Former rugby league star Kevin Sinfield has triumphantly completed the final stage of his gruelling week-long ultramarathon challenge, which has now raised more than £1.1 million for motor neurone disease (MND) charities.
The Final Push Through Flooded Yorkshire
The 45-year-old embarked on the last leg of his '7 in 7: Together' challenge from York on Friday morning, braving difficult conditions. In a testament to his determination, Sinfield was pictured in Cattal, North Yorkshire, with bin bags tied over his shoes to protect them as he splashed through flood water. He covered the initial 7km stretch to the village in just 33 minutes, setting a strong pace for the day.
His route took him through Linton, Wetherby, East Rigton, and Barsey before he entered Leeds via Moortown. The former England rugby union coach made a stop at the Santa dash event at Leeds Beckett University, before his highly anticipated arrival at the AMT Headingley Stadium at 3pm. This marked the completion of his seventh ultramarathon in as many days.
A Legacy Forged in Friendship
This year's event is Sinfield's sixth annual fundraising effort for the MND community, a cause he embraced after his late Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the incurable disease in 2019. The challenges derive their '7 in 7' name from Burrow's iconic shirt number. Sinfield's incredible efforts over the years have now amassed a staggering total of over £10 million for MND research and family support.
He was joined for part of Friday's run by England head coach Steve Borthwick. The fundraising target of £777,777 was symbolically surpassed as the pair passed through Moresby, with donations continuing to climb.
Royal Praise and a Lasting Tribute
The monumental effort has drawn admiration from the highest levels. Prince William publicly praised Sinfield on social media platform X, calling his commitment "truly inspiring." The Prince of Wales wrote: "Kevin, huge congratulations on nearing the finish of your incredible 7 in 7 challenge! Your commitment to Rob and everyone affected by MND is truly inspiring."
The Prince, who awarded both Sinfield and Burrow CBEs at Headingley in January 2024, recently returned to open the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease. Burrow, who died in June 2024 at age 41 after a four-and-a-half-year battle, dedicated his final years to raising awareness and funds.
Sinfield's final run into Headingley Stadium echoes a poignant moment from 2023, when he famously carried Rob Burrow over the finish line of the Leeds Marathon. This latest superhuman feat of endurance ensures his friend's legacy, and the fight against MND, continues to move forward with immense momentum and public support.
