By Catherine
While the Leeds marathon had existed from 1981 to 2003, Leeds is better known for the half marathon. Inspired by Kevin Sinfield’s monumental events over the last 3 years he has been the cornerstone of setting up this new marathon event for his rugby buddy Rob. Many fans have been very much looking forward to running with these legends, for MND. The route started from Headingley Stadium in several waves. I was in the last wave with Reb Warrington and Bec Findlay. Emma Lilley was in an earlier wave. Half marathon runners including Katherine and Pete Lang followed the full marathon runners in warm conditions; inclement weather forecast earlier in the week gave way to a very sunny and dry day. Rob Burrows family were at the start line waving and high fiving runners – altogether a very touching, joyous and emotional start to this inaugural event.
Running East out of Leeds you pass the landmark Parkinson Steps of Leeds University where Leeds Philharmonic Choir was singing. As you complete the first loop and head west again the road heads up as you run through Headingley and out to the Half Marathoners’ 2nd loop. A welcome water stop and fabulous Wreake Chief Supporter’s cheers and photo opportunity (Alison – highly recommended for support!) at mile 6 and we continued to full marathoners’ right turn, half marathoners go straight. Here the road undulates. Fantastic route, crowds out cheering even on these quieter country roads. The temperature was creeping up now. By mile 7.5 a sharp right turn took you up again, a left and more up, then a very welcome water station just before mile 9. A nice open road then gave a clear view of the airport over on the opposite hill a couple miles away. On approaching mile 10 we reached a roundabout where briefly we skimmed half marathoners who were making their last turn to begin their run back toward Leeds. We still had to keep heading west, on more undulating roads. A sharp U turn just after mile 12 and a water stop had most people feeling the heat more intensely. Once past a glorious 13 mile marker, began the long stretch out to Otley. The impending ‘HILL’ was somewhere in the distance. Eventually Otley could be heard – the crowd support was extraordinary. The route through Otley takes you left and left again onto the long Leeds road, rising nearly 500 feet within just over 2 miles.
By mile 23 a VERY welcome face waiting to cheer us home – Alison was clearly leaping about in Wreake top, offering a gel and pointing to a kind soul with a pack of water bottles. The last 3 miles were mainly downhill. While the last couple of turns coming round the stadium seemed never ending you were in the stadium , running across the pitch before you knew it was done. Medal, water, finisher’s bag and a chance to look around and take it all in, following the path of Kevin and Rob who had crossed the line a short while before. Personally this was a refresher in endurance running and a couple of undulating roads (!) reminded the legs that Equinox is in 4 months – Leeds is a great hilly marathon with a great route and outstanding support from crowds / residents. I probably would do it again, but do not underestimate how hot a ‘warm day’ feels when you are exerting yourself. Be prepared!