Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026

Looking back on my first Marathon!

So here we are, a beautiful crips morning at Headingley. Arrived 45 mins before the start gun at 9am, seems to be a perfect time. I've no idea what to expect, but this seemed pretty good, walked straight in to the stadium proudly display my bib 3860. Queues for the loo's can be long, but I was already prepped and ready. 

Headed out of the stadium to the staging zones, looking for Green. I'd signed up indicating 4 hours. I was early enough to be at the front of our wave. In hind sight I wished I'd gone for the earlier wave, but was a little unsure. I've trained pretty hard over the last few months, so was quietly confident of a good time.

  

My estimate was 3:45. Secretly hoping for something a little quicker maybe. to be honest anything under 4 hours would be brill. This is my first Organised Marathon Event. I've run the distance a few months back, so I'm confident of a completing it. 

My inner competitive side started whispering in my ear. It's a perfect day, sun is out, it's not too hot, I'm feeling good apart from needing a wee. Lets push early and see how wee go. 3:30 or bust!

 

I'd seen the 3:45 pacers in the faster wave. Targert acquired. Bit of quick maths. They set off 5 mins ahead of me, If I catch them I've gained 20 mins. If I can do that, 3:30 is within reach. Tall order. My previous time over 26.2 miles was 3:55 back at Christmas. But a few months of hard training makes all the difference.

 

So I'm looking for at least sub 8 min/mi average to achieve this. But probably need a buffer 7:45 min/mi to be safe at least early on. Theres some Hills ahead which will eat that up in no time.

 

Right, a little talk from Kevin (Legend).

 

Now for a Mr M style warm up. I'm fine, already cycled down, so I'm ready!

Shout out to Andy in the Pink Trainers!

Now the wait as Blue and Red Waves are released. It's a long wait. We're are 9:10.

Smile for the camera 164 ;-)

Start

 

And we're off.

 

Bit of a steady start, very crowded up to Cardigan Road. As I pass the Start line I here my Charity Called out! "Caring For Life" Awesome ;-) flying the flag! The crowds are amazing, soo many spectators.

 

Starting to find some space and get the pace up as we head down to Victoria Road.

 

Finally on Victoria Road and I can put some effort in. We're flying at 7:30 min/mi Though I start to feel the climb toward Hyde Park. Need to keep a check on that, don't want to burn out early!

Mile 1

 

Hitting Hyde Park, bang on the pace 7:45 min/mi, this is a touch faster than my usual long run pace, but the legs are working well, it's feeling effortless, I can sustain this for a while. The loop round Hyde Park is pretty level, so this is helpful.

 

Hitting the University turn right onto Otley Road by the Library Pub. Feeling good, getting a little congested, starting to see a few blues and reds, clearly pacing themselves. Or in the wrong wave. Lots of reds coming back up the other side having already been past the Parkinson Building. This is down hill, find myself hitting sub 7 min/mi. Really need to pay more attention, dial it back a little.

We start the loop by the Parkinson Building, bit of a tight left hand turn which pinches the group a little, watch everyone's feet, last thing I want is to hit the tarmac. Now for a little climb back up the other side to Hyde Park. I can feel the effort increase with the elevation. "Keep a check on that Paul".

 

Relief as I see the Library Pub again. This means a nice long descent back down to Hyde Park Corner, a little less effort required and I can coast. Ohh look at the time, better have a Gel! Again the crowds are amazing, Mario Kart Mushroom powerups everywhere! Tap as many as you can! High Fiving kids on the way past. This is Awesome! I'm thinking Headingley is soon, that's going to be insane!

Mile 3

 

A little climb heading up Otley Road past the old Girls Grammer School, pace is holding steady! Good stuff. I can see St Michael's Church Tower, Headingley approaches. A little scent down past the church, and Sky Rack and Original Oak come into view - almost you can't see anything for crowds of people! Again the atmosphere is electric! The whole world has come out.

Fly down past Vinyl Whistle - visit if you're in the area! Hitting the Anrdale centre - boy this has change since I was little! Now a brief flat section before heading up through Far Headingley.

