Leeds Rhinos legend Brett Delaney is looking forward to lacing up his running shoes and joining the Run with the Rhinos team at the Asda Foundation Leeds 10k on Sunday 5th July.
The Australian is one of five former Rhinos players to have confirmed they will be making their debuts in the Run with the Rhinos line-up, as they show support and raise funds for their former team-mate Rob Burrow, as well as Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
Speaking during his visit to Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s In Touch dementia support group on Thursday, Delaney said: “I can’t wait to Run with the Rhinos for the first time. Obviously, it’s for Rob and Leeds Rhinos Foundation and I’m happy to do anything I can to support them.
“Me and Rob were team-mates and I supported him on the pitch for all those years, so now it’s time to do the same in his current fight.
“I’ve worked with Leeds Rhinos Foundation for some time now and I see first-hand the great work they’re doing, so it’s great to support them in this way. In times like this we’ve seen everyone pull together in the rugby league community and hopefully we can get more people to sign up for the Run with the Rhinos team to help some great causes.”
Delaney, who won three Grand Final titles during his nine seasons playing in blue and amber, became a cult hero at the Rhinos for his never-say-die attitude. He admits that the competitive spirit within is something that will drive himself and the other legends on during the race.
“There’s plenty of us former players already signed up and we’re looking forward to seeing how we all get on. I’ve got two bad knees, so I’m not sure how much competition I’ll give the others but it’ll definitely be a great day for us all.
“You look at some of the fitter lads like Kevin [Sinfield] and Jamie [Peacock] who have done races or even Marathons before. They love their running and they’ll be flying out front giving it their all I reckon.”
“The first year after retirement I didn’t do much running, but in the last six months I’ve started to get back into it and lose a lot of the weight I put on.
“I’ve been training quite a bit actually and I’m enjoying doing running on the treadmill, so it’ll be interesting to see how it compares out on the roads for a 10k.”
With the race less than four months away, Delaney hopes that more people will pledge their support to the cause by signing up to Run with the Rhinos alongside dozens of other supporters and sponsors of the Rhinos and it’s official charity.
“I live close to the city centre and I’ve seen how the roads shut down and how many people go out to cheer on the runners, so I’m looking forward to actually participating this year.
“It’ll be a really enjoyable event and if people could sign up, come out and support us that would be brilliant.”
Run with the Rhinos is a great idea for anyone looking to set themselves a challenge in 2020, whilst also raising vital funds for two fantastic causes.
Other benefits of being a Run with the Rhinos team member include:
• Run with the Rhinos race top to wear on the day
• Pre-race get together, to include nutritional advice and race tips from Leeds Rhinos experts – Date TBC
• Great fundraising incentives
• Exclusive post-race event invite
Entry is £27 and there is a minimum fundraising amount of £50 per person.
As in previous years, there will also be the option to walk the 10k course with us. So even if running isn’t for you, there is still chance to get involved by joining our 2020 Walking Team!
To register, please click HERE or call 0371 423 1315. For more information, please email ben.berry@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.