Sinfield set for marathon challenge

5 Nov 2020

Sinfield set for marathon challenge

Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield is set to embark on an epic challenge to raise funds and awareness for his friend Rob Burrow who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease less than a year ago. 

From December 1, Sinfield will run seven marathons in seven days, each day running as part of a small Covid secure team of six around his home area of Greater Manchester and from his place of work in Leeds. 

As England heads into a second lockdown, the event will also be a way of virtually bringing together those who are dealing with MND in their homes and families behind closed doors. 


Originally the plan had been to run from Scotland via Yorkshire to Manchester but the national lockdown that comes into force from today has meant a re-think. The number seven is synonymous with Burrow as the number he wore throughout his career which was the spark for the idea by Sinfield to run seven marathons in seven days, finishing on the 7th December. The initial aim is fittingly to raise £77,777 for the fund set up to support Rob and his young family of three children under eight plus additional funds for MNDA.

The 7 in 7 Challenge Fund has already received a huge kick start with ACS Stainless Steel Fixings Ltd, who sponsored Rob Burrow throughout his career at the Rhinos, already pledging £20,000.

As well as raising funds for Burrow and the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Sinfield is also wanting to send out a strong message of support for all families, like Burrow’s own, who are dealing with the cruel disease during the lockdown. As part of the week long campaign, people with MND or their families are encouraged to post their support on social media using #RunKevinRun sharing their stories. 

Commenting on the announcement Sinfield said, “We have been planning for a number of months to do something special for Rob ahead of the anniversary of his announcement of his diagnosis. The recent documentary on the BBC was watched by over 3 million people and Rob’s story has inspired so many. Rob has always said that he is revealing his story for those who don’t have the chance to do so and we want to make the run about that too.

“Having been part of a bio-secure environment with the Rhinos since July, we will be implementing those plans to make sure the whole event is done as safely as possible. We are speaking to the local authorities to make sure everything is done within the current restrictions with everyone tested prior to the event and daily medical checks before we begin. With us being based near to home, everyone will stay at their own residence between each run.

“The aim is to complete each marathon in under four hours. Undoubtedly, this is going to be incredibly tough but it is nothing compared to what Rob and his family are going through and they will be our inspiration every step of the way,?? added Sinfield.  

We hope to hear from people dealing with MND each day. Every afternoon, once Kevin has completed the marathon run we are asking people to get in touch by using the hashtag #RunKevinRun and we will host a Zoom call for them to share their stories along with special guests from the playing career of Kevin and Rob.

You can donate now at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sinfield-7-in-7