LOCAL councillors Colin Campbell, Ryk Downes and Sandy Lay have welcomed news organisers are looking to change the route of the Rob Burrows Marathon as it passes through Otley.

The marathon, which will be held on May 14 this year, will be the first to be held in Leeds for 20 years, and has been set up in honour of the Leeds Rhinos legend. The race will start and finish at Headingley Stadium.

"Initially the plan was to run up Pool Road to the Maypole turn left on Walkergate, go up Charles Street to Gay Lane then on up Leeds Road," said Cllr Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon). "We along with the business community felt this was a missed opportunity with the runners following a route away from the centre of town. After a great deal of discussion the organisers have agreed to look again at making changes so the runners can use Boroughgate, Kirkgate and Bondgate as the route through the centre of the town."

"As someone who will be taking part in the run I know how important the support of the spectators is to help you get through," said Cllr Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon). "Running through the town centre will mean lots more people can see the spectacle and cheer us on."

Cllr Lay (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: "The revised route will take runners past the majority of the towns shops and cafes. These and any shop that remains open will have a potential spectator clientele running into thousands. Something which will help the town and boost trade."

Cllr Richard Hughes, speaking for the Otley Town Council said: "This will be a tremendous boost to the local economy. We are expecting several thousand visitors who will see what residents already know, that Otley is a great place to live and work."

A Run For All spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have been approached by Cllr Lay, Campbell and Downes in recent weeks to ask about the possibility of altering the route of the Leeds Marathon through Otley Town Centre. Our discussions haven’t reached a conclusion and we remain in contact with them about the issue that they have raised.

“The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will be the county’s biggest running event with over 12,000 entrants making their way through a number of areas in the city. Any route change requires the engagement and support of a number of stakeholders, including that of the emergency services. As event organisers, our aim is to deliver a safe and enjoyable event for entrants and spectators whilst having minimal impact on residents and businesses.”