Kevin Sinfield speaks about Hull and its people ahead of latest motor neurone disease challenge

Kevin Sinfield spoke about why he is heading for Hull as part of his next fund-raising running challenge in support of the motor neurone disease community, inspired by the late Rob Burrow.

Former rugby league playing legend Sinfield, 44, has raised close to £10m from his challenges since his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Burrow was diagnosed in late 2019. Sinfield will run through Hull for the first time on Thursday December 5, as part of his fifth annual challenge, and his route includes going via the MKM Stadium to Craven Park.

Former England captain Sinfield said: "We felt it was only right to head to a different place in Yorkshire and to head up to Hull, the rugby mad city of Hull. We are all really looking forward to the welcome we will get up there, two big rugby clubs, a famous football club, and a lot of friends up there."

READ MORE: Elliot Minchella on England absence and how Mikey Lewis call-up can help Hull KR

READ MORE: Kevin Sinfield's route for first fund-raising run through Hull towards Craven Park

Ex-Leeds skipper Sinfield had joy in his playing days when he visited the city of Hull as an opponent, having played for the trophy-laden Rhinos from 1997 to 2015 on the way to becoming Super League's all-time leading points scorer by a long way.

Asked if he always gets a warm welcome in Hull, he replied: "Yeah, I do actually, surprisingly! I love the people, I love the humour they've got. Not a lot of people know this but my sister went to university up there. I loved playing up there. I've got some fond memories. Certainly of playing for England and Great Britain up there as well. I think they are mad rugby fans and they love Rob as well. I've got friends at both clubs and I'm pretty sure it'll be a special day when we are in Hull."

In tribute to the number seven Burrow wore on his playing jersey, Sinfield has taken part in ‘7 in 7’ challenges. He will run seven ultra marathons in seven days across seven regions. This will be the first challenge since Burrow's passing and Sinfield said "the fact we run with the number seven on our running vest is vitally important", adding "I have no doubt he will be with us in spirit".

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel