Rugby League icon Kevin Sinfield OBE stopped just short of the finish at the inaugural Leeds marathon to carry his long-time teammate Rob Burrow across the line. 

Burrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019, was the inspiration for the marathon, which saw 12,000 people take part.

In what was a truly emotional day, Sinfield, who is an assistant coach to England Rugby Union head coach Steve Borthwick, pushed Burrow through the course in a specially designed wheelchair. 

Roared on by those who lined the 42.2km course, Sinfield and Burrow joined the other runners in the first marathon to be held in Leeds in twenty years. 

The marathon aimed to raise funds for The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal and the Leeds Hospitals Charity, as well as a host of other causes. 

"The support for the MND community through the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon has been fantastic," said Sinfield. 

To date, Sinfield has raised more than £8m for MND charities by completing several other ventures, most notably running seven back-to-back Ultra Marathons as well as running 101 miles in 24 hours. 

Speaking before the event, Burrow was emotional in his thanks for the city of leads, saying: "Leeds is such a wonderful city, and I am so grateful for all the support the city has shown not just for me and my family, but for the event and the entire MND community."

Kevin Sinfield emotionally carried his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow over the finish line at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, having pushed his friend around the 26.2 miles in his wheelchair ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yqSIakPgYr

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) May 14, 2023