Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take on his seventh and final ultra‑marathon challenge, a feat that will culminate in a symbolic moment at the Super League Grand Final. On October 3, live on Sky Sports from Old Trafford, the former Leeds Rhinos and England captain will hand over the match ball at the iconic venue, a stage that has witnessed many of his most celebrated achievements.
The upcoming run is part of Sinfield’s ongoing mission to raise awareness and funds for the motor neurone disease (MND) community throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his first annual challenge in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have generated more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s itinerary is especially demanding: an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, starting at the home of the world‑club champions Hull KR on Sunday, September 27, and then travelling to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs before finishing at Old Trafford ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, October 3.
The significance of the final stop cannot be overstated. Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is where Rob Burrow – Sinfield’s long‑time teammate and close friend – scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011 against St Helens.
For Sinfield, presenting the ball at the same ground where Burrow’s legendary moment unfolded feels like a full‑circle tribute to the player who has inspired his charitable endeavors. "It feels right to bring the ball back to the heart of rugby league, to the community that gave us so much," Sinfield told Sky Sports.
"Rob’s try at Old Trafford was, in my opinion, the finest Grand Final try ever – a moment that still lives in the memory of every fan. To finish my final challenge at the venue where he shone is incredibly special." Sinfield added that the journey will also allow him to revisit venues where Burrow once terrified opponents, adding a personal layer to the physical test. "The support we’ve received over the past six years has been phenomenal, and I’m looking forward to seeing those familiar faces again," he said. "We were at Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, and the atmosphere was electric even though England weren’t in the final.
It showed how much love there is for the game and for Rob’s cause." Rhodri Jones, managing director of RL Commercial and interim chief executive of the RFL, praised Sinfield’s contributions: "Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic figures in Super League history. His name is synonymous with Grand Final night, and his relentless running challenges in support of Rob Burrow and the MND community have inspired countless people. We are delighted that he will now bring the ball onto the centre stage at Old Trafford, where the season’s most important 80 minutes will be played and the Betfred Super League champions will be crowned." The challenge will benefit 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 receive a share of the donations generated through Sinfield’s run and the associated fundraising page, which remains open for contributions.
The Super League play‑offs begin on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on September 19 at 5:30 p.m. The semi‑finals are scheduled for September 25 and 26, leading up to the Grand Final on October 3 at Old Trafford. Throughout this period, Sinfield will be covering a different club’s ground each day, running a marathon‑length distance, and using each stop to highlight the cause and encourage fans to donate.
In addition to the physical challenge, Sinfield hopes the campaign will underscore the unity of the rugby league community. "The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the camaraderie within rugby league are all shining through," he said.
"I am incredibly proud of how the sport has rallied around this cause, and I know the Grand Final night will be a truly special occasion for everyone involved." Supporters are encouraged to follow Sinfield’s progress online, donate via the dedicated fundraising page, and tune in to the live broadcasts of the play‑offs and Grand Final on Sky Sports. The combination of athletic endurance, charitable fundraising, and the historic symbolism of presenting the Grand Final match ball makes this seventh challenge a remarkable finale to Sir Kevin Sinfield’s extraordinary run for the MND community.