Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to carry the Super League Grand Final match ball on what will be his seventh and concluding challenge, a symbolic gesture that will see him hand over the ball at the iconic Old Trafford arena on 3 October, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is once again lacing up his shoes for a demanding ultra‑marathon series, this time designed to shine a spotlight on motor neurone disease (MND) and to raise vital funds for the cause 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 ambitious: an ultra‑marathon will be completed each day for a full week, beginning at the home of the world‑club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday 27 September. From there, Sinfield will travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, culminating in a final run that brings him to Old Trafford just ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday 3 October.
The significance of this final run goes beyond the physical challenge. It offers Sinfield a chance to return "home" to the rugby league community that has supported him for years and to revisit venues where his close friend Rob Burrow once terrorised opposition defenses. Old Trafford holds a special place in both their histories; it was the stage where Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try ever – a dazzling effort against St Helens in 2011.
"I think it's nice to bring it back home to the rugby league community. This is where it all started for Rob," Sinfield told Sky Sports, underscoring the personal resonance of the journey. Sinfield’s words captured the emotion of the moment: "To visit some venues where he terrorised opponents is particularly special and to finish at Old Trafford is great. Rob scored, in my opinion, the greatest Super League try, greatest Grand Final try ever.
He won eight Grand Finals. To get a chance to visit some places that I know very well, where the support has been awesome over the last six years, I am looking forward to it." He also reflected on the broader rugby league family, recalling the massive turnout for the Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford in 2022, even though England were not playing. "We were all hoping and expecting, so it doesn't matter which teams are in the final. I think the love for Rob, the support, the love for the MND community will shine through and I am incredibly proud of the way rugby league has come together again and continues to do, to look after its own, and it will be a really special night," he added.
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 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. As a competition, we are delighted he's now bringing the ball to the centre stage at Old Trafford ready for the biggest 80 minutes of the season when everything is on the line and the latest Betfred Super League champions are crowned. The whole sport of rugby league wishes Sir Kevin and all his team the very best on what promises to be yet another arduous and challenging seven days." 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.
Each organization will benefit from the donations generated by the marathon circuit, reinforcing the link between sport and community health initiatives. Supporters can contribute via the dedicated fundraising page, which remains open for donations throughout the week of runs.
In addition to the marathon, the Super League play‑offs will be underway, providing a packed schedule of high‑stakes matches for fans to enjoy on Sky Sports: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, kickoff 8 pm - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, kickoff 5:30 pm - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday 25 September: Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, kickoff 8 pm - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs TBD, kickoff 5:30 pm The play‑offs run from 18 September through to the Grand Final on 3 October, creating a crescendo of excitement that will culminate with Sinfield’s ceremonial hand‑over of the match ball. This moment will not only signal the start of the season’s most important game but also serve as a poignant reminder of the power of sport to rally communities around charitable causes. In summary, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon challenge is a blend of personal tribute, community engagement, and fundraising ambition.
By traversing the heartland of English rugby league, he honours Rob Burrow’s legacy, raises awareness for MND, and unites fans, players and officials in a shared purpose. The Grand Final at Old Trafford will close this chapter, with the match ball – a symbol of both competition and compassion – passing into the hands of the next generation of rugby league warriors.