Kevin Sinfield, the legendary former Leeds Rhinos and England rugby league captain, has once again captured the hearts of the nation by completing his sixth ultramarathon fundraising challenge for motor neurone disease (MND) charities. Over the course of seven grueling days, Sinfield ran a remarkable 300 kilometers (about 185 miles), traversing the UK and Republic of Ireland, all in memory of his late friend and teammate Rob Burrow, who lost his battle with MND in June 2024.
The challenge, aptly named 7 in 7: Together, saw Sinfield run at least 45 kilometers (27.9 miles) each day, breaking the distance into 7-kilometer bursts. He began his journey at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club and concluded at the iconic AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds, the very ground where he built his storied rugby career. On the final day, he joined the festive Santa Dash in Leeds, running alongside supporters before crossing the finish line amid cheers and applause.
Sinfield’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. As he neared the end of his journey, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, took to social media to offer his "huge congratulations" and described the challenge as "incredible." In his message, Prince William praised Sinfield’s "commitment to Rob and everyone affected by MND" as "truly inspiring," and thanked him "for shining a light on the need for research and support, and for the hope and example you bring." The prince, who made both Sinfield and Burrow Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBEs) at Headingley in January 2024, has been a consistent supporter of their efforts. Last month, he returned to open the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, joining Sinfield and Burrow’s family for the occasion.
Upon completing the challenge, Sinfield was visibly moved as he addressed the crowd at Headingley. "To the MND community and the people we’ve met en route, all through the last week, all through the past five years, to everybody we’ve met – you’re an absolutely beautiful community. We’ve got to keep fighting for the MND community," he declared, his words echoing the determination that has defined his fundraising journey since Burrow’s diagnosis in 2019.
The public’s response was overwhelming. Sinfield and his team not only reached but far surpassed their initial fundraising target of £777,777—a tribute to Burrow’s shirt number seven—by raising over £1.25 million during the week. This latest effort brings Sinfield’s total fundraising for MND charities to a staggering £11 million. The funds will be distributed among six charities, including the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity, supporting research and providing vital assistance to families affected by the condition.
The week was not without its challenges. On one leg of the journey, the runners encountered a flooded road in Cattal, North Yorkshire. Rather than admit defeat, they donned bin bags over their feet and pressed on. Sinfield recounted the moment with a smile: "This was quite early on in the day, [and] there's nothing worse than getting wet feet early on. We were given the choice, get in the van or put bin bags on your feet and get through – we couldn't get in the van. It added a bit of drama and it was good fun, we all felt like naughty school boys splashing through puddles."
Throughout the challenge, support poured in from across the country. Sinfield expressed his gratitude, saying, "Wherever we've been, people have lined the streets for us, no matter what the weather has been. It was a great week. To be able to bring everyone together has been fantastic." He continued, "We've had the best week and just a big thank you to everybody who has donated, everyone who has supported, everybody who has beeped their horn and lined the streets for us. The difference you're making to the MND community is massive and ultimately it's the money that is going to find a cure for us."
Sinfield’s inspiration remains rooted in his friendship with Rob Burrow, who died at just 41 after a four-and-a-half-year battle with MND. The pair’s bond was cemented in moments like the 2023 Leeds Marathon, when Sinfield famously carried Burrow over the finish line. Their shared commitment to raising awareness and funds for MND research has left an indelible mark on the sporting and medical communities alike.
Behind the scenes, Sinfield credits his wife, Jayne, for her unwavering support. While Kevin tackled the physical demands of the ultramarathons, Jayne managed the household and cared for their two sons, including Jack, who has followed in his father’s footsteps into professional rugby league. Jayne, a professional hairdresser, has maintained a private life focused on family and community, enabling Kevin to pursue his athletic and charitable goals with single-minded dedication.
Looking ahead, Sinfield is already planning his seventh and final 7 in 7 challenge. He revealed that the grand finale will take place at the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, 2026, bringing his fundraising journey full circle to the heart of rugby league. "The first thing I did when I got on the coach last Sunday when we were on our journey down to Ipswich was to speak to Tristan, who plans our routes, to say to him, ‘next year this is what I want it to look like’," Sinfield told BBC Breakfast. "We’re going to go a little bit earlier and the plan is to finish at the Super League Grand Final, which will be on October 3, and almost finish back where we started. The first challenge was in the north, in Leeds and Oldham where I’m from, but to bring it back to Rob and back to rugby league heartland… hopefully we’ll run right across the M62 and back to Old Trafford."
Sinfield’s relentless drive and humility have inspired thousands, from rugby fans to those affected by MND. His story is one of friendship, community, and the extraordinary power of determination—a testament to what can be achieved when people rally together for a cause that truly matters.
