Why Your Miles Matter More When Sue Ryder Calls on Runners to Go the Distance at This Year’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

Thinking about running a marathon? It’s a massive challenge. All those months of training, the early mornings, the rain, the sheer grit it takes to get to the starting line, let alone cross the finish line 26.2 miles later. But what if every step could mean something more than just a personal best? What if it could provide real, meaningful support to families going through the toughest times imaginable? This May, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon offers exactly that chance, with the palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder calling on runners to join its team and make a huge difference.

Running for a reason bigger than the finish line

For anyone looking to take on a marathon, there's an incredible opportunity to do so while supporting a vital cause. The charity Sue Ryder is inviting people from across Yorkshire and beyond to sign up for this year’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. Whether someone is a seasoned marathoner who knows every mile like the back of their hand, or a first-timer nervously lacing up their trainers, everyone is welcome. The goal is to raise vital funds for the charity's expert palliative and bereavement support. This isn't just about fundraising; it's about providing compassionate care to people with a life-limiting illness. Sue Ryder does incredible work through its community services and hospices, like the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, offering a hand to hold for families across the region. The support they provide during and after some of life's most difficult moments is a source of genuine strength for so many.

What's it like on team Sue Ryder?

Joining Team Sue Ryder means runners aren't on their own. It’s one thing to commit to regular training, but having a support network can make all the difference. The charity ensures every one of its runners feels part of something special. Here’s what participants can expect:

• Dedicated support: A fundraising team is on hand to help with everything from setting up a page to smashing fundraising targets.

• A team vest: All runners get their own Sue Ryder running vest to wear with pride on race day.

• Helpful tips: Participants receive regular training and fundraising tips to keep them motivated and on track.

• Race day buzz: On the big day, a brilliant team of Sue Ryder volunteers will be there along the route, cheering every step of the way. This support is a massive boost when the going gets tough.

This comprehensive package is designed to help every person go the distance. It’s about building a community of runners who are all working towards the same goal: supporting people when they need it most. It's this kind of support that helps turn a daunting challenge into an achievable and rewarding experience.

A runner's powerful story

Sometimes, the best way to understand the impact is to hear from someone who has been there. Helen Denton, a 54-year-old from Keighley, ran the marathon for Sue Ryder and is encouraging others to get involved. The cause is deeply personal for her.

Helen said: “Sue Ryder supported my husband at the end of his life – I'll take any chance to fundraise because the care we received meant so much.”

She shared her experience of the event itself, which took place on Wednesday 4 March 2026, after her first marathon in 2024. “I ran the Leeds Marathon in 2024, my first and only marathon so far, and I found it really well organised and easy to get to. The best part was the crowds. They were amazing, with support on nearly every part of the route. People had signs; children were handing out sweets and high fives, and there were hose pipes and water guns to cool us down on such a hot day.”

Her reflection on the experience says it all: “It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life, and I’m excited to be doing it again this year.” Helen’s story highlights how running the marathon is not just a physical feat but an emotional and powerful journey, especially when connected to such a meaningful cause.

More than just a race

The work of Sue Ryder tackles some of life's biggest challenges. For over 70 years, the charity has been a source of strength for people living with a life-limiting illness or dealing with grief. Dying and grief are universal experiences, but they can be incredibly isolating. Sue Ryder's mission is to ensure that no one has to face them alone. The organisation provides not just medical palliative care, but also emotional support, recognising that every person's journey is different. There is a broader campaign at the heart of their work, too. They actively seek to break down the barriers that stop people talking about dying and grief. By opening up these conversations, the charity helps everyone to be better prepared and better able to support one another through these universal experiences. The fundraising from events like the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is what allows this vital work to continue.

Ready to get involved?

The call to join Team Sue Ryder is a powerful one. Every person who signs up and starts fundraising helps the charity to continue providing its expert, compassionate care. Adam Brunskill, a Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder, summed it up perfectly.

“We’d love to welcome more runners to Team Sue Ryder this year. Every person who takes on the Leeds Marathon for us helps ensure we can continue providing expert, compassionate care for people at the end of their lives, and support for families facing grief. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned marathoner, we’ll be with you every step of the way.”

For those feeling inspired to take on the challenge, signing up is simple. More information is available at sueryder.org/leedsmarathon. And if a full marathon feels like a step too far, there’s also the option to take on the Leeds Half Marathon for Sue Ryder. Every runner, every donation, and every cheer from the sidelines contributes to a cause that truly matters to the Yorkshire community and beyond.