Leeds Beckett graduate Kevin Sinfield OBE to take on fourth epic challenge in support of Motor Neurone Disease

Sport

14 November 2023

Three-time Leeds Beckett University graduate Kevin Sinfield OBE is set to take on his latest challenge yet, competing in seven ultra marathons in seven days across seven cities, entitled the 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge, to spread awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in December.

Kevin, who helped England Rugby Union claim third place at the Rugby World Cup as their Defence Coach last month, will undertake his latest challenge to support an array of charities associated with the disease including: the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA); Leeds Hospitals Charity's appeal to build the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds; the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation; the Irish MND Association; the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation; plus support for the 4ED campaign.

Kevin's 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge will be his fourth in as many years, having been inspired to raise awareness of MND after his former Leeds Rhinos teammate, and fellow LBU Honorary Graduate, Rob Burrow MBE was diagnosed in 2019.

This year's challenge will see Kevin compete in seven ultra marathons in seven days across seven cities in the UK and Ireland. The challenge will start on Friday 1 December at the home of Leeds Rhinos, AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium.

Kevin will run a marathon, with an additional extra mile to signify the extra mile people can go to help their friends in need, in a different city each day. As well as running in Leeds, Kevin will undertake ultra marathons in Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin, Brighton and London, finishing on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace.

An array of Leeds Bekett colleagues and graduates will once again form part of Kevin's team for the 7 in 7 in 7 challenge.

Carnegie School of Sport's Dean Peter Mackreth and Professor Ben Jones will join Kevin alongside graduates Phil Daly, from Leeds Rhinos, and Arc Inspirations Chief Executive Martin Wolstencroft as well as Visiting Fellows of Leeds Beckett University Dr Gemma Philips and James Moran.

Since completing his first 7 in 7 challenge in 2020, Kevin and the team have raised in excess of £8million across three endurance events.

The initial target for Kevin's latest challenge is £777,777. You can show your support by donating to the 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge online, or you can text Kevin10 to donate £10 or Kevin20 to donate £20 to 70143