Rugby league icon Kevin Sinfield is set to cross the finish line of an extraordinary physical and emotional journey on Sunday, completing his latest ultramarathon feat to raise money and awareness for motor neurone disease charities.
The Final Leg of a Gruelling Tribute
Sunday, December 7, marks the seventh and final day of Sinfield's '7 in 7: Together' challenge. This immense undertaking involves running seven ultramarathons on seven consecutive days across the UK and Ireland, a schedule that began on December 1. The concluding route will take him from North Yorkshire to a profoundly symbolic finish at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium in Leeds.
This year's challenge carries a deeper weight of emotion. It is Sinfield's first major fundraising effort since the death of his closest friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow, in June 2024. The legendary scrum-half battled MND for five years, with Sinfield famously carrying him over the finish line at the 2023 Leeds Marathon. Sinfield is now driven by a personal vow to continue Burrow's legacy and ensure the MND community is never forgotten.
A Challenge Built on Symbolism and Pressure
The structure of the daily runs is meticulously designed to honour Burrow. Each day is broken into distinct 7km segments that must be completed within one hour, with the next block starting precisely on the hour. This relentless format keeps the number seven—Burrow's iconic shirt number—at the heart of the endeavour while adding a layer of intense time pressure.
Throughout the week, Sinfield has paid tribute to local heroes affected by MND in each region he has traversed. The first day was dedicated to former Ipswich Town striker Marcus Stewart. It is fitting that the final home stretch on Sunday will be inspired by and run for Rob Burrow himself, bringing the challenge full circle at the stadium where they created so many historic memories together.
Running "Together" with the MND Community
True to the 'Together' theme of this year's event, community involvement has been central. Each day has featured an "Extra Mile" segment, where members of the MND community—including those living with the disease, their families, and carers—have been invited to join Sinfield for one mile of the run. This powerful gesture aims to foster unity and demonstrate to those affected that they are not fighting alone.
The funds raised from this gruelling week of endurance will be split among six different charities, including the MND Association and the Leeds Hospitals Charity. This money is critical, providing direct support to families navigating life with MND and financing urgent research into effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
As Sinfield approaches the finish line at Headingley, he carries with him the hopes of a community and the memory of a friend. His extraordinary effort underscores a promise kept and a fight that continues, step by arduous step.
