A rugby legend will arrive in York during his latest challenge that will push his body to the limit.

Kevin Sinfield plans to run seven ultra-marathons (27.2 miles) in seven different cities across seven successive days.

The former Leeds Rhino player will start the challenge by running from Headingly Stadium in Leeds to York Minster on Friday, December 1.

York Press: Kevin Sinfield will arrive at York Minster on Friday, December 1Kevin Sinfield will arrive at York Minster on Friday, December 1 (Image: Newsquest)

He is due to arrive at York Minster at around 4pm.

Mr Sinfield is taking on the challenge to raise money for motor neurone disease (MND) charities after seeing his friend Rob Burrow affected by the illness.

He has undertaken several other physical challenges over the last few years and raised £13 million.

York Press: Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield during the 2023 Rob Burrow Leeds MarathonRob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield during the 2023 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)

“We go again, we start three weeks on Friday, running has been a great vehicle for us,” Mr Sinfield said on BBC Breakfast.

“It has been a great way of celebrating the MND community and celebrating Rob and showing people we care. The support we have had has been amazing.

York Press: Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield cross the finish line of the 2023 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield cross the finish line of the 2023 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)

“The plan is to run seven marathons, plus an extra mile each day, in seven different cities in the UK and Ireland across seven days.”

“We are really looking forward to it; there are 100 reasons we shouldn’t go again, but there are 5,000 why we should and the big reason is Rob,” he added.

York Press: Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield (Image: Supplied)

“If we want to make a dent on MND and to shift the dial line we need money and the awareness has been brilliant over the last four years.

“It’s the funds (that) are going to make a difference, whether that is to find a cure, or to support families or provide equipment like Rob has where people can still communicate and be in the room.”


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Mr Burrow, who is able to speak using special equipment, told his friend: “Another crazy challenge, we thought you would stop after the last one, but here you go again. I would do the same for you.

“I hope to see you off at the start and be there at the finish, you never stop banging the drum for the MND community, remember Kev you aren’t getting any younger!”

York-based waste management company Business Waste is sponsoring the challenge.

“The effort Kevin Sinfield and his team put into pushing themselves to the upper limit with these gruelling challenges to raise funds that support those living with MND and research into treatments and a cure is incredibly inspiring,” said David Adams, the firm’s director.

York Press: David Adams with Kevin Sinfield David Adams with Kevin Sinfield (Image: Supplied)

“Given Kevin smashed his last three challenges and has so far raised more than £8 million in the fight against MND, we’ve got no doubt he’ll overcome number four and raise even more awareness and funds for some incredible charities”, said fellow director Mark Hall.

“It’s great to get behind this week-long endurance test and to see it pass through York again,” added Mr Adams.