Mark Nears Halfway On 3,000 Mile Journey

20 JUN2011

Fundraising hero Mark Allison is nearing halfway on his 3,100 miles coast-to-coast journey across the USA. The indomitable Geordie has spent the last 50 days running through the states of California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado and has defied temperature extremes, mosquito attacks, the threat of coyotes, snarling dogs and the mental challenges that come with such an extreme effort.

One highlight of the first half of the journey was Mark's run through the Berthoud Pass, his route across the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado when he climbed almost 2,500 feet in one session and celebrated with a full English breakfast - black pudding, bacon, eggs, beans and tomatoes. Another was running passed the Broncos' Mile High Stadium in Denver.

Mark has been averaging close to 30 miles a day at an average speed of around 3.5 miles and has worn out five pairs of running shoes (supplied by sponsor Brooks) and burned well over 200,000 calories.

By the time Mark runs into New York City in mid-August he hopes to have raised £50,000 for St Benedict's Hospice and the Children's Foundation. His total is currently at £38,000. You can support Marks' efforts at the justgiving pages for St Benedict's Hospice and The Children's Foundation.

Follow Mark's progress at the rungeordierun website.