Rugby League icon Kevin Sinfield completed an emotional Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon by carrying his former team-mate over the finishing line.
Sinfield ran the inaugural marathon named after the ex-Leeds Rhino player on Sunday pushing his dear friend the 26.2 miles distance. And after reaching the line at 4 hours and 22 minutes, Sinfield picked up Burrow out of his chair to carry him the final few metres to a rapturous ovation from the crowds.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, an emotional Sinfield said: “I did London three weeks ago and that was unbelievable, but today…it’s beat London. I know it’s not a competition, but the people of Leeds really came out and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Rhinos legend Burrow sadly announced he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in December 2019.
Since then, Burrow has worked tirelessly to raise awareness the condition. Sinfield, who was Burrow's captain for many years at the Rhinos, has played his part in the fight by raising millions of pounds for research into MND by doing some extraordinary fundraising events.
"The support for the MND community through the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon has been fantastic," he added. "Today is a celebration of friendship.”
Sinfield's latest feat was to run an entire marathon while pushing Burrow. Speaking to The Guardian ahead of the race, Sinfield said: "It’s the time together I’m looking forward to.
"We had some really funny moments during the Leeds 10k when we did a trial run in anticipation for this and while it’s difficult for him to communicate, I know when he’s laughing, and you can see it. We’ll have some fun, I promise you that."
MND is an uncommon condition that results in the progressive loss of motor skills. The illness significantly shortens life expectancy and there is currently no cure. Burrow and his family's courage were highlighted in a documentary which aired on the BBC and showed how the disease is robbing him of his ability to walk and talk in less than a year.
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Sinfield is determined to raise as much money as possible for MND. In December 2020, he ran seven marathons in just seven days to raise more than £2million. Then, in October 2021, he ran from Leicester to Leeds (around 101 miles) in under 24 hours.
Sinfield's third challenge took place last November, when he ran seven ultramarathons in seven days (approximately 60 kilometres per day). The herculean fundraiser insisted Sunday's race was all about spending some quality time with Burrow.
Sinfield added: "I ran the London Marathon three weeks ago and everyone wants to know what your time was but this, it doesn’t matter how long it takes. The longer it takes, the more time I get to spend with him so I’m really looking forward to it."
Rob's wife, Lindsey, crossed the line at Headingley Stadium, the stadium where her husband played, around 20 minutes after the pair.
“We’re unbelievably proud and we just want to say a massive thank you to all the amazing runners and everyone who has supported Rob and to the crowd who support on the day as well,” she said after finishing her first ever marathon.
Burrow has been made an MBE for his incredible work, while Sinfield has received an OBE. There have been calls for Sinfield to receive a knighthood for his selfless work, but he has always played down individual honours by insisting him and Burrow are a team.
That team mentality, as well as their friendship, was clear to see at the start line outside of Headingley Stadium on Sunday. Addressing the thousands of runners who took part before the race, an emotional Sinfield said: "From doing all the work, the effort, the training, to rock up today in great shape and bring the sunshine with you, I can only thank you.
"To all the sponsors and Run for All, Leeds Rhinos, Leeds City Council, who have been right behind this from the very start, we have created something incredible in Rob's name - and I can only thank you for that."
