Tyne Bridge Harrier Mark Allison has announced his next Challenge for 2013.
MEGA marathon-man, Mark ‘Run Geordie Run’ Allison announced today his mammoth Australian challenge, to run from Perth to Sydney covering 2600 miles in some of the toughest conditions and terrain known to man.
The 41 miles per day, 70-day challenge, the Geordie fundraising legend has set himself will see him tackle some extremely tough conditions, including the desert area, the Nullabor Plain, part of the Australian Outback.
40-year-old Mark is planning to start his challenge on 16th October 2013 from Perth in Western Australia and finish on 24th December 2013 on Bondi Beach, Sydney, in the east.
Mark said: “This is the third major charity challenge I have set myself and it will be more grueling and tougher than ever before. In order to raise another £50,000 for the two charities it had to be far more difficult than running across the USA or from John O’Groats to Lands End.”
“Running across Australia presents a whole new set of challenges. Of course, there are the extreme daily distances and temperatures to cope with. The planning and logistics associated with the route and linking up with the support team are on a whole new level to previous runs. Australia is an amazing country and it seemed fitting to complete my 2013 challenge there.”
“As well as satisfying the sponsors, my motivation to complete it in the tight timescales is that I have to finish in time for Christmas, so I can spend it with my family, wife, Katy and son, Jack. We’ve never spent a Christmas apart and I plan to keep it that way.”
Run Geordie Run hopes to raise at least £50,000 for his two chosen charities, the Children’s Foundation (Charity No 1000013) and St. Benedict’s Hospice (1019410), in Sunderland.
Mark is also an ambassador for the Children’s Foundation, following his 2011 challenge, he was appointed after his demonstration of dedication to fundraising for the charity.
Ultra-marathon runner Mark, of Shotley Bridge, completed a 100 day challenge running across America and covering 3100 miles, in August 2011, raising over £100,000 for his two nominated charities. Mark is currently selling Run Geordie Run America 2011 commemorative t-shirts which are available from his website.
To follow Mark’s progress for his 2013 challenge or to make a donation visit his blog at www.rungeordierun.com
Listen to Marks announcement of his 2013 Challenge from Gary & Lisa’s Breakfast Show on Real Radio (10th November 2011) below
[audio:https://www.tynebridgeharriers.com/audio/rungeordierun.mp3]
Listen to Marks interview on BBC Radio Newcastle Total Sport Programme (10th November 2011) below
[audio:https://www.tynebridgeharriers.com/audio/rgr02.mp3]
4 Responses
EEEK! was listening earlier Mark, i’m sure you had the region in suspense waiting to hear your announcement – sounds awesome, good luck!
I’m sure TBH will be giving our full support in the months of training ahead!
Absolutely MENTAL and FANTASTIC challenge Mark. This is going to test you to the very limit but from what we have seen of your determination on the USA Challenge and your appearances with TBH, I’m sure you will succeed.
All the very best to you Mark.. very proud to know you
Good luck !!
Don’t worry Mark, TBH has a plan – we’ll prepare some warm weather training at Costa del Newburn to acclimatise you to the heat!
Good on yer Mark. Best wishes on your marathon run. I live in Perth and looking forward to seeing yopu at the start.