Seven-time Rugby Super League champion Kevin Sinfield received a warm welcome at the Riverside Stadium as part of his Ultra 7 In 7 challenge.
The former Leeds Rhinos captain is midway through a gruelling test of completing 40 miles for seven consecutive days with the aim of raising £777,777 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Taking part in his third fundraising challenge for MND, Sinfield has been inspired by close friend and ex-team-mate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with the illness in 2019.
Having already completed seven marathons in seven days in 2020 and 101 miles in 24 hours last year, the ex-England forward is dedicating his current challenge to other ex-sport stars who are suffering from MND.
These include former Scotland rugby union lock Doddie Weir, ex-Liverpool footballer Stephen Darby and recently diagnosed former Leicester Tigers rugby union lock Ed Slater
Starting day four at Durham Cricket Club, Sinfield’s running path took him through Wynyard and Billingham before crossing the River Tees via Newport Bridge.
From there, the 42-year-old ran past Middlesbrough train station to the Riverside Stadium, where he received shouts and cheers from supportive Teessiders, encouraging him on his mammoth challenge.
After visiting the Riverside Stadium, Sinfield is due to head south down Cargo Fleet Lane and the A172, where he will pass through Ormesby and Nunthorpe before ending the day at Stokesley FC.