On Sunday 8th July Leeds Rhinos legends Barrie McDermott and Rob Burrow will be team mates once again when they race in the Leeds 10k as part of the Run with the Rhinos team and they are encouraging Rhinos fans to join them.
The duo, who played five seasons together and were part of the team who won the club’s first Grand Final in 2004, are pleased to be representing the Rhinos again to raise money and awareness for the club’s official charity, Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
“I’m really looking forward to the Leeds 10k and being part of a special occasion,” Burrow said. “It will be the first time I have done the 10k so it will be nice to have lots of the club’s supporters around me taking on the run too.”
Although Burrow and McDermott have been good friends since their playing days at the Rhinos they have always enjoyed some friendly banter between one another and as they prepare for the run, McDermott, who has been part of the Run with the Rhinos team for the last nine years, reckons Burrow should beat him.
“If Rob doesn’t beat me he should retire from running after one attempt in the Run with the Rhinos team. He’s like a Formula 1 race with an aerodynamic advantage, using his nose as a windbreaker!” joked McDermott.
Burrow however believes that it is McDermott who will have the upper hand over him – not because of his extra experience – but for one particular reason.
“If I don’t beat Barrie Mac then I will retire from the game completely. His new teeth add an extra 4kg to his weight!” he said.
As well as running in the 10k, Burrow who is now head coach of the Rhinos Academy, is giving his support to his fellow runners by offering a free training session on Sunday 10th June for anyone who signs up to the Run with the Rhinos team before 31st May.
The charity’s Vice President, former Yorkshire and England cricket player Ryan Sidebottom is also taking part in the Leeds 10k and will lead the charity’s walking team for the 10k.
JOIN THE RUN WITH THE RHINOS TEAM
If you would like to join the Run with the Rhinos team and support Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s work in the community visit the events section at tickets.therhinos.co.uk or call 0371 423 1315.