Up the hill from Headingley Stadium, the location that became synonymous with Kevin Sinfield, there is a colossal mural of the rugby league legend. The mural’s prominent location in the heart of the community exemplifies the impact he had on the city of Leeds during his playing career, and it is only appropriate that 12,000 runners will pass it on Sunday during the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
In November 2020, during the dark days of lockdown, Sinfield conceived the idea of raising funds to support not only his former Leeds Rhinos teammate but also everyone afflicted by motor neuron disease. A year ago, Burrow was diagnosed with the condition.
Sinfield ran seven marathons in seven days to raise millions of dollars for charity. He then completed two more herculean feats: a 24-hour run from Leicester to Leeds and, most recently, an astounding seven ultra-marathons in the same number of days. Sinfield tells the Observer, “Once we completed the first one, I knew I wanted to help create something we could all enjoy.”
The initial number of available spots in Sunday’s race was 7,777, a tribute to the No. 7 shirt Burrow donned with pride for the Rhinos.
The public, however, was captivated by Burrow’s courage and Sinfield’s fundraising efforts, and the event sold out within weeks. Now, more than 12,000 will compete, with 40% of participants participating in their first marathon.
Sinfield is not only racing the race but also pushing Burrow around the course in a customized wheelchair. That is 26.2 miles of unimaginable fortitude from both parties, but perhaps more importantly, it demonstrates their friendship.
“I’m looking forward to our time together,” he says. “We had some really funny moments during the Leeds 10k trial run in preparation for this, and despite his inability to communicate, I know when he’s chuckling because I can see it on his face. Sunday will be enjoyable, I assure you that.
“We made a few minor modifications to his chair, which I wouldn’t call aerodynamic, but which should make it more comfortable for him. Less so for me, but is that even significant? We had a good time last time, and this weekend will be even better. For once, there is no strain regarding time.
Three weeks ago, I raced the London Marathon, and everyone wants to know my time, but it doesn’t matter how long this takes. The longer it takes, the more time I have to spend with him, so I’m eagerly anticipating it.” Since Burrow’s diagnosis, he has made it his mission to shine a light on those living with motor neuron disease (MND).
A man who advocates for MND patients may be expected to be altruistic. The marathon will raise millions more for disease research and care.
“The money is great, but more importantly, it provides hope,” Sinfield says of the marathon’s expected millions of pounds.
“In the past, people with motor neuron disease were left alone and ashamed to leave their residences. They can now live with hope that medications can halt the sickness and cure it. The funds raised allow men far more intelligent than I to do their jobs. We now have a fighting shot at finding a cure because of everyone’s efforts.”
Sinfield is too modest to acknowledge that it is his efforts that have inspired such global support. However, he hopes that the size of this marathon will render those with MND impossible to ignore. The government has already committed £50 million to research funding, of which £27 million has been disbursed. “That is insufficient,” he insists.
In the early stages of his fundraising, Sinfield insisted that he was simply “a friend running for a friend,” which has since become the unofficial slogan for the Leeds Marathon. “It’s all in Rob’s name, which makes it even more unique,” he explains.
“Did I anticipate that 12,000 individuals would compete in this race? Probably not, but nothing about Rob and how inspirational he has been surprised me. Sunday will be difficult and painful, but 12,000 individuals have sacrificed their time to train for and endure this event. I cannot express my gratitude enough. They will be a part of something that will change the lives of so many individuals with MND. It is a potent thing.”
Leeds supporters have nicknamed Sinfield ‘Sir Kev’ for years due to his heroic feats on the pitch. On Sunday, when he undertakes a greater challenge in the name of friendship, the global community will comprehend precisely why.
