Latest news with #LeedsHalfMarathon
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Man with MND to tackle half marathon in powerchair
A man who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) is to take part in the Leeds Half Marathon in his powerchair to raise money for research into the condition. The event takes place alongside the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, which was launched in honour of the rugby league legend who died last June aged 41 after being diagnosed with MND. Ken Blackburn, from York, said he was looking forward to participating in the race and although his powerchair can reach speeds of up to 8mph (12kmh), he would be taking it at a much steadier pace during the event on Sunday. "I'm looking forward to entering the stadium at the end and crossing the finish line with my wife, Kay," he said. Mr Blackburn's wife and son plan to run the event with him after the MND Association - a partner charity for the marathon - helped him apply for a place to participate in his powerchair. "I'm really looking forward to taking part. As a runner in my previous life, I miss the atmosphere when you take part in an event," he said. The former banker turned taxi driver was diagnosed with MND in 2020, although he said he had been experiencing symptoms of the condition for nearly a decade before. He has primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) - a rarer, slower progressing form of the condition - and now uses his all-terrain wheelchair to get around outside. After supporting his family at previous running events, including the 2023 and 2024 Leeds Half Marathon, Mr Blackburn wanted to be directly involved. Mr Blackburn said: "I wanted to get the full experience and at the same time support my wife Kay, in a more meaningful way. "Unfortunately our daughter Jade has had to withdraw due to a knee injury, but she's flying in from Belfast to lend her support." He said he had joined his wife on a training run to test his chair's battery life, which he estimates can last for about 20 miles (32km). His plan for the day is to keep his wife company while his son forges ahead, so he will not be going "flat out" and will let Mrs Blackburn set the pace. The family are raising money for the MND Association and are currently just over halfway to their £1,000 target. Mr Blackburn also fundraises for the organisation through his photography. For the past three years he has produced a calendar of his own images, which has helped to raise £2,500. He described his photography as his way of "giving something back", especially to the charity's York branch support group, which he regularly attends. "I have always had a passion for landscape and wildlife photography. It also gives me the opportunity to get out in nature, which is essential for good mental health," he said. Looking ahead to Sunday's event, Mr Blackburn said: "It feels very special to be taking part with my family. "They have always shown me their love and support, throughout my journey with MND, so it will be great to support them too." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Road closures planned for Rob Burrow Marathon 'Running first Leeds Marathon without Rob will be hard'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Road closures planned for Rob Burrow Marathon
Thousands of runners are expected to take part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on Sunday - the first since the rugby league legend's death. Former Leeds Rhinos star Burrow died last June aged 41 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019. The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was launched in 2023 to honour his campaign to fund research into MND. Ahead of this year's event, Leeds Council has outlined temporary road closures that will be put in place and deputy council leader Jonathan Pryor said the authority would be "doing everything we can to minimise the impact of these measures". The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was set up by Burrow and his family as part of their efforts to support people living with MND. The event also helps raise funds for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal as well as the MND Association, however, entrants are encouraged to raise money for a charity of their choice. A half marathon is held in tandem with the event. At the inaugural marathon in 2023, rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield pushed Burrow around the course in a specially-adapted wheelchair before carrying him across the finish line. The marathon will start and end at Headingley Stadium. Runners will follow a circular route that initially winds around Woodhouse Moor before striking out for Adel, Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley. The Leeds Half Marathon follows much of the same route. Water and energy stations will be placed along the course for runners needing to recharge, as well as first aid checks and cheer points. The marathon will get under way at 09:00 BST, with competitors in the half marathon setting off at 10:00. From 04:00 on Sunday, part of St Michael's Lane in Headingley will be closed to vehicles, a Leeds Council spokesperson said. Sections of Cardigan Road, Kirkstall Lane and North Lane will be shut from 06:00. By 08:00, roads between Headingley and Far Headingley will also be closed. Further closures will come into force from 08:30 in Adel, Lawnswood and Bramhope. Roads will be closed in Pool in Wharfdale and Otley from 09:00, the spokesperson added. People travelling to and from the Harewood area of Leeds can use diversions along the A61 Harrogate Road and the A61 Scott Hall Road. Diversions are also in place along A65 Kirkstall Road, A65 New Road Side, A65 Leeds Road and A6038 Bradford Road for anyone trying to access Horsforth and Adel from the Meanwood area of Leeds. In Kirkstall, from the A65 Kirkstall road, drivers have access through to the Leeds Inner Ring Road. Leeds City Council said affected roads along the route will be reopened on a rolling basis during the day, as soon as it is safe to do so. Pryor said the council had been "working hard alongside partners at Run For All to ensure that this year's event is another huge success, with traffic planning forming an important element of those preparations". He said: "We will be doing everything we can to minimise the impact of these measures, and thank residents in advance for their patience and understanding." The forecast on Sunday in Leeds is expected to be sunny and warm. Temperatures are expected to peak at 21C (70F) at around 14:00 BST. Siobhan Curtis, from the organisers of the marathon, Jane Tomlinson's Run For All, said it was important for runners to "respect the heat". "Listen to your body, dress appropriately in light colours - consider wearing a hat," she said. "We want to see people cross the finish line together safe and well." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. 'Running first Leeds Marathon without Rob will be hard' Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to include extra events Thousands to take part in Leeds Marathon Run For All Leeds City Council
