Run Geordie Run’ is the nickname given to Mark Allison, a volunteer fundraiser from Bedlington in the North East of England. He has a huge heart for raising money for good causes and a good pair of running shoes! So far, he has ran 10,000 miles in various places around the world. This includes running 874 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End, 3100 miles across the USA, 2384 miles across Australia and 3661 miles across Europe. 

Thanks to some amazing generosity, £350,000 has been raised so far for St. Benedict's Hospice, The Children's Foundation, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Useful Vision. Next up is “ACROSS THE USA 2025” which is a 3100 mile Atlantic to Pacific, trans continental run across the United States of America from Coney Island, New York to Huntington Beach, California to be ran during the summer of 2025. In theory it’s a simple plan - Run from the east coast to the west coast of the USA in 100 days. This will require Mark to run an average of 31.5 miles every day giving a total of 3200 miles (5118 km). The route runs from east to west across the USA through 14 states. The start line will be at the Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier at Coney Island, New York with a finish line at the pier in Huntington Beach, California.  

In between, will be miles of relentless climbing over the Appalachian, Rocky, San Juan and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the seemingly never ending highways of the Great Plains as well as the solitude of Monument Valley. If that wasn’t difficult enough, the 153 mile stretch through Death Valley adds an even greater challenge both physically and logistically. 

Mark has already secured a main sponsor for the run across the USA 2025. Chapman Ventilation, a long term supporter of Mark’s events, will be contributing towards the cost of the tour. They said “Chapman Ventilation are delighted to continue supporting Mark for the 12th year now. Mark has raised a phenomenal amount of money for charities close to his heart and we are very excited to see him take on his next challenge, running across America. We all wish Mark the best of luck with his training and will be following his progress very closely.” 

Mark will seek additional commercial sponsors over the coming months. Mark is also seeking the support of 25 individuals, companies or workplaces who will “promise to donate” £1000 to St. Benedict's Hospice. This will be known collectively as the “Promise Fund”. The Promise Fund will only become payable to St. Benedict's Hospice when all commercial sponsors have been found. The Promise Fund has been created to raise a considerable sum for St. Benedict's Hospice prior to the event. Award winning personal trainer, David Fairlamb, will be helping Mark prepare physically for the challenge. David said “The knowledge and experience gained from Mark’s previous epic runs will be crucial to the success of USA 2025. I’m really proud to play a part in his preparation.”.

Follow the journey at www.rungeordierun.com.