Mile 4

This is one of the first areas I needed to really put some effort in. It's a long climb 3 miles ahead. Not steep, just long. Pacing at this stage is critical to keep my stupid goal on track. I anticipated I may dropped to 8:15 min/mi or so here, I'd made my peace with that, knowing I'd put in a big push early on. Looking at my watch I'm holding 8:00 flat - I'll take that thank you!

 

Slowed down a little towards Lawnswood, getting a little crowded at West Park. Trying to find some space. Things opened out towards Lawnswood Round about. Had a brief chit chat with a fellow runner along side me, looking for similar times I think. Shout out to Ryan, sorry didn't catch your last name or number, hope you did well bud.

Mile 5

 

Heading into Adel I know my family are there somewhere, keeping an eye out. I'd been pinging my location to keep them updated. Finally clocked eyes on them, had a quick diversion across the road to say hello and have a quick kiss. As I came back across I head "Look, look there's Paul"  followed by a load of Blue T Shirt clad familiar faces, Thank you! Feel a bit guilty running past! But I'm on a mission!

 

Runners are starting to bunch up as we approach Church Lane in Adel. Some how I've missed a water station somewhere, we're only 6 miles in, so not too worried. I do have a small back up flask in by belt. This was a designated cheer point, people everywhere. Keep hearing "come on  Paul", "keep going Paul". Stranges literally shouting names on the runners bibs spurring them on, thank you! Running passed St. John the Baptist, you suddenly find your self in the country side.

Mile 6

 

We dip down Church lane over a little bridge and start one of the first steep climbs toward Eccup Lane. I've accounted for this in my pacing strategy, though I'm running slight ahead of that thanks to my stupid target. 8:30 min/mi, not too bad, it's steep, but not that long. We head over the cross roads toward Black Hill where it levels out again. I maintain my steady pace for a minute or two, so I can get my heart rate back down. Starting to peak at 170. I need to get that down before I hit Black Hill with another climb. At this point I snaffle another Gel, keep the carbs topped up. Break into my Haribo Tangtastics. Gents are starting to nip into bushes for a quick comfort break, diving back out from no where - when you gotta go ;-)

Mile 8

 

Now for Black Hill, I have run up it once during a 19 mile training run. I knew it wasn't too steep, but it was a long drawn out climb. I need to try and maintain a buffer at this stage, so made an effort to keep a 8:00 min/mi pace. Relief as we hit the top onto King Lane, double relief as I finally snag a bottle of water at the aid station.

Mile 9 

We head down King Lane towards Bramhope. Nice steady descent, trying to drink as we go, ducking people as they through empty bottles into the bins, some not so empty. Mind your heads!

 

You could hear the crowds in Bramhope already fired up. As we come round onto Leeds Road. Some amazing support, families with buckets of Haribo, Cut up oranges, Ice Pops. You could come to this Marathon woefully under prepared and get by just fine on free sugar! Top tip, travel light! You don't need twelve bottles of Lucozade strapped to your chest and back. It's a slightly incline before turn down Creskeld.

Mile 10

 

Ok this was probably the part I least looked forward to. I struggled with ITB syndrome through March, training was stopped for nearly 4 weeks. At that point I was thinking there's no way I'm going to run a Marathon in a few more weeks. Anyway with a bit of patience and steady return to training I had managed to strengthen my hips and glutes. Creskeld descent is a steep windy little road. I've you suffered with Runners Knee or ITB, down hills are the absolute worst. Knowing this I had prepared mentally and knew I needed to be conservative with my pace. Last thing I wanted was drop here, nearly half way! People flying down either side of me, I'm trying to hold 8:00 even pace maybe a little slower in parts. Most folk are using this to gain time, I'm actively doing the opposite for self preservation.

 

We start to level out towards the bottom what a relief, that's over with, and I'm feeling good! The reduced pace also mean I've cooled down - and HR is back to 160, my sweet spot. At this stage I'm thinking maybe I'll see this 3:45 pacers soon, this is where I expected to see them.

