Watch the heartwarming moment Kevin Sinfield carries best mate Rob Burrow over the finish line at Leeds Marathon
We have felt truly blessed to witness the beautiful and deeply touching relationship between former Leeds Rhinos teammates Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow and their remarkable journey together as motor neurone disease champions.
Although Rob is sadly no longer able to walk or talk as a result of his condition, one that affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK, for the past few years Oldham lad Kevin Sinfield has completed numerous incredible feats of endurance in aid of MND research and it’s been so special to watch.
Whether it’s smashing out seven ultra-marathons in a week or running for 24 hours non-stop, he’s achieved so many astonishing things on his behalf and on Sunday, 14 May, the amazing Manc brought best mate Burrow along for his latest effort, where everyone was running in his name.
2023 saw the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, the first the city has seen for 20 years, where Kevin pushed Rob around for 26.2 miles alongside other former Leeds Rhinos. The moment they crossed the finish line was emotional, to say the least.
Kevin Sinfield carries Rob Burrow across the finish line.
We defy you to watch that without welling up.
As you can see, our very own Kevin Sinfield thought it only fitting to lift Rob Burrow out of his specially designed wheelchair and carry him across the finish line of his own marathon. Absolute legend.
He literally helped him complete the marathon by giving him a kiss and a cuddle. If that doesn’t sum up how special their friendship is then we don’t know what does.
More than 12,500 runners took part — nearly 5,000 more than was initially intended as so many simply wanted to come out and run in Rob’s honour — with 40% never even having run a marathon before, including his wife Lindsey who said, “the reason I am doing it will get me to the finish line”.
Read more:
- ‘Hardest Geezer’: the ginger hero running the entire length of Africa for charity
- Graeme Park praises ‘fantastic’ fans for raising more than £25,000 in late son’s memory
- Sir Mo Farah is doing the Great Manchester Run for the final time this year
As for Sinfield, speaking after it was all said and done, the 42-year-old thanked everyone who turned up and helped “create something so incredible in Rob’s name”. It’s clear that their connection is one that has resonated with millions across the UK.
Prior to setting off, the Rhinos legend turned coach went on to say, “It doesn’t matter how long it takes. The longer it takes, the more time I get to spend with him… Today is a celebration of friendship”.
All told, Sinfield has now raised over £8 million for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and other related charities, running countless miles in the process, so giving his best mate and inspiration a hug on the way over the finish line looked easy in comparison. A simply astounding man.
You can donate to the MNDA and do your bit to help people like Rob HERE.
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Featured Image — Leeds Rhinos (via Instagram)