Sir Kevin Sinfield has described his ultra marathon fundraising challenges as a “different type of pain” compared to his rugby league playing days, as he prepares for his seventh and final endurance effort to raise money for motor neurone disease (MND) charities.
Inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who died in 2024 after living with MND for four and a half years, the ‘7 in 7: The Grand Finale’ venture will see Sinfield complete an ultra marathon every day for seven days from September 28.
He will start at defending Betfred Super League champions Hull KR and take in the other 11 English top-flight rugby league venues before concluding at Old Trafford in time for the Super League Grand Final on October 5.
Sinfield, who has raised more than £11 million for the MND community, has already completed six endurance feats and was at York on day two of the Ebor Festival, where 17 runners contested the ‘Sir Kevin Sinfield 7 In 7 Grand Finale Handicap’.
The Lost King, trained by Andrew Balding, took home the £77,310 prize pot and the England rugby union coach was delighted to have a race named after him supporting a good cause.
“It’s pretty special, the support wherever we’ve been has been incredible,” he said.
“You know, at times, you’re really overwhelmed by it, but’s it’s great to be here today to have that support once again.
“It’s nice to be back. York has been a really great city for us and the support has been incredible for us.”
When asked how his training compared to 18-year rugby league career, the 45-year-old said: “It’s different, I don’t get hit any more!
“The rugby stuff, that I did for so long, is you’re coping with the contact. This is a different type of pain.”
He added: “We’ve got a wonderful team and I think when you’ve seen the impact, the awareness and the funds that have been raised for the families that are in such need, then we haven’t got time to be tired.
“We’ve got to keep going, we’ve got to keep fighting and keep trying to pull people together to help. I get enough rest, don’t worry.
“I’m in the thick of it and we’re five weeks out on Sunday.”
