Rob Burrow is a name that is known across most of Yorkshire for many great reasons. His prolific style of rugby league carried his beloved team, Leeds Rhinos to many years of success, and on this Sunday, half and full marathon runners in Leeds ran in his name at the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.

Since the rugby star’s battle with Motor Neurone Disease which led to his untimely death, the Leeds Marathon has been run in Rob’s memory. His foundation, the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal as well as the MND Association have been partners of the marathon since Rob’s diagnosis in 2019.

Although Rob lost his ability to run like he so famously did in rugby league, people continue to run for him, including Half marathon runner Lindsey Trolford and this year full marathon runner Taya Harrison.

Long time runner Lindsey takes part in the Leeds marathon most years, some of her favourite long distance runs happening in Yorkshire. “I’ve been to plenty (of half marathons) across the north of England.” She says commenting on some of the half marathons she’s done already.

For Lindsey the rugby links run strong, her love of running stemming from trying to “improve fitness levels as a women’s rugby league referee.”

Lindsey talks about the support she’s received from her running club, South Leeds Lakers, and how they offer “coached sessions and Tuesday nights dedicated to long distance running.”

She praises the ethos of the club and how “inclusive and welcoming for every single ability” they are, giving her a place to feel comfortable at any pace of running whilst she is training.

For Taya however, this year will be her second only full marathon, the first coming three years ago in the same location.

Talking about her preparation for the event she speaks about her solo training, saying she had been following an “18 week programme building up to this. I’ve done the miles and trained my legs, I just need to have faith in myself that I can do it.”

“My dad has signed up for the marathon as well, he’s really inspired me to get back into it and do it again but often I tend to do most of the running by myself.” Taya says, praising her dad for his encouragement throughout her training.

Taya also speaks highly of her reasoning to run the marathon, her love of Burrow’s old club Leeds Rhinos pushing her to support the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal.
“I visited the centre not too long ago to see some of the work that they are doing there. Im just really pleased the money this time is going towards the operating costs and improving people’s experiences there.”

On the day…

After all the training and build up to the actual day, both runners found themselves at Headingley Stadium early on Sunday morning with no time to back out.
Both with their headphones on and in the zone, Taya came first in the full marathon, with country music helping her along no doubt and then came Lindsey in the half with her South Leeds Lakers attire on.

Lindsey wasn’t alone however, the clubs support she previously praised stretching even further as the running group marshalled the first 2 miles to cheer everyone on, especially their fellow Lakers, along the way.

After a long morning of running (and maybe a bit of walking) both smashed their hopes by firstly finishing their respective distances but also their hopes for times with Lindsey grabbing a sub 2 hours 20 mins and Taya an impressive 5 hours and 32 mins, a personal best for her.

Even though these two might need a few weeks rest, there are hopes they may return next year.