Kevin Sinfield ultramarathon route updates — How to donate as rugby star takes on Dublin 7 in 7 event for Rob Burrow
KEVIN Sinfield looks set to take on his fifth ultramarathon in Dublin in support of Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow.
The former Leeds Rhinos player is undertaking the 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge, running an ultramarathon every day for seven days - in seven cities - this month.
So far, Sinfield has raised more than £8m for motor neurone disease charities through his challenges.
The remainder of the 2023 challenge's route will take Sinfield and the rest of his team back to the UK with stops in Brighton and London.
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
Where is Kevin now?
Thanks to the Leeds Rhinos, we can track Kevin's full race today.
At the time of writing, he is more than halfway through his Dublin Ultramarathon.
Come on Kevin!
Credit: Leeds Rhinos Kevin looks back on day four
Following the conclusion of his Edinburgh ultramarathon, Kevin Sinfield looked back on his journey so far.
Speaking to the BBC he said: "We've all aged about 25 years in the last 3 days" as he was presented with an inspirational version of Flower of Scotland.
Can you run with Kevin?
Kevin Sinfield is running seven, (yes seven!), Ultramarathons this week, across several British cities.
During this challenge, some fans have asked if they can run alongside the rugby star.
However, Kevin’s fundraiser asks, for the safety of all involved, that people do not try and run with him.
Instead, supporters are asked to watch from a safe distance.
When is Kevin expected to finish today's race?
Thanks to the Leeds Rhinos, we can track Kevin Sinfield's entire run through Dublin today.
The rugby star set off at around 12pm from Croke Park.
He is expected to finish at around 4pm when he reaches the Aviva Stadium.
Full map of today's challenge
The Leeds Rhinos have provided a full look at today's route as Kevin Sinfield looks to complete his FIFTH ultramarathon in five days.
Raising money for MND in honour of Rob Burrow, Kevin is in Dublin today before moving on to Brighton tomorrow for his sixth race.
When was Rob Burrow diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease?
In December 2019, it was revealed that Burrow had been suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.
Burrow spoke about his diagnosis in an interview with the BBC.
“It was a bit of a shock. I’d not had any sort of prep for being told that you have something where there’s no cure,” he told BBC Look North.
“It’s one of the frustrations, the doctors and specialists don’t know how you got it, and there’s not much they can do.
“You don’t know much about your life expectancy, for example Stephen Hawking lived 54 years with it.
“Maybe it’s the athlete in us all, we don’t want to lie down and just take it, we want to compete.
“I’m going to get stuck into it, a bit like my career I was doubted and written off a few times so I’m really positive, taking the challenge and that’s the best way to be.
“It was a numbing moment, but a week further on [from the diagnosis] I’m in a decent place.”
What is today's route?
Kevin Sinfield is taking on his fifth ultramarathon in five days today as he brings the Seven in Seven challenge to Dublin.
The race started at Croke Park this morning and will end at Aviva Stadium later this afternoon.
Tomorrow, he will be in Brighton for his sixth ultramarathon.
Kevin Sinfield discusses Seven in Seven's message
Kevin Sinfield discussed the message he wants to share as part of his Seven In Seven challenge after completing yesterday's race.
He said: "The big message throughout all we've done, and it's been difficult for us, trying to understand what success looks like this time because this is number four for us.
"The awareness is great and the fundraising is enormous because we know that's the thing that's gonna shift the dial and get us a cure.
"But it's ultimately about how you make people feel as well. I think that would be a big message from Doddie and certainly would be from Rob.
"If we make people care a little bit more about each other, then the world will be a far better place for us to live."
Kevin Sinfield emotional as he honours Doddie Weir
An emotional Kevin Sinfield held back tears as he paid tribute to Doddie Weir after yesterday's ultramarathon in Edinburgh.
"I said to Kathy [Weir's wife] when we did the extra mile, 'The big man's upstairs, he's done this on purpose and he's laughing at us,'" he said, reports the Mirror.
"Good on him. It's been an honour again to be in Edinburgh, despite the weather. You guys have come out and supported us, been out on the route when it's been like this, so thank you. You know why we're here. The big man started it all off, his impact on Rob."
What is motor neurone disease?
MND affects specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing the function of motor neurons to break down.
It stops messages from motor neurones reaching muscles. Everyday activities become increasingly difficult or completely impossible.
Over time, the condition progressively worsens as the muscle weakens and can visibly waste.
The majority of those diagnosed with the disease are given a three-year life expectancy starting from when they first notice the symptoms.
‘It’s a beautiful community’
Sinfield said of Burrow and his wife Lindsey before beginning the run: “[They’re] the reason we’re here and what we’re doing and also the MND community.
“[It’s] a beautiful community that’s been ravaged for decades and finally getting the support that they need.”
