
Here in Leeds, the Dry Dock, The Library and the Hyde Park Hotel will be offering the deal.
As well as these nearby venues, there are obviously plenty more around Yorkshire for those slightly further afield.
With a new food menu too, which features several honey-based dishes like the sweet sriracha pizza, chipotle loaded fries, as well as honey chipotle chicken wings, the matchday scran is on point.
So too are the drinks, clearly, and if any of your party wants to stray away from the bottomless Guinness, there are series of special Six Nations-themed cocktails, such as the ‘Midnight in Dublin’, a ‘Peach on the Pitch’ margarita, Baby Velvet, and the bold ‘G-Bomb’.
Yes, we suspect it is as boozy as it sounds.
Running throughout February and March whilst the games are on, we imagine plenty of people will be making at least one Social Pub and Kitchen site their chosen destination for watching all the action.
Even if you happen to be reading this outside of Leeds, you can find your nearest Social Pub and Kitchen and book your table right HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Publicity picture (supplied)
Sport
Three-acre padel court development set to move into historic Leeds landmark
Clementine Hall
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Danny Jones -
15th May 2023 
