Mark hopes to tick off a lifelong bucket list goal at this year’s Leeds Abbey Dash

Mark's running journey began in 1985 when, aged 22, he entered the Barnsley Half Marathon after a suggestion from someone at his football club. Finishing the race in 1 hour 57 minutes, he had no idea it would spark a passion for running that would stay with him for life.

Reflecting on those early years, Mark said:

"They say there's a loneliness to long-distance running, and as my son Daniel was growing up, I always hoped he might one day join me on the road. But the years passed and races such as Barnsley, Wakefield and Rothwell came and went, with little interest from him unfortunately."

That eventually changed. Two years ago, Daniel turned to running following a difficult period in his life after going through a divorce. Since then, he has embraced the sport, completing five of the six ‘Super Halfs’, with only Berlin remaining next year to earn his Super 6 large medal. He has also taken on numerous 10Ks and half marathons across the world, including events in Dubai, Melbourne and the Leeds Half Marathon, which he counts among his favourites because of its incredible atmosphere. He also has his sights set on a full marathon next year.

Running has also become an important part of daughter Amie's life. In 2022, her family faced an unimaginable challenge when her son, Carter, was diagnosed with cancer shortly after his fifth birthday. Thankfully, Carter is now cancer-free and doing well. Inspired by his resilience, Amie has since taken up running and completed several events of her own.

Speaking about seeing his children discover a passion for running, Mark said:

"As a dad, I'm incredibly proud of everything Daniel and Amie have achieved in such a short space of time. Now it's my turn to make them proud. After a 13-year break from running and almost two years of injury setbacks, I'll be lining up at the Leeds Abbey Dash alongside both of them. Sharing that experience together and finally ticking it off my bucket list means the world to me."

The family's motto is simple: "We never give in." As they take on the Leeds Abbey Dash together, each of their race numbers will carry the words "Team Finney – We Never Give In"; a fitting tribute to the strength, resilience and determination that has brought them to the start line.