Mile 11

 

We turn right on to Arthington Lane. I hadn't anticipated quite how much of a bottle neck this would be. The route goes up to Arthington Village, then doubles back toward Pool, so runners both ways separated by traffic cones. I head towards Arthington and I can see some Pacers. Bingo! This has to be them, I'm way ahead of the 4:00 pacers! Game on 3:30 possible! I take opportunity to grab an isotonic, had planned to stick with water, but figured my faster pace I'd probably benefit. Grab a handful of Haribo from some friendly spectators and head on. It's a bit of a log jam where the route doubles back, struggling to find space and keep the pace. Dropped to 8:30 min/mi for a little bit as I couldn’t find my way through. I knew Arthington Viaduct was soon, and the road would open up heading towards Pool.

 

Mile 12

There they Are just under the Viaduct, target acquired! 3:45 your going down! I smugly ran past them, almost laughing. (I know these guys are probably infinitely faster than me on a normal day, but I'm still happy).

Mile 13

 

I'm picking up 7:50 pace towards Pool now, I know it's pretty flat all the way to Otley from here, it's a good chance to put some distance between me and the 3:45 Pacers. I've got to clear another 15 mins to be safe. Tall order!

 

Head out passed the White Hart pub in Pool, Great crowd here, fabulous!

Mile 14

 

Down towards the Shell Garage and Turn Left on to Pool Road in front of the bridge. Can almost touch North Yorkshire! Can anyone tell me why we go round the back of the Shell Garage? Seems a bit odd, doesn't really add much distance.

Mile 15

Right on to Otley! Second home! Pool Road winds along the Wharf, basically flat. It's a good point to pick the pace up. Fatigue however, dictates otherwise. I can't get below 8:00 min/mi. at this point I'm starting to settle with being just outside 3:30, maybe 3:40. Though I know "That Hill" after Otley was going to be make or break.

Mile 16

 

Former Stephen Smiths approaches on my left. Sumer Cross Pub coming soon.  I message the in laws who are waiting there. I'm pretty much bang on my estimated time, which means my estates are a little out compared to my actual performance. 

 

I see Mum and Dad waiting, dive across to give them a hug. Quick breather, and off we go to the Otley Madness.

Otley, you know how to cheer, O my Gosh! Otley is no stranger to sporting events. It shows, the atmosphere is immense. From Maypole right through to Chevin cycles!

 

It's surprisingly sparse with runners, we really are dripping feeding through. Much more of a pleasure than the Arthington madness. I keep an eye for familiar faces in the crowds, but not a chance of making anyone out. Random people cheering your name, or maybe you did know me. Thank you anyway ;-).

 

Turn Left between Weegmanns and clock tower, Ello Black Horse my old friend! Head up towards the Parish Church. I've never seen so many people in Otley! Sharp left turn by the Parish Church, Wool Packs band is out playing, people everywhere! I can see Chevin cycles ahead on the bend back towards the Chevin.

 

Mile 17

Ok I take time to have a few Haribo, take a gel, prep for what lies ahead. Telling myself it's just a long run now!

 

I follow Leeds Road out of Otley, and we start to head up to the bypass round about. I've eased the pace back a little, focussing on self preservation. 8:20-8:30 min/mi, that’s my target. My average pace is bang on 8:00 min\mi touch and go for 3:30. But I know at Bramhope I can pick the pace up again.

 

I start what feels like a crawl past the Chevin. I'm do this on a training couple of weeks ago. I know I can do it. I know what sort of pace I need. Lets crack on. Starting to reel in folks walking, push too hard, now paying for it. I line on a big hill all my training includes that big flipping hill. I'm prepared! Trust the process.

Mile 18

 

I'm cranking my way up steadily, perfect, legs feel ok. Snap a picture or tow of Arm Cliff Crag in the distance.

 

I'm holding my pace well along side my peers that are still running.

Mile 19

 

I can see the little house on the bend, I feel relieved, but can't relax here, still 6 miles to go.

 

The good news is the 3:45 pacers are no where to be seen, I thought they may catch me back up.

 

Coming round the bend towards Dynley Arms, I pass a lobster. How do folks run fast in crazy outfits! Keep going you're doing well!

