Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
University supports Leeds Rhinos legend’s epic marathon challenge bid
Kevin Sinfield, who is a Leeds Beckett University (LBU) alumnus, will run seven marathons in seven days to try and raise £77,777 for Burrow and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.
Careful planning has to go into a challenge so gruelling and academics at LBU have provided Kevin with sport science support, nutritional advice and even mapped out the seven routes.
The support will help Kevin manage fatigue levels and recovery times, while also making sure his body is properly fuelled to combat the physical demands of the challenge which started today (1 December).
This is a huge task even for an accomplished athlete like Kevin, who won seven Super League Grand Finals alongside ex-Rhinos No 7 Burrow as part of their Golden Generation.
Speaking ahead of the first run, Kevin said:
“I’ve got a great team behind me and the support from staff at LBU has been just brilliant. They’ve helped with the general planning, logistical support, getting all the necessary clearance and nutritional advice too.
“So many people have done some wonderful things for Rob to keep him and MND in the forefront of everyone’s mind and now I’m just trying to do my bit as a friend. I’m just really looking forward to the challenge.”
A recent BBC documentary on Burrow's plight also helped raise awareness of MND – an incurable disease which affects the brain and nerves – and was watched by more than three million people.
Kevin will be accompanied by a small Covid-secure team of another runner, two cyclists and a support vehicle.
The Carnegie Great Outdoors team has carefully plotted the routes Kevin will run, with two of them being based in Leeds and passing through LBU’s Headingley Campus.
They’ve made sure the runs are fully compliant with the national Covid-19 guidance and are also supporting the event with route computers on the bikes with a live tracking function.
Professor Ben Jones, Professor of Sports Physiology and Performance in the Carnegie School of Sport at LBU and also a Leeds Rhinos Pathway Performance Director, provided overall sport science support to Kevin in preparation for the challenge.
He said: “Since retiring, Kevin has carried the commitment he had as a player into his running, but this is a huge task even for such an accomplished athlete.
“During a typical marathon, runners expend between 2,500-3,000 kcal, so doing seven marathons in seven days, Kevin will expend an extra 17,500-21,000 kcal during that week.
“The toughest part of the event will be recovering between each marathon. Studies have shown that runners are still fatigued for 72-96 hours following a marathon, and during this time Kevin will have run four more.
“This will be a test of both his physiological and psychological resilience, something that he has a lot of experience managing, given his time as a player, working closely with staff and researchers at Leeds Beckett University.
Louise Sutton, Head of Sport and Exercise Nutrition in the Carnegie School of Sport at LBU, has helped Kevin in the build up to the challenge and will also support him with advice while the runs are underway.
She said: “Kevin is aware of the need to be functional and plan ahead to meet his recovery nutrition needs.
“There is the potential for appetite suppression which is more likely to kick in the further through the challenge he gets, so he simply might not feel hungry when he needs fuel more than ever.
“Flavour fatigue from the sports foods used to fuel each marathon is also more likely to occur as the challenge progresses so his bike support will carry a variety of options to use, both during the run and immediately after.”
Professor of Athletic Development within the Carnegie School of Sport at LBU, Kevin Till, who is a lifelong friend of Burrow, said:
“Rob’s diagnosis has turned his whole life upside down, coming just as he was hoping to spend more time with his young family and pass on his knowledge and experiences to aspiring young Leeds Rhinos players in his academy role.
“While it’s totally heart-breaking, Rob has attacked the disease just like he played on the rugby field with his courage, bravery and humility. His approach and campaign to sharing his story and raising awareness of MND has been truly outstanding and he is an inspiration to us all.
“The support from the rugby community and afar just shows how much Rob is loved and the respect people have, not only for his rugby ability but also the person he is. I know Rob and his family are truly thankful for everyone’s love and support.”
Kevin is using the week-long campaign to raise awareness of MND and encourage those affected by the cruel disease to post their stories on social media using #RunKevinRun.
He has smashed his target, raising almost £90,000 but further donations are welcomed.