At this stage of my life and having only quickly made this decision to enter before the 7,777 entry places are taken - I know that I won’t be running my previous sub 3-hour times and Good For Age times that I ran between 2012 and 2016 during my running prime. For me, this is about the challenge and inspiration behind this exciting event. The challenge personally is to complete the marathon and enjoy it, take in the scenery, iconic ares of Leeds and Yorkshire and to take in the atmosphere.
I know that it will be tough but my training and getting marathon fit starts now. I have the Leeds Half Marathon coming up and a 50 Mile RAYP Running Challenge to give me a head start.
The only downside for entering the Leeds Marathon, which is the first of its kind in Leeds since 2003, is the fact it is hosted on the same day as the Leeds Half Marathon. It is no secret that after I ran my first Leeds Half Marathon in 2007, aged 22 that I made it my long term running ambition to run it 20 years in a row. So far, it has been 14 years not including the Covid pandemic postponements. This year will be my 15th Leeds Half Marathon but I will continue that quest in 2024 until I hit 20 of them; which all being well I will achieve in 2028.
I’m really looking forward to the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon next year. It starts and finishes at the iconic Headingley Stadium and imagine finishing the 26.2 miles inside the stadium with thousands in attendance - that will be special. I played rugby league at Headingley Stadium when I was playing school rugby as a curtain raiser to the main game and there were around 5,000 fans watching - that was special and this will bring back memories no doubt.
I will release any fundraising pages nearer the event - WATCH THIS SPACE !
Historical Facts:
-My fastest marathon time: 2:57:29 aged 29 at London Marathon
-My first marathon: London Marathon 2012 aged 27
-My first ‘Good For Age’ qualification time: Achieved at Edinburgh Marathon in 2012, aged 27
-How many Sub 3 Hour times? 2
-How many ‘Good For Age’ qualifications? 5 qualification times, 6 GFA entries
-My last marathon? 2018 after a 2 year comeback with a time of 3:45
Full Marathon Count: 8
Half Marathon Count: 28
20 Mile Race Count: 5
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INSTAGRAM: @joycinho
TWITTER: @rjsports1 @joycinho @rjrugbyleague
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