FAMILY and friends of runners in the 2024 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon are being encouraged to make a day of the race with a visit to Otley.

Just past the half-way point of the 26.2-mile which starts in Headingley at 9am on Sunday, May 12th, Otley is putting on quite the party for spectators as their runner friends head on to the long climb up Leeds Road - said by many to be the toughest part of the route.

With an amended route from last year’s inaugural race, runners will enter the town from Pool Road, run along Boroughgate and Market Place before turning left on Kirkgate. Once past the historic All Saints Parish Church, runners will then make a left turn onto Bondgate before leaving Otley via Gay Lane and Leeds Road.

The main spectator hub this year, Otley Fan Park, will be held in Otley’s Market Place with the buzz of Saturday stalls replaced by a stage with local radio DJs, face-painting stations for kids, selfie stands and much more. The entertainment will run from 10am to around 2.30pm, and most of the cafés, restaurants and other businesses on the route are set to open for the day.

Katie Burnett of Otley BID said: “The atmosphere in Otley for the inaugural 2023 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was amazing, and with an amended route that brings runners right through the heart of the town this year, we expect it be even better – especially with our exciting new fan park that will give people more space to enjoy the race, as well as providing some fun and games throughout the day.

"We’ve put a lot of effort into organising a fun event for all the family, and look forward to cheering the runners as they come through the town and providing a warm Otley welcome for their friends, family and other spectators again this year."

Chair of Otley Town Council’s Trade and Tourism Committee Cllr Paul Carter (Lib Dem, Manor Ward) said: “Otley has a great history of putting on sporting events, from our annual cycle races, the Tour de Yorkshire and top-class rugby at Otley Rugby Club and Old Otliensians.

"We’re now looking forward to welcoming many visitors to the town for the 2024 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.

"The fun’s not over after the runners have passed through either. For those who want to stay with us after their runners have passed through, there are shops to explore, cafés and restaurants to visit and, of course, our riverside Wharfemeadows Park where, weather permitting, Otley Boats will be open for rowing and pedalos on the River Wharfe."

The Visit Otley website has a dedicated page with detailed information of the Fan Park, other viewing spots on the route through Otley, town maps, the race route around Leeds.

See https://www.visitotley.co.uk/2024/04/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon-2024/ for details.