It would take a heart of stone not to be moved by the image of Kevin Sinfield carrying his friend and former Leeds Rhinos team mate over the finish line at the weekend's inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.

Marking the first time the city has hosted a marathon in 20 years, the marathon's purpose was to honour Rob Burrow MBE and help raise vital funds for the Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, as well as the MND Association.

Diagnosed with MND in December 2019, Rob and his family have continuously campaigned to raise awareness and funds to support everyone impacted by MND.

Thousands of runners joined the rugby super stars on the streets of Leeds on Sunday (14 May) with participants treated to clement weather conditions and a fantastic course that started and finished where Rob achieved some of his greatest sporting achievements, Headingley Stadium.

The media's eyes may have been firmly on Kevin and Rob (with very good reason), but there were some other performances that should be acknowledged with Ilkley Harrier Nathan Edmondson taking first place in a time of 2:29:14 and first women (fourth overall) going to Eleanor Baker of City of Sheffield and Dearne AC who clocked a time of 2:41:01.

The feedback post race was full of hyperbole, Sharon Hambley commented on Facebook: "Oh my gosh, this has to go down in history as a spectacular event. Thank you so much to everyone involved. I was blown away by the support from the people of Leeds and Otley. Definitely on par with London (if not better). And then to see Kevin take Rob over the finish line totally finished me!"

While Sophie Louise commented: "What an incredible day! The crowds and support were phenomenal! My adrenaline was def flowing all the way around. Brutal course but loved every second. Well done everyone involved, we did our city proud!"

It was an emotional and inspiring day for many; with such positive feedback it should come as no surprise that a date has already been set for 2024 - 12 May, you can find out more at the Rob Burow Marathon website.

Image: Run For All