‘You’re a legend’: Sir Kevin Sinfield gets a hero’s welcome at Headingley during final 7 in 7 challenge

Sir Kevin Sinfield was greeted by a huge crowd and the Leeds Irish Choir as he arrived in Leeds during his final 7 in 7 challenge for motor neurone disease.

The Leeds Rhinos legend ran into Headingley Stadium shortly after 11am today (September 30), where supporters gathered to cheer him on during the fourth of seven ultramarathons in seven days.

Sinfield’s seventh and final annual challenge will see him visit all 12 English Super League grounds before finishing at Old Trafford ahead of the Grand Final.

He is taking on the challenge to raise awareness and funds to support people living with MND, running in memory of his Rhinos teammate and close friend Rob Burrow, who died from MND in June 2024.

Among those waiting to welcome him was Caroline Caulfield, from Leeds Irish Choir, who said it was “really special” to be part of the occasion.

She described the atmosphere as “amazing”, adding that nobody wanted to leave despite Sir Kev having already passed through.

For Caroline, the cause behind the challenge made the day particularly important, with the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Seacroft “a real asset to Leeds”.

So far, Sinfield has raised more than £770,000 through the challenge, which will be donated to MND charities and causes including the MND Association, My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and Leeds Hospitals Charity.

Among the crowd was Lawrie Lee, who said he had seen all of Sir Kev’s previous runs and simply described him as “a legend”.

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “he’s providing the voice for all people with MND, and everything he’s done over the years has just been incredible.”

Headingley resident Rosie Bell also came out to cheer Sir Kev on, having followed his work raising money and awareness for MND.

“It’s so important that he’s doing this to raise money and awareness about the disease in memory of Rob, who was such a great guy,” she said.

“It’s great to see the community come together and support him.”

Sir Kev set off from Wakefield Trinity’s stadium at around 8.40am, passing through checkpoints at Cross Flatts Park and Pudsey before arriving at Headingley ahead of schedule.

His fourth ultramarathon will finish at Huddersfield’s Accu Stadium at around 4.02pm, with three more gruelling runs still to come.

The latest challenge comes after Sir Kev was surprised by the Prince and Princess of Wales at Wakefield Trinity yesterday (September 29).

Prince William and Catherine met families affected by MND before taking their places to cheer Sir Kev across the finish line.

Kevin Burn, CEO of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, also travelled over from Ireland to support the challenge.

He told us that Sir Kev had been “a huge support” to MND organisations through his fundraising challenges.

“He’s raised so much money and he’s such an inspiring person,” he added.

Sir Kev was emotional as he addressed the supporters cheering him on outside of Headingley stadium.

“The biggest thank you goes to all of you guys,” Sinfield said.

“It’s not really about the running, it’s something for everyone to donate towards, this money’s going to make a difference, it will help us find a cure and help us to look after families better.”