A COUPLE hope to cross the finishing line together in the Leeds half marathon on Sunday.

Ian and Karen Atkinson from Dalton aren’t feeling at all competitive.

Father-of-two Ian said: “It’s not so much about the time we get really – we just want to finish.

“We’ll keep to the same pace and finish together.

“To us, the competition is being able to do it, and raising some money at the same time.”

The pair will raise money for Kirkwood Hospice.

Ian, 48, said: “We know a few people who have been through Kirkwood now and it’s a good cause.”

The husband and wife have been getting up at six every Sunday morning to run before Sunday service at St John’s Baptist Church.

Ian said: “I used to weigh in at 14 stone – it’s been very good for getting some of the weight off.”

“We motivate each other. Some days I don’t want to get up but Karen will get me up, and vice-versa.”

To sponsor the couple visit: www.justgiving.com/karenandian