Kevin Sinfield has called the Leeds Marathon "an incredible day" after carrying his stricken friend Rob Burrow over the finish line.
The inaugural Leeds Marathon, which is named in Burrow's honour, took place earlier this month to raise money for research into motor neuron disease (MND). Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the disease.
Sinfield has also played a vital role in the fight, raising more than £8million for research into MND by completing several astonishing challenges. Sinfield's latest fundraiser saw him push Burrow for the duration of the Leeds Marathon before carrying him over the line.
Sinfield and Burrow, who were team-mates at Leeds Rhinos, were invited onto This Morning on Wednesday to discuss the Leeds Marathon. Burrow's wife Lindsey, who ran the 26.2-mile distance alongside her husband and Sinfield, also appeared on the show.
Sinfield said: "It was an incredible day raising money, 12,500 people ran in Rob’s name... and the first time we’ve been able to do a big event together and was put together under the banner of friendship, and it was a brilliant day."
Burrow added: "The Marathon was one of the most important and special events I’ve done and meant so many things to so many people.
Write your message of support for Rob Burrow in the comments below!
"But for me, it was about friendship and crossing the finish line with my mate Kev will live with me forever and it created a platform to raise funds and awareness for MND charities, and I hope that the next one is as memorable."
Lindsey continued: "They are an example of true friendship and Kev’s been there from day one with Rob and I think Rob would’ve found it quite tough without Rob’s friendship, and that image of them crossing the line kind of symbolises that friendship.
"Kev is such a role model to us all. He’s so inspirational and what he’s done for Rob has just been incredible. Everybody needs a friend like Kev and we’re just so grateful for the friendship and support that he has given."
Sinfield has completed three remarkable challenges during the last three years to raise money for research into MND. In December 2020, he ran seven marathons in seven days. A year later, Sinfield ran from Leicester to Leeds - approximately 101 miles - in under 24 hours. Then, in November 2022, he ran seven ultramarathons in seven days.
Despite completing these three challenges, the Leeds Marathon was still tough for Sinfield and Burrow due to the hot weather. Sinfield explained: "We wanted a nice moment to finish and the plan was to get Rob out of the chair, and I suppose get some weight through his feet, but we realised during the marathon that it has taken its toll on all of us.
"It was a really hot day and Rob got uncomfortable at times in the chair as well - it was the first time we’d gone that distance and that meant we had to get him out of the chair a fair bit, but actually I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
"It was a beautiful moment, certainly for me, and I hope Rob feels the same. We’ve had some incredible moments on the field together and they've been really important in our friendship but some really tough moments, but to get to do that together was brilliant."
Several ex-athletes have been diagnosed with MND in recent years, including footballers Marcus Stewart and Stephen Darby. Rugby union icon Doddie Weir, who raised more than £8m for research into MND through his foundation, died of the disease in November.
Sinfield said: "This band of brothers if you like from professional sport have shifted the dial for a community and these are the toughest people you’ll ever meet. The people I meet who have got MND are so tough and have such humour, they are the best of us."
Burrow added: "I’ve been blown away by the amount of money that has been raised and the support I have received since my diagnosis three years ago. There are so many kind people and I have a great deal of love for them... it took me to get MND to see just how many wonderful people there are and how much people care.
"I’m a positive person who lives life to the full and this really helps with my fight against MND."
Burrow will not take part in next year's Leeds Marathon after announcing his retirement from such races, with Sinfield adding: "I will continue to raise funds for MND for the rest of my life. I’m passionate about it, I’m in it. This is a big part of who I am now. Whether that is a bit more private and behind the scenes... but it will continue. I’d love to think we’d go again."
