Run Geordie Run Across America

26 AUG2010

Here at northern runningguide.com we bring you lots of stories of ordinary runners doing extraordinary things and Geordie lad Mark Allison is no different. Mark will be attempting to run 3100 miles across America, from California to NYC in May next year. He hopes to raise £50,000 to split between to charities close to his heart, St Benedict's Hospice and The Children's Foundation.

Mark is taking on this challenge after previously running the 874 miles from John O'Groats to Lands End in Summer 2007. During that challenge, he ran an average of 23 miles per day, however, as he is hoping to complete this challenge in just 10 days, he will need to cover 31 miles per day in this American adventure.

St Benedict's Hospice cared for Mark's mum when she lost her fight to cancer in 1995. The Hospice has just launched a £400,000 appeal to extend their 'Hospice at Home' service, an appeal which Mark's fundraising will go a long way to helping. Mark also wants to raise money for The Children's Foundation as it is a local northeastern charity, which raises essential funds for medical and lifestyle research to combat childhood diseases.

Mark stresses that all money raised will be going to these charities as he is going to fund the whole trip through America himself. He wants every penny donated by his supporters to go straight to his chosen charities.

To follow Mark's progress, visit his website or follow him on Twitter.