Sir Kevin Sinfield set off from York this morning during his latest endurance challenge for motor neurone disease (MND) charities.
The former rugby league player ran from York to Wakefield today (September 29), as part of his 7 in 7 challenge in support of friend and former teammate Rob Burrow.
Starting his challenge in Hull and running through East Yorkshire, Sir Kevin arrived into York on Monday (September 28) for the second day of his final challenge, in which he will try to complete an ultra-marathon every day for seven days.
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The route began at Bishopthorpe Palace at 8.40am, with crowds lining the streets to wave him on through the next leg of his journey (which concluded at the DIY Kitchen Stadium in Wakefield that afternoon).
In a post to X, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said: “Was humbled to play a small part in supporting Sir Kevin Sinfield’s last 7 in 7 challenge as he set off to Wakefield from Bishopthorpe Palace this morning.
“The tireless work he has done to support those with MND is phenomenal, all beginning out of love and respect for his friend Rob Burrows. Go well.”
From there, Sir Kevin continued down the A64 to Tadcaster, stopping at the Magnet Sports Club at 10.11am and reaching the roundabout for the A1(M) at 11.15am.
After that, he made his way down through North Yorkshire into the West Riding - reaching Castleford at 1.14pm and passing by the Haribo Factory, before reaching the Wakefield DIY Kitchens Stadium at 3.45pm.
He was joined on his journey by Clarkson's Farm star Charlie Ireland, Steve Cram, and current English Rugby Union coach Steve Borthwick.
Yesterday, as reported by The Press, Sir Kevin joined by members of the MND community, including former England rugby captain Lewis Moody who was diagnosed with MND last year, in running an “extra mile”.
He was also welcomed by Princess Anne, the MND Association’s Royal Patron, who watched as Sir Kevin completed four laps of the university’s athletics track with his supporters and then banged a drum seven times to send him on his way.
Anne also chatted to people who had come to support the event, including many living with MND.
As the pair chatted, Sir Kevin agreed with the royal visitor that the term “fun run” was a “contradiction”.
Anne said: “I can run but I don’t do it for fun. I’m past that stage.”
Sir Kevin said: “Well, you’re welcome to join at any point”, to which the Princess Royal replied: “I’ll stick with horses.”