London Marathon: Former Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield aims to smash two personal bests

Road runner, Kevin Sinfield. PIC: Simon Hulme

Sinfield clocked a time of three hours, 30 minutes and 51 seconds for his first marathon last year, and is aiming to beat that – and the £4,500 he and friend and running partner Chris Stephenson raised for the charity Prostate Cancer UK.

Now rugby director of the Rugby Football League, 37-year-old Sinfield, who retired at the end of 2015, captained Rhinos to seven Grand Final triumphs and is the third-highest points scorer in the sport’s history.

He has been a supporter of Prostate Cancer UK since Sky Sports rugby league reporter Bill Arthur was diagnosed with the deadly disease – which affects 330,000 men in the UK – five years ago. Eddie Hemmings, Sky’s long-time rugby league commentator, has also been affected and both men have worked closely with Prostate Cancer UK, helping to raise awareness in the sport.

Sinfield said: “I experienced some amazing arenas and atmospheres in my playing career, but running through the streets of London last year for such a worthy charity was right up there.

“The support was incredible and it was humbling to run alongside so many incredibly brave people and raise awareness of a brilliant charity that supports many men and their families that I know well.

“I knew straight away I wanted to return in 2018 to carry on beating the drum because there is still so much to do.”

Sinfield added: “There is a stigma with the C-word and meeting people affected can put everything into perspective.

“It’s staggering to think that one man dies every 45 minutes from this disease.”

James Beeby, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “For many years now Kevin has been a wonderful supporter of us and we’re delighted he and Chris will again be part of our team this year.”

To sponsor Sinfield visit virginmoneygiving.com/sinfieldandstephenson

Rhinos fans can also support the charity’s March for Men walking event at Roundhay Park in Leeds on Saturday, June 23.

For more details visit prostatecanceruk.org/march