See Kevin Sinfield's 7 in 7 MND Challenge in Yorkshire This Week

Imagine running a marathon. Now imagine running further than a marathon, every single day for a week. That’s exactly what rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield is doing in his latest “7 in 7” challenge: seven ultramarathons in seven days to raise money and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND).

The challenge is deeply personal. It honours his late friend and teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away in June 2024. After covering huge distances across the UK and Ireland, Sinfield’s emotional finale lands this week in Sheffield and Leeds, giving Yorkshire communities the chance to cheer him on.

What is the 7 in 7 challenge all about?

Sinfield’s challenge involves running at least 45km (nearly 28 miles) every day, broken into manageable 7km sections, a remarkable test of endurance, resilience, and determination.

But it’s not just about physical effort. Each day of the run is dedicated to a local MND hero, adding emotional weight to every mile. The challenge also includes a daily Extra Mile event, where members of the MND community and their families join Sinfield for part of the journey.

He told BBC Breakfast this was designed for families to “share moments when they’ve spent so much time alone.”
The support along the route has been immense, with Sinfield saying:
"People come out, beep their horns, bring their smiles, the support has been immense."

The man behind the mission: who is Kevin Sinfield?

For those who don’t follow rugby, Kevin Sinfield is one of the greatest players in Super League history. After a glittering career with the Leeds Rhinos, he has become just as well known for his extraordinary fundraising.

Since 2019, inspired by his friendship with Rob Burrow, Sinfield has raised more than £10 million for the MND community. His goal for this challenge is £777,000, a tribute to the number seven shirt famously worn by Burrow.

It’s a powerful story of loyalty, friendship, and purpose.

Catch the action in Sheffield on Thursday

On Thursday, Sinfield brings the challenge to South Yorkshire, running across the city of Sheffield. Here’s where you can see him:

• 08:40 GMT: Start at Bramall Lane (Sheffield United)
• 09:40 GMT: Abbeydale — Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club
• 10:40 GMT: Passing Sheffield RUFC and Sheffield Tigers
• 12:40 GMT: Stop at the English Institute of Sport, then onward through Hillsborough
• Approx. 14:46 GMT: Finish at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience — a meaningful stop in the fight against MND

Plenty of chances for locals to line the streets and show support.

The big finish: York to Leeds on Sunday

Sunday brings the grand finale of the entire challenge, and for the first time since Rob Burrow’s passing, the team will make an official visit to Leeds.

The day finishes at AMT Headingley Stadium, where Sinfield and Burrow shared countless victories with the Leeds Rhinos.

Here’s the route for the emotional final day:

• 08:40 GMT: Start at Queen Ethelburga’s College near York
• 09:40 GMT: Passing through Green Hammerton and Cattal
• 10:40 GMT: Arriving in Wetherby
• 11:40 GMT: Through Linton
• 12:40 GMT: Via East Rigton and Bardsey
• 13:40 GMT: Entering Leeds through Moortown and Meanwood
• 14:40 GMT: Joining the Santa Dash at Leeds Beckett University, then completing the final Extra Mile with the MND community
• 14:54 GMT: Final push to AMT Headingley Stadium

This final leg is expected to draw huge crowds and an unforgettable atmosphere.

More than just a run: the impact of the fundraising

The running is remarkable, but the fundraising is life-changing.

Proceeds from the challenge will support several charities working to fight MND from every angle, including:

• MND Association
• Leeds Hospitals Charity
• Irish MND Association
• My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
• MND Scotland
• Darby Rimmer Foundation

Money raised in previous challenges has already:

• Provided financial support grants to families
• Helped people with MND access clinical trials
• Supported the creation of a new specialist MND centre, opened by the Prince of Wales

Every donation, every cheer, every person lining the route makes a real difference for those living with this devastating disease.