Rich is all set to run his 8th marathon after shocking heart failure diagnosis

Since it’s inaugural event in 2022, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon has always attracted thousands of participants of all abilities, each running for their own reason, but with one common goal; to Run For Rob.

Next year’s event is set to be no different. From now up until event day, we will be celebrating some of our amazing runners and their reasons for running.   

Richard Cleverley, from Leeds is running the marathon in support of a charity very close to his heart, the Pumping Marvellous Foundation, the UK’s heart failure charity.

It was just eight years ago that Rich did no exercise, drank, smoked and was diagnosed with heart failure. His shock diagnosis, at the age of only just 46, prompted him to change his life and as a result of that, he found a new love of running.

We caught up with Rich, to find out more about his shock diagnosis and his running journey so far.

“In August 2016, at the age of 46, I spent four weeks in Leeds General Infirmary which initially was devastating as I didn’t know what the future would bring. That four weeks gave me plenty of time to re-evaluate things, and although I had never been interested in sport I decided that as part of changing my life I’d take up running.

“Rich credits the sport to changing his life, saying “I decided things had to change, my lifestyle had to change. I was a smoker, went to the pub too much and did no exercise at all.”

“In some ways, heart failure has been a positive for me because of the ways that I have changed my lifestyle. I still work remotely, but rather than live to work, I work to live. I do my job but make sure I take time for me.

“Once out of hospital and able to move about I decided that I’d train for a 5k Park Run and raise money for The Pumping Marvellous Foundation which is the UK Heart Failure charity, supporting the estimated 2 million people living with heart failure in the UK and their families.

“This 5k led to 10k, half marathon and ultimately marathon distance events. As soon as the very first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was announced, I knew that I had to take part. Rob and Kev were, and continue to be, so inspirational to so many people that it was only right to join everyone in supporting them in their aim to find a cure for MND. Rob’s very sad passing will make next year’s event all that more poignant.

“Rob and Kev have shown that no matter what is thrown at you there are always people that need your support, and this is something I hold dear to my heart in my work with Pumping Marvellous where I am now the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

“Living with a long-term condition is often debilitating, and I have been extremely fortunate to have recovered enough to be able to take part in events like this. Heart Failure, like MND affects different people in many different ways and while I know that I may not always be able to do what I do now I won’t allow it to control my life.

“The 2024 Rob Burrow event will be my 8th marathon, all post heart failure, but certainly not my last. No matter what cause you are running for, remember to celebrate Rob and Kev’s bond which serves as a lesson to us all.”

Next year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon is set to take place on Sunday 11th May. 

To join Rich on the start line and to find out more about the event, please click here