Sir Kevin Sinfield Completes Final Ultramarathon Challenge for MND Causes
Former rugby league player Sir Kevin Sinfield finished his seven-day ultramarathon challenge, raising over £13 million for motor neurone disease awareness.
Sir Kevin Sinfield has concluded his final endurance challenge, completing seven ultramarathons in seven days and crossing the finish line at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester ahead of the Super League Grand Final. This event marks the culmination of his efforts to raise funds and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND) in memory of his late friend and teammate, Rob Burrow.
Since 2020, Sinfield and his team have raised more than £13 million for the MND community. Speaking at the event, Sinfield expressed gratitude to the rugby league community for their support, stating, "The rugby league community has got right behind the MND community and Rob would be so proud to see how you've supported and cared, and showed your love for a community that really needs us."
The "7 in 7: The Grand Finale" challenge began in Hull on September 27 and traversed through all 12 Super League clubs. The journey concluded at Old Trafford, where Sinfield presented the trophy before the match between Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity.
During his journey, Sinfield received surprise visits from members of the royal family, including The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal, as well as notable figures from the sporting world such as former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate and boxer Josh Warrington.
Each day of the challenge was structured into 7km blocks completed hourly, with an additional mile designated for members of the MND community to participate. The funds raised will support several organizations, including the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association.
Sinfield, 45, a decorated player for Leeds Rhinos, has a long-standing friendship with Rob Burrow, dating back to their youth. Together, they achieved seven Super League titles. Lindsey Burrow, Rob Burrow's wife, shared that her husband would have been immensely proud of Sinfield's efforts, describing the challenge as a testament to Sinfield's dedication not only to Rob but to the entire MND community. She expressed her awe at the commitment shown by Sinfield and his team over the past seven days and the preceding seven years.
Notably, Sinfield's son, Jack Sinfield, was part of the Wakefield team competing in the Grand Final.