KEVIN Sinfield said he couldn't thank the people of Wrexham enough after their support on day one of his latest challenge. 

The former rugby league great and current England rugby union coach finished the first leg of his ‘running home for Christmas’ challenge at the SToK Cae Ras last night (December 1).

He was greeted by Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson and his assistant Steve Parkin in front of a crowd at the Racecourse Ground. As part of the challenge, Sinfield and his team ran through Rossett, Gresford and Acton, being cheered on every step of the way by residents lining the streets. 

Upon arrival at the ground, Sinfield was gifted two Wrexham tops by Parkinson and Parkin, before addressing the awaiting crowd. 

He said: "To be here at the ground and for you guys to come out and support like you have, to have the support on the route like we've had has been magnificent. 

"I think you guys are as passionate about MND as our team are. To our team, it's been wonderful again we got together last night in Liverpool and seamlessly fitted back in. It's the best team I've ever been involved in and everyone's gone above and beyond again today. 

"We've got a short turn around, we start again tomorrow morning at 7am in Gloucester so rest, recover, repeat.

"I can't thank you enough for your support I know it's a cold Sunday evening and you should be at home with your feet up watching Antiques Roadshow, but instead you've decided to come down and support us. 

"Keep supporting the MND community, we will, have a lovely Christmas and on behalf of all our team we want to wish you all the very best."

Sinfield was inspired to start raising money for the MND Association after his former Leeds Rhinos and England teammate and close friend, Rob Burrow, was diagnosed with the disease in December, 2019. 

Since then he has raised over £16m after completing four challenges, including seven marathons in seven days, 101 miles in 24 hours, and seven ultra marathons in seven days. 

The week-long challenge will see Kevin and the team cover over 50km per day, visiting seven regions across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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The team will attempt to complete each days’ distance in 7km blocks which will start on the hour, every hour. This means they will race against the clock to complete the 7km distance and have time to rest before starting the next stage.

Like Kevin’s previous four challenges, the feat is based around the number seven – made iconic by his former teammate and fellow Association patron Rob Burrow CBE who wore the number 7 shirt during a glittering career with Leeds Rhinos and England.

Kevin’s ‘running home for Christmas’ route

Day 1: Liverpool to Wrexham

Day 2: Gloucester to Bristol

Day 3: Belfast

Day 4: Stirling to Glasgow

Day 5: Hull

Day 6: Northampton to Leicester

Day 7: Manchester