2027 Leeds Marathon - May 9 Countdown

Q: Who was Rob Burrow and what cause does the marathon support?

Rob Burrow was a Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019 and died in 2024 aged 41, becoming a national figurehead for MND awareness. The marathon, organised by Jane Tomlinson's Run For All, raises money for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal and the MND Association, alongside thousands of runners fundraising for charities of their own choice.

Q: Is the Leeds Marathon hilly?

Yes. This is a hilly, undulating Yorkshire course with around 412 m of total climb — far more than a flat city marathon. The signature challenge is the long pull up the Otley Chevin in the second half. Use the elevation profile tool to plan your effort, and pace the early downhill sections conservatively so you have legs left for the climbs.

Q: What is the Leeds Marathon route?

The course starts and finishes at AMT Headingley Stadium, the home of the Leeds Rhinos. It heads through Headingley, Leeds city centre, Adel, Bramhope and Otley — taking in the climb over the Otley Chevin — before returning to the stadium via north Leeds suburbs and rolling countryside roads. It is a single big loop combining urban streets with scenic Yorkshire countryside.

Q: How do I enter the Leeds Marathon 2027?

Entry is by open online registration through Run For All — there is no ballot. Discounted early entries for the 9 May 2027 race opened in 2026, and the 2026 edition sold out, so booking early is wise. Many runners enter via a charity place with a fundraising commitment, which is the spirit of the event.

Q: What time does the Leeds Marathon start and what is the cut-off?

The marathon starts at 09:00 on Sunday 9 May 2027 at Headingley Stadium. The course operates a generous 7-hour cut-off, sensible given the hills, which welcomes first-timers and charity walkers. Plug your goal pace into the pace calculator to map out your splits.

Q: Can you run a PB at the Leeds Marathon?

Honestly, it is not a PB course. With about 412 m of climb and the Otley Chevin in the back half, Leeds is harder than flat events like Manchester or London. Most runners come for the emotional, community charity atmosphere rather than a fast time — set a realistic, terrain-adjusted goal and treat a strong finish on a tough course as the win.

Q: What is the weather like for the Leeds Marathon in May?

Mid-May in Leeds is typically mild but changeable — daytime highs around 16°C, cool starts near 7°C, and a genuine chance of showers. It is usually good running weather as long as you dress in layers you can shed and carry a light rain shell for the exposed climbs around Otley.

Q: How much fundraising is expected and how big is the field?

The race fields roughly 10,000+ marathon runners (alongside a half marathon, the combined event has drawn over 15,000), making it one of the UK's biggest charity marathons. Charity places typically carry a suggested fundraising target set by each partner charity. Even own-place runners are encouraged to fundraise for MND causes, keeping Rob Burrow's legacy at the heart of the day.

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Race Information

Race	2027 Leeds Marathon - May 9
City	Leeds
Date	2027-05-09 at 09:00
Field Size	~10,000 runners
Time Limit	7 hours
Cutoff pace	9:57/km
Timezone	Europe/London
Official Site	Run For All
Registration	Register

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature	10.4°C / 51°F
Humidity	80%
Wind	22.9 km/h
Rain Chance	42%
Typical Conditions	Mild, often cloudy spring morning

What to Prepare: Mid-May in Leeds averages a 16°C high and a cool 7°C dawn, with a real chance of showers — Yorkshire is changeable. Dress in layers you can shed, pack a light rain shell for the start, and expect a breeze on the exposed climbs around Otley.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 22.9 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Race-Week Climate

Based on 20 years of race-week weather (2005-2024), MERRA-2 reanalysis

	Cooler	Typical	Warmer
Temperature	7.1°C	10.3°C	13.6°C
Dew point	2.9°C	7°C	10.6°C

Wet-day chance: 42% Runnability: 71/100

Data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), NASA Langley Research Center

Course Profile

Course Type	Loop
Elevation Gain	412m
Terrain	Road
Profile	A genuinely hilly Yorkshire loop with about 412 m of total climb — not a flat PB course. Starts and finishes at AMT Headingley Stadium, home of the Leeds Rhinos, heading out through Headingley, the city centre, Adel, Bramhope and Otley before the long, well-known drag up the Otley Chevin, then returning through north Leeds suburbs and countryside roads.
Boston Qualifier	Yes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2027 Leeds Marathon - May 9

Use our free training tools to get race-ready:

Running Pace Calculator — Min/km, Finish Time & Pace Chart

Free running pace calculator for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. Get min/km or min/mile, your ...

