York: Fans cheer Kevin Sinfield over the finish line outside Minster

The former Leeds Rhinos player arrived outside the Minster yesterday afternoon (Friday, December 1), after running from Headingley Stadium.

• Crowds gather in York to welcome rugby legend to city

He was greeted by cheers from the crowd, who braved the cold to show their support.

Kevin plans to run seven ultra-marathons (27.2 miles) in seven different cities across seven successive days to raise money for motor neurone disease (MND) charities after seeing his friend and team mate Rob Burrow affected by the illness.

Simon and Linda Hickling travelled from Northallerton to cheer Kevin on.

Linda and Simon Hickling travelled from Northallerton to cheer Kevin Sinfield on in York (Image: Dylan Connell)

“We wanted to see Sir Kev,” Linda told The Press.  

“We saw him on his last adventure when he passed through Northallerton.”

The pair have been Leeds Rhinos fans since Kevin and Rob played for the team.

Debbie and David Hopkins travelled from Coventry to show their support.

Debbie and David Hopkins from Coventry came to cheer Kevin Sinfield on in York (Image: Dylan Connell)

They cheered Kevin off at the starting line in Headingley and met him at the finish line in York.

“He looked a bit cold at Headingley,” Debbie told The Press.

“Rob was there to see him off.”

The pair are Leicester Tigers, where Kevin worked as a defence coach.

They praised the 43-year-old for taking on the challenge to support Rob, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019.

Kevin Sinfield outside York Minster after crossing the finish line (Image: Dylan Connell)

“He’s running for a friend,” David said. 

“That’s the kind of friend everyone should have.

“If everyone had a friend like that the world would be a better place.”

Phillip Suddaby from York said he missed Kevin when he was last in the city in November 2022 on his previous challenge.

Phillip Suddaby from York (left) said he missed Kevin Sinfield when he was last in the city so made sure to support him today (Image: Dylan Connell)

So, he made sure to show his support today.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,” he told The Press.