History of the Leeds Marathon 

The first Leeds Marathon took place on 9th May 1982, organised by Leeds City Council as part of that year's Leeds International Festival. Just 1,000 runners took part in the inaugural event, won by Mike Trees in 2:15:13. It followed a simple out-and-back course between Leeds and Bramhope. 

Over the next decade, the marathon grew in popularity but retained its low-key feel. By 1992, the 25th anniversary of the first London Marathon, participant numbers had swelled to over 5,000. That year the Leeds Marathon changed substantially, adopting the current looped route which starts and finishes in the city centre.  

The race continued to expand through the 1990s, reaching 10,000 entrants by the end of the decade. This growth was aided by the developing profile of elite athletes such as Liz McColgan, who set a women's course record of 2:26:52 in 1996. 

After being cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Leeds Marathon returned in 2021 with 16,000 participants across all events. It is now the second largest marathon in the UK after London. The event has become a real calendar highlight for the city, with many charity runners taking part.   

Leeds Marathon Route 

The Leeds Marathon course winds through the city centre before heading north through the suburbs to the countryside beyond. It mixes impressive spectator sections with long stretches of rural running.  

The route starts and finishes on The Headrow, the main thoroughfare of Leeds city centre. After 0.5 miles, it heads north-west, tracing the path of the River Aire past Leeds Dock. The iconic canal basin of Granary Wharf offers one of the most scenic spots on the course. 

At 4 miles, the route crosses the river and climbs gradually to the village of Rodley. There is a short section along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal here before returning south back to the city centre.  

Around halfway, the course loops around Roundhay Park, the largest park in Leeds. The route ventures back into countryside near Shadwell village (miles 15-19) before the long trek back into the city centre for the finish.  

With only 390 feet of total elevation gain, this is a fast, PB-potential course. While largely flat, the route does include some gradual climbs and undulating sections, especially from miles 8-10. The predominantly straight roads are closed to traffic, although runners need to be aware of the cobblestones along The Headrow at the start and finish. 

Crowd support is excellent throughout, particularly in Roundhay Park and the final miles heading into the city centre. With no significant hills, the Leeds Marathon course is ideal for first-timers and those aiming to set a personal best. 

Leeds Marathon 2024 Key Information  

The 2024 Leeds Marathon will take place on Sunday 12th May from 9am in St Michael's Lane. Participants should arrive at least 45 minutes before the start time to pass through security and enter their starting pen.  

The half marathon begins at 10am. The route follows the marathon course for the first 5.5 miles before splitting off towards the city centre finish. 

The marathon has an 8 hour 30 minute time limit, with timing points at 10 miles and 20 miles. All runners must reach these points within the designated cut-offs to continue. The finish line closes at 5.30pm. 

Entry options for the 2024 Leeds Marathon are: 

• Marathon - from £65 entry fee 
• Half Marathon - from £37 entry fee  

Entries usually sell out several months in advance, so early booking is recommended. All UKA affiliated running club members receive a discount on entry fees.

Training for the Leeds Marathon  

Preparing properly for the marathon distance takes dedication and discipline. To make it to the start line ready to achieve your goals requires following a structured training plan over several months.  

For first-timers, a good training schedule will start around 18 weeks out from race day. Plans usually include a mixture of long weekend runs, midweek easier sessions and speed work or hill repeats. Consistency is key - getting in the miles to build stamina and resistance to injury. 

In the final months, you should aim to include practice runs over 20 miles as well as specific marathon pace efforts. Don't drastically increase your weekly mileage or do too many long training runs - a modest peak of around 40-50 miles per week is ideal for most. 

Tapering in the final fortnight by reducing your volume while maintaining intensity is important. Arrive at the start fresh but having put in the hard training miles over several months.  

Take inspiration from elite athletes and follow good marathon nutrition practices in training. That includes hydrating well and fuelling runs longer than 90 minutes with energy gels or electrolyte drinks. 

Don't neglect strength work - incorporate core exercises, squats and lunges into your plan to build leg strength and resilience. Stretching, foam rolling and sports massages will help recovery from tough sessions.   

Listen to your body and adapt your training plan if needed. Allow plenty of rest days and don't rush back from any illness or injury. With commitment to consistent, intelligent training, you will be primed to smash your marathon goals. 

