Leeds Rhinos fans will get the chance to be on the same team as Rhinos legend Rob Burrow this July, with the eight time Grand Final winner confirmed for the Run with the Rhinos team for this year’s Asda Foundation Leeds 10k on 8th July.
Burrow, who retired from Rugby League last season after 17 years playing for the Rhinos, has signed up to represent the club again in support of their official charity, Leeds Rhinos Foundation, and is ready to take on the challenge of his first 10k.
“I am really looking forward to taking part in the Leeds 10k,” Burrow said. “Leeds Rhinos Foundation is a brilliant charity and it’s an honour to be representing it. When I was a player I could see the great work they did when we were supporting them in the community and now I’ve retired I have been able to see a little more in depth what they do and the breadth of work they deliver, from working in schools and clubs to inspiring people to lead healthier lifestyles and supporting people living with cancer. So it’s all for a fantastic cause and to represent the Leeds badge again is something I am more than happy to do.”
The former England international says although he is not training to the level he did while playing, he is hoping that his old school cross country running days will help inspire him on the course.
“Before I became a rugby player when I was at school I was a decent middle distance, cross country runner, but it’s been a few years since then so I could do with getting a bit more training done! It’s for a great cause and it will get me motivated to keep fit while I’m not playing rugby any more. I’ve not done as much training as I should have done, having done training most days of the week as a rugby player and playing an intense game at the end of the week, I’ve done nothing compared to that so I need to pick my game up a little bit to make a good account of myself.”
Last year 85 runners represented the Run with Rhinos team and Burrow is hoping to encourage even more people to join him this year.
“There's plenty of time for people to get training and the main thing is giving it a go, you don’t have to worry about times, it’s about setting yourself a challenge and enjoying the occasion. I would say get out there and do it, it’s a good fun day and the experience of the crowd and the atmosphere will be a boost for all the runners.”
All runners who join the Run with the Rhinos team before 31st May will also be invited to an exclusive training session with Rob Burrow on 10th June. Runners will also get a Run with the Rhinos top for the race, fundraising support and incentives and a post race event invite.
To book your place visit tickets.therhinos.co.uk or call 0371 423 1315.