 

It's a bit strange approaching Dynley Arms and completely ignoring the Traffic Lights. Last few times it's taken several minutes to get across on the pedestrian crossing. An eternity! Should bag a PB or two here.

 

Nice and flat but fatigue has set in, trying to up the pace again, easing to a sub 8:00 min/mi. Hopefully reclaim a bit of that buffer I was building up.

Mile 20

 

Dropping down into Bramhope now, small descent and follow to the left in front of the church.

 

A lot of crowds gathering again, beautiful Sunday after none. A few shouts ring out "No more hills", I know that's not true, Bramhope to Adel is a long steady climb.

Mile 21

 

The round about at Bramhope comes into view, and suddenly a sea of runners going up passed Golden Acre appears. This is the point where the Half Marathon and Full Marathon combine and meet. Absolute chaos. Here's the issue, the fast Half Marathon runners are done by now, so are the super fast Full Marathon Runners. But us mediocre runners suddenly merge with slower Half Runners - it's a perfect storm.

 

A lot of weaving and diving. Still got Half Marathon runners coming down one side of the road, so wear all sardined into one carriageway. An occasional gap opens in oncoming traffic so we can nip out past the cones and pass as many other runners as possible before having to dive back in. Thrilling, annoying, exciting, madness ;-)

 

I'm basically home now, sadly the Marathon goes on!

Mile 22

 

It's steady climb back to Adel, very chaotic. Great atmosphere non the less. Adel, the final peak! If you can call it that. Now it's downhill to Headingley.

Mile 23

 

Amazing crowds all the way. Passing Lawnswood Cemetery I grab another Isotonic. The quads are really start to twitch now, getting a little nervous, but it's basically a Park run now, come on. We can do this. My pace has dropped and I can see time slipping away. Ah a cool unexpected water spayer!

 

Mile 24

Hitting Lanwswood round about towards West Park I manage to pick the pace up a little. But conscious I don't want to tear a muscle. Quads are screaming, calves are starting to get tight, downhill is not my friend! I figure push on, I'm sure my 3:30 target at this stage is not happening, but I want to push and see how close I get. Not seen any more pacers. But 2 mins in 10 minutes isn't happening.

 

Hitting Far Headingley, Three Horse Shoes, they end is in sight - almost at least the giant dandelion lights are!

 

Spectators everywhere, even down the central reservation, it's getting a bit of a squeeze for the runners, trying not to trip over folks. I get passed by a Tomato?

Mile 25

 

The Arndale lies head, the crowds so close you can barely run three abreast, just enough space. Turning right onto North Lane, passed the Library. Bretts Fish n Chips - is that still there? Passed the front of the old Lounge Cinema. I miss that place!

 

I can see Pacers ahead - I'm thinking no that can't be 3:30 pacers. If it is they're off the time. I didn't have time to glance, but found some extra pace to pass them before turning down St Michaels Lane. In hind sight I think they were pacers for the Hald Marathon.

Mile 26

 

My watch pings, run complete. We've hit Marathon Distance at 3:31 - a hairs width! Still work to do officially.

 

Coming back down to the stadium, taking it steady, legs are heavy, now would be the worst time to trip. Dodging the hideous speed bumps, snapping at my ankles, not more elevation thanks!

 

A Final right turn into the back of the Stadium, rapturous applauses all around.

 

Final push passed the barriers on to the pitch. Hitting the red carpet I can see the time 3:34:xx.

Finish 26.63 miles

 

And across 3:34:56. Boom! Close enough, a good 20 mins  taken off my personal best!

 

I look at my distance 26.63 miles!

 

Measured Distance of 26.2 @ 3:31:39 I'll round down and call that 3:30 if it wasn't for traffic ;-)

 

Boom Done, elated with that performance!

 

Slowly trudge round the stadium to collect my medal and goody bag.

 

Take a stroll out the back, glorious sunshine, and warm. I find a spot and gingerly lower myself. My quads are ready to explode. After a couple of tries I hit the ground!

 

 

Rest! Phew!

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