Kevin Sinfield Completes 230-Mile Charity Run, Describes Feeling “Battered”

Rugby figure Kevin Sinfield has stated he feels “battered” after completing a “really demanding” 230-mile run to support individuals with motor neurone disease (MND). Sinfield concluded seven ultra marathons across seven days, dedicating the effort to the memory of his late teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away from the illness in June. The former England international began the week-long challenge in Liverpool, finishing on Saturday near his residence in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, having raised over £1 million. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, he remarked: “I am a little battered still but I’ve slept pretty well for the last two nights.” He further stated: “It will take me a couple of days to get right.” Despite sustaining a significant muscle injury in November, the former Leeds Rhino player successfully finished his ‘Running Home for Christmas’ challenge. Sinfield acknowledged experiencing a “tear in the back of my calf”. The 44-year-old commented: “It put the whole thing in jeopardy, but now I have a lot of back pain and hip stuff.” He continued: “But there is a difference between being injured and being in pain. It was really demanding and really tough.” He added: “Some days we were on our feet for nine hours. But we got through it. It was great to finish back home.” Throughout his marathon series, the Oldham-native athlete encountered individuals from the MND community. He stated: “There was a lot of emotion from the stories you hear from the time you spend with people.” He elaborated: “It did mean that it was more emotional and some ways energised us from some of the stories you hear.” He concluded: “It drives you forward and Rob was never far from my thoughts.” The former rugby personality commented: “We saw how much people respected and loved him.” He continued: “To see what he and his family went through was tragic but we have all taken inspiration from him.” Sections of the demanding run saw Sinfield joined by notable sporting figures, including Olympic cycling pair Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny, alongside Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and individuals from the MND community. This event marked his fifth yearly fundraiser for MND charities, initiated after Burrow’s diagnosis in 2019. Their friendship developed during their time playing for Leeds Rhinos, and since commencing these extensive runs in 2020, Sinfield has accumulated over £11 million. After Burrow’s passing at 41 years old, his father encouraged Sinfield to persist with the fundraising initiatives aimed at addressing the effects of MND. Burrow, a married father of three, received his MND diagnosis in 2019, following a distinguished rugby career that featured eight Super League Grand Final wins. Additionally, he earned 15 caps for England and five for Great Britain. Further content from BBC Radio Manchester is available on Sounds, and updates from BBC Manchester can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Submissions for story ideas are accepted at northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. This material is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC states it is not accountable for the content of external sites and provides details on its external linking policy.