THE TRIUMPH OF ‘SIR KEV’: Sinfield Smashes Final Ultra-Marathon Challenge

Sir Kevin Sinfield has officially completed his monumental “7 in 7: The Grand Finale” endurance challenge, crossing the final finish line at Old Trafford stadium. The former Leeds Rhinos captain ran seven consecutive ultra-marathons in seven days, raising over £1.3 million during the week to push his total fundraising past an astronomical £13 million for motor neurone disease (MND) charities. The final event honours the legacy of his late teammate and friend, Rob Burrow, who died in June 2024.  

Aberford and Garforth Turn Out in Force for Local Hero 

The heart of our local community became a central focus during the endurance event. As the 7 in 7: The Grand Finale route mapped its way across Yorkshire, the team specifically targeted our area on their way between key rugby league destinations.  

Spectators lined the streets of Aberford and Garforth, turning the local main roads into a sea of orange and blue MND ribbons. Residents, school children, and local business owners stood side-by-side to cheer Sinfield on as he powered through the local streets. The passing group was met with a wall of applause, with volunteers collecting donations directly from the crowds. 

For the people of Garforth and Aberford, the run carried a deeply personal connection. Many locals remember Sinfield and Burrow’s dominant years at Headingley, making the sight of “Sir Kev” running through local areas an emotional highlight for the community.  

A Royal Welcome in Wakefield 

After passing through the local East Side districts, Sinfield completed that daily leg of his journey at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, the home of Wakefield Trinity. Waiting alongside hundreds of sports fans was a major surprise: Prince William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, who made a highly anticipated public visit to congratulate Sinfield.  

Princess Catherine spent time talking with local families affected by MND, praising the “hope and solidarity” that the charity runs have brought to the community. Prince William warmly congratulated the rugby league legend, sharing a lighter moment with the crowd about the sheer scale of the physical challenge. 

The Grand Finale at Old Trafford 

Sinfield’s ultimate goal was realized when he carried the Super League Grand Final trophy onto the pitch at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. Stepping onto the turf where he and Rob Burrow shared seven Grand Final victories together during their playing careers, an emotional Sinfield was greeted by a massive standing ovation from 70,000 fans.  

Speaking directly to the crowd, Sinfield thanked the public for their relentless backing, noting that his late friend would be “so proud” to see the love and care shown to a community that desperately needs support. Though this marks the conclusion of Sinfield’s annual “7 in 7” series, organizers emphasize that the fight to fund pioneering research and find a cure for MND continues.