Spectator Information

The Leeds Marathon offers a superb day out for supporters, with lots of opportunities to cheer on participants at key spots around the route. Here are some of the best places for spectators on marathon day: 

• Start/Finish line on The Headrow - Soak up the race atmosphere as runners set off and later cross the finish line. 
• Granary Wharf at Mile 3 - Picturesque canal basin perfect for photos of runners.  
  
• Rodley village at Mile 8 - Cheer runners leaving the city outskirts. 
  
• Roundhay Park between Miles 13-15 - Beautiful park location with lakes and woodland. 
  
• Shadwell village between Miles 16-18 - Rural spot to offer encouragement. 
  
• Last mile down The Headrow - Loudly spur on runners for a final push to the finish.  
  

The Leeds Marathon website has a detailed spectator guide with maps showing key zones and recommended spots. Be aware that road closures will be in place on race day - check transport updates from the council before travelling.   

Bring flags, signs and refreshments to give that motivational boost. Download the official app which allows live runner tracking and progress alerts. With lots of options, Leeds Marathon is a fantastic event for supporters. 

Key Dates for Leeds Marathon Weekend 2024 

If you're planning to participate in the 2024 Leeds Marathon, make a note of these essential dates: 

• January 2024 - Registration opens for all events 
• 29th February 2024 - Affiliated club member early bird offer ends  
• 31st March 2024 - General entry deadline for marathon and half marathon 
• 26th April 2024 - Last date for race pack postal delivery in the UK   
• 12th May 2024 - Race day 

Register early to take advantage of discounted entry fees. The Marathon Expo is the last chance for UK participants to collect numbers - overseas participants must select race pack delivery.   

Book accommodation well in advance and finalise transport plans. For those travelling, Leeds Bradford Airport lies 9 miles northwest of the city centre. Hotel rooms get booked up months in advance. 

Rob Burrow and the Leeds Marathon 

Since 2020, the Leeds Marathon has been inextricably linked with Rob Burrow MBE and the fight against Motor Neurone Disease. Burrow is the legendary former Leeds Rhinos rugby league player who was diagnosed with MND in December 2019. 

In 2021, Burrow's close friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield completed 7 marathons in 7 days to raise over £2.7 million for MND charities. His final marathon was the Leeds event, where he finished hand-in-hand with Burrow.  

In 2022, Burrow himself took part in the Leeds Marathon, being pushed around the route in a wheelchair while on a ventilator. He was supported by a team of friends to complete the race and raise further money and awareness.  

The iconic images of Rob Burrow crossing the Leeds Marathon finish line have illustrated the inspirational bravery he has shown while tirelessly campaigning and fundraising for MND treatment research.  

In 2024, the Leeds Marathon will surely pay tribute again to this much-loved sportsman who means so much to the city. His courage sums up the togetherness and community spirit that makes the Leeds Marathon such an uplifting experience for participants and spectators alike. 

Final Preparation Tips

As race day approaches, stay relaxed and have faith in your training. Follow these last preparation suggestions: 

• Check the weather forecast and pack appropriate gear like extra layers. 
• Eat a diet high in carbs for the three days prior.  
  
• Drink more water than usual in the final week. 
  
• Get plenty of sleep in the nights leading up to the race.  
  
• Prepare your supplies and kit bag for the morning of the marathon. 
  
• Visualise crossing the finish line and achieving your goal.    
  
• Don't try anything new on race day - stick to tested fuelling strategies. 
  
• Attend the Marathon Expo to build excitement and collect your number. 
  
• Enjoy carbo-loading but avoid overindulging at the pre-race pasta party. 
  
• Arrive early, relax and soak up the atmosphere before the start. 
  

With thorough preparation and training, you will be ready to take on the iconic Leeds Marathon course. Good luck! 

From its origins in 1982, the Leeds Marathon has grown into one of the UK's largest and most popular running events. Its fast, flat course winds through the city centre and Yorkshire countryside, lined with passionate, noisy crowds. 

Major landmarks, scenic parks and historic sites provide an unforgettable backdrop for runners chasing personal bests. Get ready for a superbly organised, big city marathon experience right in the heart of Yorkshire.   

Set yourself a target, put in the hard training miles, and the Leeds Marathon will be an achievement to remember. This guide covers everything you need to take on the iconic race in Leeds and perhaps even cross that finish line with a new PB.