When Kevin Sinfield runs the inaugural Leeds Marathon this Sunday you won't see him checking his watch or attempting to keep up with the leading pack. In reality, Sinfield would happily let his run last as long as possible - because it will give him more quality time with his good mate Rob.
Sinfield isn't only running the Rob Burrow Marathon, he's running it with Rob Burrow himself. Leeds Rhinos' legendary captain will push his former teammate around the course, which begins and ends at Headingley Stadium, the ground where they enjoyed unprecedented success.
Sinfield has raised over £8 million for motor neurone disease since Burrow was diagnosed with the condition in 2019, while Burrow himself has raised worldwide awareness due to his efforts and bravery throughout his journey.
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Fittingly, Sinfield believes the marathon, which is expected to see thousands of people fill the streets, is a celebration of friendship. More so, he believes the location of the marathon, a city in which both are undoubted icons for their efforts on and off the field, will make this event the most special of all.
He told Leeds Live: "Throughout the challenges we've done, the thing we all talk about from those involved is the community feel, stopping at locations and there being hundreds of people there sharing in those moments.
"So to have 12,500 people getting ready to start, to have potentially 100,000 on the streets, that's pretty special. And all in Rob's name, there are some wonderful marathons out there but I don't quite think they have the feel this one has. And what it was born out of, why it's so important to the people involved.
"It's all about friendship, everybody who takes that start line is running for somebody or something. Those connections in life, when everything is stripped back, are the things I certainly remember and cherish and I think a lot of others feel the same. So to have that connection with 12,500 people, I think that's really special for all of us."
The event has already raised over £1 million for Motor Neurone Disease Association in what is the latest attempt to raise vital awareness and funding. But beyond that, Sinfield hopes to instil happiness and optimism within the MND community.
"It provides hope, I don't think you can put a price on that. People have been left previously, ashamed to come out of their house, suddenly they can live their lives and live with some hope that a cure will be found some way and drugs to slow it down.
"The money raised gives some guys far smarter than me the chance to try and find a cure and that's where our role sits in this I suppose, to let the smart guys do the work."
And on the race itself, Sinfield insists it feels like anything but. "It's time together that I'm really looking forward to. We had some really funny moments during the 10k. Obviously, it's difficult for him to communicate but I know when he's laughing, you can see it, so we'll have some fun this time.
"We've made some slight adjustments to the chair, I wouldn't say they make it more aerodynamic but hopefully a bit more comfortable for him, less so for me but when you're going over speed bumps and potholes! We had some fun last time, we're looking forward to it.
"There's no pressure. I did London three weeks ago and everyone wants to know what your time is. With this one, it doesn't matter how long it takes, and actually in many ways, the longer it takes the more time I get to spend with him."
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