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Free Pace Band Generator — Printable Race Day Wristband

Free printable pace band for marathon, half marathon, or custom distance. Choose even, negative, or ...

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Marathon Wake-Up Time Calculator — Race Morning Timeline

7 AM race, wake at 3:45 AM? Enter the gun time; we work backward through meal, gear, bathroom, warm-...

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Dew Point Running Calculator — Pace Adjustment Chart

Enter temperature and humidity to calculate dew point and its impact on your running pace. 7-zone ch...

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Wind Effect on Running — How Much Does Wind Slow You?

How much does a headwind actually slow you down? This free calculator turns wind speed and direction...

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Elevation Gain/Loss Impact Calculator

How much will hills slow you down? Enter elevation gain, loss, and distance to see adjusted pace, di...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Rob Burrow and what cause does the marathon support?

Rob Burrow was a Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2019 and died in 2024 aged 41, becoming a national figurehead for MND awareness. The marathon, organised by Jane Tomlinson's Run For All, raises money for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal and the MND Association, alongside thousands of runners fundraising for charities of their own choice.

Is the Leeds Marathon hilly?

Yes. This is a hilly, undulating Yorkshire course with around 412 m of total climb — far more than a flat city marathon. The signature challenge is the long pull up the Otley Chevin in the second half. Use the elevation profile tool to plan your effort, and pace the early downhill sections conservatively so you have legs left for the climbs.

What is the Leeds Marathon route?

The course starts and finishes at AMT Headingley Stadium, the home of the Leeds Rhinos. It heads through Headingley, Leeds city centre, Adel, Bramhope and Otley — taking in the climb over the Otley Chevin — before returning to the stadium via north Leeds suburbs and rolling countryside roads. It is a single big loop combining urban streets with scenic Yorkshire countryside.

How do I enter the Leeds Marathon 2027?

Entry is by open online registration through Run For All — there is no ballot. Discounted early entries for the 9 May 2027 race opened in 2026, and the 2026 edition sold out, so booking early is wise. Many runners enter via a charity place with a fundraising commitment, which is the spirit of the event.

What time does the Leeds Marathon start and what is the cut-off?

The marathon starts at 09:00 on Sunday 9 May 2027 at Headingley Stadium. The course operates a generous 7-hour cut-off, sensible given the hills, which welcomes first-timers and charity walkers. Plug your goal pace into the pace calculator to map out your splits.

Can you run a PB at the Leeds Marathon?

Honestly, it is not a PB course. With about 412 m of climb and the Otley Chevin in the back half, Leeds is harder than flat events like Manchester or London. Most runners come for the emotional, community charity atmosphere rather than a fast time — set a realistic, terrain-adjusted goal and treat a strong finish on a tough course as the win.

What is the weather like for the Leeds Marathon in May?

Mid-May in Leeds is typically mild but changeable — daytime highs around 16°C, cool starts near 7°C, and a genuine chance of showers. It is usually good running weather as long as you dress in layers you can shed and carry a light rain shell for the exposed climbs around Otley.

How much fundraising is expected and how big is the field?

The race fields roughly 10,000+ marathon runners (alongside a half marathon, the combined event has drawn over 15,000), making it one of the UK's biggest charity marathons. Charity places typically carry a suggested fundraising target set by each partner charity. Even own-place runners are encouraged to fundraise for MND causes, keeping Rob Burrow's legacy at the heart of the day.