Mark Allison Reaches Day 70

9 JUL2011

Tomorrow, Sunday July 10 will see Mark Allison, the man who is running across America, complete 70 days of his 3,100 miles coast-to-coast journey. Mark has now reached the state of Missouri and is also close to a total of 2,000 miles since he started his incredible journey in May in California.

Over the last few weeks, the Geordie hero has battled fierce thunderstorms, mosquito attacks, 100 degree plus temperatures, extreme winds and flat endless roads to make progress towards New York. He did however receive a police escort over the Pony Express Bridge out of Kansas and into Missouri.

Mark's world has been dominated by a porridge diet, rehydration strategies, split running shifts to avoid desert-level midday temperatures and tactical snoozes. However despite support team issues, wear and tear on his body and the battle to maintain morale, Mark has continued to count down the miles.

The arrival of support team reinforcements last week, the encouragement of many 'Run Geordie Run' backers across both the UK and the USA plus continued donations to the charities that Mark Allison is supporting - St Benedict's Hospice and The Children's Foundation have provided the indomitable fundraiser with the significant boosts that have kept him going.

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 £42,000. 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.