Coming to Otley for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon? Here’s all you need to know

At 9am on Sunday May 14, 2023 some 13,000 runners will head out from Headingley passing through Adel, Eccup, Bramhope, Arthington and Pool before heading down Pool Road (A659) to Otley.

Once in the town, the route takes a left by the Maypole up Walkergate before making a sharp left on Charles Street and another left on Bondgate/Gay Lane before leaving the town via Leeds Road.

The first runner is due to come through Otley at around 1020 with the last around 1400.

The route is indicated on our map by the green arrows. Want to know more about what’s on on the day? Read on!
(Ps. At the bottom of the page, you can see an image of the whole route)

Otley Fan Park and other potential viewing spots

We’ve indicated on the map the main places we suggest you view the race by the numbered binoculars.

No.1 Otley Spectator Hub

Held in the grounds of Otley Rugby Club, Otley’s famed Ukulele Orchestra from the Woolpack Studios will be performing classic running songs such as Running Up That Hill, Born To Run and Keep On Running to keep people entertained, while there will be big screen action so people can watch the race as it unfolds. The Rugby Club bar will be open for refreshments and food.

No.2 Asda and Denton Cars

There should be plenty of space here to spot your runner(s), while Asda is expected to be open on its usual Sunday shopping hours (10am-4pm).

No.3 Pool Road/Cross Green/Boroughgate

The pavement should be wide enough to accommodate people along this stretch. At the time of writing we do not know if Maypole Fisheries will be open on the day, but Otley’s own microbrewery Shadow Brewing will be open for hot drinks and buns, with profits going to support MND. Just off the route here, the White Swan and Otley Taps (home of the Otley Burger Company) are expected to open.

No. 4 Walkergate Car Park

Opposite Otley Library, Walkergate Car Park should have ample space for people to view the race.

No. 5 Corner of Charles Street and Gay Lane

Chevin Cycles (where Charles Street meets Gay Lane) has a small car park and it may be possible to view the race from the pavement here. The shop is open from 10am to 4pm. Inspired and want to buy some running gear? Our lovely independent running store Yorkshire Runner (38 Bondgate a short walk away) will be opening from 10am-3pm on the day.

No. 6 Gay Lane

The dreaded by many long climb out of town and up Leeds Road starts here. Local businesses include the fabulous Bloomfield Square café (28-30 Gay Lane; open from 10am to 4pm serving coffee, cakes and beers) and Gay Lane Fisheries at 55 Gay Lane (which as far as we know is closed). There is also a pedestrian entry/exit and car exit point at the Sainsbury’s here. The store is usually open on Sundays from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Other businesses in town that we know are open

Joy’s Coffee House

This fab dog-friendly café at 10 Market Place will be open from 9am to 2pm.

North Bar Social

The team at this cyclist’s favourite which is just off the route on Bondgate opposite the car entrance to Sainsbury’s will also be open on the day.

Bookshop on the Square

Our independent book shop, Bookshop on the Square on Market Place will be open as usual from 11am to 4pm. There are loads of books here about local history such as 111 Places in Leeds You Shouldn’t Miss, as well as tomes about running so you can put yourself in the shoes of those pounding the pavements: The Race Against Time by Richard Askwith and How Park Run Changed Our Lives.

Like Nana Did

Otley’s zero-waste shop is open for its usual hours.

Otley’s other pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants can be found on our Buy In Otley business directory.

Route, access and parking

There will be a spectator shuttle bus running from Headingley to Otley and Bramhope – tickets will need to be purchased in advance and cost £5.50 from this link.

Please see the following leaflet provided by the race organisers for road closures and access.

What to do after the race

Take a hike up Otley Chevin

Browse our independent shops around New Market and Market Place

Head down to the river and enjoy some time on a row boat from Otley Boats

The 2023 Rob Burrow Marathon Route