Key Highlights
- Rugby player Kevin Sinfield to run seven ultramarathons in support of motor neurone disease research.
- Sinfield’s challenge will help raise funds and awareness for MND patients, inspired by his teammate Rob Burrow’s fight against the condition.
- Former Ipswich Town footballer Marcus Stewart expresses hope that Sinfield’s efforts will contribute to a treatment or cure eventually.
- The 7 in 7: Together event aims to raise £777,777 and follow in honour of people affected by MND.
Kevin Sinfield’s Ultramarathon Challenge for Motor Neurone Disease Research
Rugby player Kevin Sinfield is set to run seven ultramarathons over the next week, raising funds and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND) research. The challenge, known as 7 in 7: Together, will see Sinfield cover a distance of at least 45km each day across different cities and regions.
Starting from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, Sinfield’s first ultramarathon is dedicated to Marcus Stewart, an Ipswich Town footballer who was diagnosed with MND in 2022. The event has given Stewart hope that the money raised will eventually go towards a treatment or cure for the disease.
Background and Inspiration
Kevin Sinfield, aged 45 and a former rugby league star, is undertaking this challenge to honor his late teammate Rob Burrow, who passed away from MND in 2024 at the age of 41. “Stopping to speak with people was vital while running,” Sinfield said during the preparation for the event.
The ultramarathon will see Sinfield covering a distance of at least 45km each day, broken down into bursts of 7km. The first leg is scheduled to start from The Haberden ground, home of Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club, and end at Portman Road in Ipswich.
Support and Impact
William Affleck, the commercial manager at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club, expressed his pride in hosting the event. “It is a real privilege to host such an important challenge,” he said. “Sinfield is a legend and we want to ensure he leaves with great memories.”
Sinfield has already completed five ultramarathon challenges since 2020, following Burrow’s diagnosis. His latest effort aims to raise £777,777, building on the more than £10 million already raised through his marathon runs.
Professional Acknowledgment
Dr Francesca Crawley from West Suffolk Hospital praised Sinfield’s fundraising efforts, stating that they have “done a fantastic job” in raising funds for MND. The hospital is part of the MND-Smart trial, which tests potential new treatments and looks at existing ones.
Marcus Stewart, who scored 19 goals in the Premier League during his time with Ipswich Town, expressed admiration for Sinfield’s commitment. “For Kev to do a challenge so close to Christmas and people still putting money in is beyond belief,” he said. “We are hoping someone will take over the baton after these challenges.”
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