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Kevin Sinfield completes ultra marathon challenge in Headingley

Kevin Sinfield completes ultra marathon challenge in HeadingleyDanny Lawson/PA Wire Kevin Sinfield wearing a blue and white race jersey with sponsor logos raises one hand near the starting line. The background features a large blue inflatable arch with the word ‘START’ in bold white letters.
Danny Lawson/PA Wire

The final leg of the seven-day challenge started at Queen Ethelburga’s College near York

Kevin Sinfield has completed seven ultramarathons in seven days to raise money and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND).

The rugby league legend ran about 300km (185 miles) throughout the week, starting at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club and ending at Leeds Rhinos home ground, Headingley Stadium.

The 45-year-old completed an ultramarathon of at least 45km (27.9 miles) each day of his challenge, in bursts of 7km (4.3 miles).

On Sunday he crossed the finish line in front of hundreds of supporters, who had gathered in the stadium’s North and West stands to cheer him on.

He said: “To the MND Community and the people we’ve met on route, all through the last week, all through the past five years, to everybody we’ve met – it’s an absolutely beautiful community.

“We’ve got to keep fighting for the MND Community.”

Kevin Sinfield completes ultra marathon challenge in HeadingleyDanny Lawson/PA Wire Runners wearing blue and white athletic jerseys with race bibs splash through a flooded street during a race. Water sprays up around their legs as they move forward, and additional participants and a vehicle are visible in the background.Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Sinfield and team had to dodge puddles in Cattal in North Yorkshire

Kevin Sinfield completes ultra marathon challenge in HeadingleyDanny Lawson/PA Wire Kevin Sinfield, triathlete Jonny Brownlee and boxer Josh Warrington are wearing blue race jerseys with printed sponsor logos jog along a wet roadside during an organized eventDanny Lawson/PA Wire

Sinfield was joined for the final kilometres by triathlete Jonny Brownlee and boxer Josh Warrington

For the final few kilometres, Sinfield was joined by thousands of Santas completing the Leeds Santa Dash – including triathlete Jonny Brownlee and boxer Josh Warrington.

Sinfield and his team raised more than £1.15m during this week’s challenge, beating the target of £777,777.

The money will go towards Motor Neurone Disease Association, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, MND Scotland, Leeds Hospitals Charity and The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

Kevin Sinfield completes ultra marathon challenge in HeadingleyBBC/Michelle Lyons Kevin Sinfield, wearing a blue and yellow athletic vest with charity logos, is giving high-fives to participants dressed in Santa Claus costumes during an outdoor festive eventBBC/Michelle Lyons

Sinfield and team joined the Leeds Santa Dash for the final 3km

Sinfield and Burrow first met at the Leeds Rhinos academy aged 14 and 12, before playing professionally together at the club.

Burrow was first diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019 and died in June 2024.

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