Hundreds of people turned out in the rain to greet the former Leeds Rhinos player outside the Minster on November 17, 2022.

Sinfield had run to the ancient cathedral from Stokesley, a distance of 41 miles (67.4km), during torrential rain.

“It was a surreal ending,” Sinfield said, recalling the November 2022 afternoon during a talk at York Barbican on Wednesday night (April 29). “Christmas time, coming down the cobbled streets and finishing outside the Minster with so many people there, with so many friends, smiling faces. It was Charles Dickensesque.

“I’m forever grateful for the support I’ve had in York.

“Everyone thinks that Leeds should be the special place and should be the special finish, but I have to say York has been one of the best.”

Kevin Sinfield outside York Minster after completing the ultramarathon in December 2023 (Image: PA/Danny Lawson)

Sinfield also arrived outside the Minster during his next ultramarathon challenge in December 2023 after running from Headingley Stadium.

“If you think of some of the places we’ve visited – finishing at Old Trafford, some of the rugby and football grounds we’ve visited, some of the special moments we’ve had – I would still say that [arriving in York] was the moment where I was completely blown away and overwhelmed by the support,” Sinfield said at the Barbican on Wednesday. “For such a small space outside the Minster, it was really special.”

Sinfield completed his sixth endurance challenge last year, running seven ultramarathons in seven days and raising an additional £1.15 million for MND treatment and research.

Sinfield started the challenges after being inspired by his former Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow, who died in 2024 after living with MND for four and a half years.

Kevin Sinfield with his former teammate Rob Burrow who died last year aged 41 (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)

He has raised more than £11 million since Burrow was diagnosed with the muscle wasting condition in 2019 and Sinfield is this year planning a poignant end to challenge seven, which was Burrow’s shirt number.

Sinfield told the Barbican crowd that he plans to return to York in September for his next challenge.

The 45-year-old was interviewed on stage by former Leeds Rhinos player Barrie McDermott during the event.

Sinfield recalled moments from across his rugby career, in which he became one of the most successful players in Super League history, and how he turned his focus to helping the MND community after retiring.

Sinfield said more must be done to help people with MND and to find a cure for the condition.

He met with people affected by MND during the York event.

People who have helped raise money and awareness of the condition were also thanked by host Pete Emmett.

Paul and Emma Bradley (Image: Supplied)

The people thanked included Paul Bradley, from Holgate, who died aged 35 on March 5 after being diagnosed with MND in 2023.

Paul and his family raised more than £15,000 to help others with MND after his diagnosis. “Thank you very much for all your help,” Emmett said.

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Paul’s widow, Emma, attended the event and was contacted by Sinfield after Paul’s death, telling her: “I hope you’re managing as well as you can, and please remember you have our full support whenever you need it.”

More than £21,700 has been raised of the £50,000 target to help the Bradley family, who have been left with no income but a mortgage and bills to pay after Paul’s death.

Sinfield previously told Emma he would be “sending something meaningful for you to auction as an additional contribution” to the fundraiser.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit Jack Pullen’s GoFundMe page titled: “The Bradley Family.”