Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to undertake his seventh and final challenge by taking the official Super League Grand Final match ball to the iconic Old Trafford venue on October 3, where he will hand it over live on Sky Sports. This ceremony will mark the culmination of a remarkable series of endurance feats that Sinfield has been performing to raise awareness and funds for the motor neurone disease (MND) community throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain has become synonymous with charitable ultra‑marathons ever since he launched his inaugural run in 2020. Over the past three years his efforts, together with a dedicated team of volunteers and supporters, have generated more than £11 million for a range of MND charities. For his latest endeavour Sinfield will run an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, covering a different venue each time.
The journey begins at the home ground of the world‑club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, 27 September, and proceeds to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs. The final leg will end at Old Trafford, the historic "Theatre of Dreams," just before the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October. Sinfield’s personal connection to Old Trafford runs deeper than the venue’s prestige.
It was the stage where his long‑time friend and former Leeds teammate Rob Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in Super League history – a dazzling solo effort against St Helens in 2011. For Sinfield, presenting the match ball at that same ground is a poignant tribute to Burrow and a fitting book‑end to his own marathon saga. "It feels right to bring the ball back to the rugby league community where it all began for Rob," Sinfield told Sky Sports. "Visiting the grounds where he terrorised opposition over the years, and finishing at Old Trafford, is incredibly special.
Rob’s 2011 try remains, in my opinion, the best Grand Final try ever – a moment that still inspires fans and players alike." Sinfield also reflected on the broader significance of the event for the sport. He recalled the electric atmosphere at Old Trafford during the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, when a massive crowd turned out despite England not being in the match. "The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the passion of rugby league fans will shine through on Grand Final night. I am proud of how the game has rallied together to look after its own, and I know it will be a truly special evening." Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League (RL) and interim chief executive of the Rugby Football League (RFL), praised Sinfield’s contributions: "Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic names in Super League history.
He is inseparable from Grand Final night, and his relentless running challenges in support of his great friend Rob Burrow and the MND community have become an inspiration to everyone. As a competition, we are delighted that he will now bring the ball to centre stage at Old Trafford for the biggest 80 minutes of the season, when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned. The entire rugby league family wishes Sir Kevin and his team the very best for what promises to be another demanding seven‑day trek." The 2024 fundraising campaign will support six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association.
Each organization will benefit from the donations generated through Sinfield’s marathon route and the associated online fundraising page, which remains open for contributions. The Super League play‑offs will commence on Friday, 18 September, with a series of live matches on Sky Sports leading up to the Grand Final: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, kickoff 8 pm - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, kickoff 5:30 pm - Friday 25 September (Semi‑Final 1): Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, kickoff 8 pm - Saturday 26 September (Semi‑Final 2): Wigan Warriors vs TBD, kickoff 5:30 pm These fixtures will be broadcast live, providing fans with continuous coverage of the path to the championship. As the play‑offs progress, the excitement builds toward the climactic Grand Final at Old Trafford, where Sinfield will hand over the match ball that symbolizes the culmination of a season’s worth of effort, drama, and passion.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon serves a dual purpose: it celebrates his own illustrious career – which includes seven Grand Final victories with Leeds – and it shines a spotlight on the ongoing fight against MND. By linking the sport’s most prestigious night with a cause that has touched so many in the rugby league community, Sinfield hopes to inspire further generosity and awareness.
Supporters are encouraged to follow Sinfield’s daily runs, share updates on social media, and contribute to the fundraising page. Each mile covered not only honors Rob Burrow’s legacy but also provides vital resources for research, care, and support services for those living with motor neurone disease across the UK and Ireland. In summary, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s seventh and final marathon will see him traverse the heartland of English rugby league, culminating in a ceremonial presentation of the Grand Final match ball at Old Trafford on 3 October. The event merges sport, charity, and personal tribute, underscoring the deep bonds within the rugby league family and the collective commitment to combat MND.