After Raising Nearly $10,000,000 for Ex-Teammate Battling Incurable Disease, Rugby Player Wins Hearts by Heartwarming Act During Marathon

Published 05/16/2023, 5:30 AM EDT

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It was a wholesome moment, displaying the spirit of sportsmanship and true humanity. Far beyond competitive desires, former rugby legend Kevin Sinfield handed over the victory to his ex-teammate Rob Burrow as he willfully finished second in a marathon. Rooting for Burrow through and through, Sinfield did his little bit for Rob Burrow who has been suffering from a rare motor neuron disease for 4 years now.

Kevin Sinfield has helped raise nearly $10 million for MND charities since. But it’s his small gesture towards Burrow near the finish line of the Rob Burrow Leeds marathon, that is winning hearts all over.

Kevin Sinfield displays a genuinely heartfelt moment in the middle of a race

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An Instagram post by Pubity wrote, “Kevin Sinfield, a legendary figure in the sport of rugby league, stops short of the finish line of a marathon to gather Rob Burrow, his friend, and former teammate, into his arms”. The image attached showed Sinfield carrying Burrow up in his arms while the duo neared the finish line on the track.

The post continued, “The moment came at the end of the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on Sunday and the pair received cheers from those spectating when they crossed the line together”. This caught the media’s attention and the world is praising Sinfield for his act. Both Sinfield and Burrow have played rugby for England and Leeds Rhinos together. Having retired, the two have maintained their friendship since.

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While Sinfield retired in 2016, his mate Burrow retired a year later. But in 2019, when Burrow got diagnosed with this rare degenerative disease, he was bound to a wheelchair. Still carrying the indomitable spirit, a marathon in his name was organized for the first time this year.

A wholesome and successful marathon

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The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in itself was a success. More than 12000 people participated in it. Sinfield was also wearing the number 7 jersey, the same-numbered jersey that Burrow wore throughout his rugby career. It was a tribute to him. Before carrying Burrow near the finish line, Sinfield also pushed Burrow’s wheelchair throughout the 26.2-mile course of the marathon.

Kevin Sinfield’s glory precedes his efforts since retirement. In 2015, Sinfield was the runner-up to Andy Murray in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, which is also when Tyson Fury made an apology for his comments.

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Now 42 years old, Sinfield started his charitable cause to raise money for motor neuron disease victims, after Rob Burrow’s diagnosis raised somewhere around $8-$10 million. In November 2020, he also ran 7 marathons in 7 days to raise £77,777 for Burrow. This is humanity, defined!

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Written by:

Tanmay Roy

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Tanmay Roy is a sports writer at EssentiallySports specializing in his coverage of the Olympics and other major American sporting events. His passion for sports was ignited by the early achievements of Michael Phelps, Pete Sampras, and John McEnroe. As a writer for EssentiallySports, Tanmay's articles have been recognized as Editor's Picks, showcasing his ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking stories.
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Edited by:

Jahnabi Choudhury