Kevin Sinfield wants to raise awareness about motor neurone disease
Kevin Sinfield wants to shine a light on the effects motor neurone disease has on families across the world with his ultramarathon challenge.
“For decades, families have been ravaged and left behind closed doors in many sad, terrible, circumstances and felt ashamed to leave the front door because people just didn’t know what MND was,” he said, reports the BBC.
“It matters to people so we are trying to raise money and awareness,” he added.
Can you run with Kevin?
Kevin Sinfield is running seven, (yes seven!), Ultramarathons this week, across several British cities.
During this challenge, some fans have asked if they can run alongside the rugby star.
However, Kevin’s fundraiser asks, for the safety of all involved, that people do not try and run with him.
Instead, supporters are asked to watch from a safe distance.
How to donate to Kevin Sinfield
Kevin is raising money for the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND.
Several other causes will also be given funds as part of the challenge, including, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Irish MND Association and the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, plus the 4ED campaign to support former Gloucester and Leicester rugby union player Ed Slater.
You can donate here.
The numbers are in
Kevin completed his fourth ultramarathon in an impressive 3 hours and 48 minutes yesterday.
Kevin started off his fourth leg by crossing the Forth Bridge and then continued on to Edinburgh Castle before finishing at Murrayfield Stadium.
He travelled an astounding 43.11 kilometres.
When did Kevin start the challenge?
Kevin Sinfield started his 2023 challenge on December 1 at Headingley stadium, with his first of seven runs then finishing at York Minster.
Rob Burrow was there at the starting line to support Sinfield, with Kevin naming his friend and former team-mate as a “massive inspiration”.
How much has been raised so far?
Kevin has raised over £350,000 for charity since the start of his 7 in 7 in 7 challenge.
Kevin will raise money for the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds.
There will also be donations made to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Irish MND Association and the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, plus the 4ED campaign to support former Gloucester and Leicester rugby union player Ed Slater.
You can donate here.
Where will Kevin be running?
Kevin is into day five of his 7 in 7 in 7 challenge.
The rugby star completed his Edinburgh leg yesterday evening after another gruelling run.
Today, Kevin will be running in Dublin.
Here are the final three legs of the remarkable journey:
- December 5 – Dublin
- December 6 – Brighton
- December 7 – London, Twickenham to The Mall
Kevin Sinfield hails ‘beautiful’ MND community
Speaking after Sunday's race, Kevin Sinfield said: “Wherever we’ve been we’ve had incredible support. I think you guys understand how beautiful this MND community is, and you’re supporting exactly what we’re trying to do.
“Which is to bring some hope, some love, and respect to these families, and to make sure those we’ve lost previously are remembered properly.
“So thank you all for being here today and supporting what we’re doing.”
Who is Rob Burrow?
Burrow, was born in Pontefract, West Yorkshire and quickly established his love for rugby some years after.
Burrow joined Leeds Rhinos as a 19-year-old and played his entire 16-career with the club, playing close to 500 games.
He won the Challenge Cup on two occasions but won the Super League a whopping eight times with Leeds Rhinos.
Burrow was also selected to play at the Rugby League World Cup in Australia in 2008.
The scrum-half then decided to retire in 2017, bringing to a close his glittering Rhinos career, before he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2020.
In pictures: Kevin Sinfield completes day four
Kevin Sinfield arrived at the Murrayfield stadium as he completed his fourth race, according to posts on X.
The rugby star is running seven ultramarathons in seven days as he raises money and awareness for motor neuron disease.
What are the symptoms of motor neurone disease?
In many cases, signs of the disease will begin gradually.
Typically, this will occur on one side of the body only, before progressively worsening.
Heartbreakingly, motor neurone disease may leave the diagnosed unable to move or communicate properly.
Swallowing and breathing may also become a difficult task.
The NHS outlines initial symptoms to look out for…
- a weakened grip, which can cause difficulty picking up or holding objects
- weakness at the shoulder that makes lifting the arm difficult
- a “foot drop” caused by weak ankle muscles
- dragging of the leg
- slurred speech (dysarthria)
In pictures: Kevin’s journey so far
Here are some snaps from Kevin’s first four challenges…
What is motor neurone disease?
MND affects specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing the function of motor neurons to break down.
It stops messages from motor neurones reaching muscles. Everyday activities become increasingly difficult or completely impossible.
Over time, the condition progressively worsens as the muscle weakens and can visibly waste.
The majority of those diagnosed with the disease are given a three-year life expectancy starting from when they first notice the symptoms.
How to donate to Kevin Sinfield
Kevin is raising money for the MND Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity’s appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND.
Several other causes will also be given funds as part of the challenge, including, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Irish MND Association and the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, plus the 4ED campaign to support former Gloucester and Leicester rugby union player Ed Slater.
You can donate here.