Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to carry the Super League Grand Final match ball on what will be his seventh and final charitable running challenge, before handing it over at the iconic Old Trafford arena on October 3, an event that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is gearing up for what promises to be another grueling ultra‑marathon series, this time aimed at raising additional awareness and financial support for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his first annual run in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have amassed more than £11 million for MND charities.
This year’s itinerary is particularly demanding: he will complete an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, beginning at the home ground of the world club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, September 27. From there, he will travel to each of the twelve English Super League clubs, covering their respective stadiums in a relentless circuit that culminates at Old Trafford just ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, October 3. The symbolism of this final leg cannot be overstated.
Sinfield, who guided Leeds to seven Grand Final triumphs at the famed Theatre of Dreams, will now be the one to present the match ball to the current generation of players who will battle for the title. For him, the journey is a heartfelt tribute to his dear friend Rob Burrow, a former teammate whose career was cut short by MND.
"It feels right to bring it back home to the rugby league community," Sinfield told Sky Sports, referring to the deep roots both he and Burrow share in the sport. Old Trafford holds a special place in Burrow’s legacy. It was the venue where he scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try ever – a dazzling effort against St Helens in 2011.
Sinfield highlighted this moment, saying, "Rob scored, in my opinion, the greatest Super League try, the greatest Grand Final try ever. He won eight Grand Finals. To finish at Old Trafford is a fitting tribute." Sinfield also reflected on the broader support rugby league fans have shown for the MND cause. He recalled the massive turnout at the Rugby League World Cup final held at Old Trafford in 2022, noting that the stadium was packed with enthusiastic supporters even though England were not playing.
"The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, will shine through on Grand Final night," he added, expressing pride in how the sport has rallied around its own. Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League and interim chief executive of the RFL, praised Sinfield’s contributions, stating, "Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic names in Super League history.
He is synonymous with Grand Final night and his remarkable endeavours, all those epic running challenges we have seen over the years in support of his great friend Rob Burrow and the MND community, remain an inspiration to us all." Jones further emphasized the significance of the ball presentation, saying that having Sinfield deliver the ball to the centre of the stage at Old Trafford adds an extra layer of meaning to the climax of the season. The fundraising effort this year supports six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association.
Supporters can contribute via the dedicated fundraising page, which remains open for donations. In addition to the charitable run, the Super League play‑offs are set to commence on Friday, September 18, with a series of knockout matches broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The schedule includes: - Friday, September 18: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, 8 pm KO - Saturday, September 19: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, 5:30 pm KO - Semi‑Final 1, Friday, September 25: Leeds Rhinos vs TBC, 8 pm KO - Semi‑Final 2, Saturday, September 26: Wigan Warriors vs TBC, 5:30 pm KO These fixtures will lead up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where the latest Betfred Super League champions will be crowned. Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon will conclude just before the kickoff, allowing him to hand the ball to the players and symbolically link his charitable mission with the sport’s most prestigious night.
The entire rugby league community, from fans to officials, has expressed its admiration for Sinfield’s perseverance and generosity. Many anticipate that his presence on Grand Final night will not only inspire the athletes on the field but also draw further attention to the ongoing fight against MND.
As the countdown to the final leg of his challenge continues, Sinfield remains focused on completing the seven‑day run, delivering the ball, and celebrating the sport that has given him and his friend so many unforgettable moments. For those wishing to follow his progress, updates are being shared across social media platforms, and the fundraising page provides real‑time information on the total amount raised.
The hope is that this final challenge will surpass previous totals, ensuring that vital research, patient support, and community programmes receive the resources they need to combat motor neurone disease across the UK and Ireland.