Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield's marathon triumph

Sinfield set a personal best time of three hours, 18 minutes to complete a 26.2-mile course around his home town of Saddleworth.

The Leeds Rhinos director of rugby hit the road in support of former teammate Rob Burrow, who is battling MND.

He had planned to run next month’s Manchester Marathon, but decided to go it alone after that was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am delighted with it,” Sinfield said of beating his previous best time by three minutes.

“I just got really lucky with the weather, there was no wind whatsoever - it was perfect running conditions.

“I think the Saddleworth gods were shining on me. It was tough, but I really enjoyed it.”

Sinfield, whose son Jack joined him for the last four miles, added: “I didn’t think people would know about it, but a number of my neighbours came down to see me off.

“I started about 200 metres from where I live, in the local pub car park.

“Barrie McDermott [former Rhinos player] came down and it was lovely to see him supporting me.

“There were people out and about, who had heard, around Saddleworth and a lot of people pipping horns and waving.

“Joe Greenwood [the Wigan forward on loan to Leeds, who lives in the Saddleworth area], came out to see me, which was nice.”

As of Monday morning, £7,030 had been pledged via https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=LeedsRhinos&pageUrl=2 which was boosted to more than £8,600 through gift aid.

Sinfield said: “Especially in times when a lot of people are uncertain about their jobs, it is remarkable and I’d like to thank everyone who has sponsored me.”

But the former Rhinos captain stressed: “It was never about the money, it was about getting people like Rob to the forefront of people’s minds, because they are really vulnerable at the moment.

“It was just about sparing a thought for those guys.”