Mark set to run across the USA
Jan 15 2009 by Dan Warburton, The Journal
MARATHON man Mark Allison hopes to team up with boxer Jackson Williams as he intensifies his training for a 3,100-mile run across the USA to help hospice patients.
The 37-year-old from Shotley Bridge, County Durham, is undergoing a two-year training programme for the trek, which will take him through 14 states, including California, Nevada and Utah.
In crossing the USA, Mark will complete the equivalent of 236 Great North Runs in just 100 days.
And now he has enlisted the help of Norwich-born Jackson, whose most recent boxing endeavour was a fight against Amir Khan.
The pair are planning a gruelling 250-mile challenge in which they will run from Norwich to London before cycling the return journey – all in just 48 hours. Mark hopes to raise £50,000 for St Benedict’s Hospice at Sunderland.
Last night Mark said the endurance task was just another step on his training ladder to conquer America. He said: “I’ve not had confirmation yet, but the route is very intense. I only have nine weeks to train for it, but I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s a chance to step up my training for the America trip.”
This week Mark was handed sports kit from Brooks Sports to help him prepare for the run of a lifetime.
He said: “It’s great to receive backing from someone like Brooks, because the cost of this trip is coming out of my own pocket, so all the help is well-received.”
Last summer Mark ran from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 37 days and raised £34,108 for St Benedict’s.
But his latest feat will take him to the brink physically – only 184 people have completed the American coast-to-coast since records began in 1909 and only 14 have been British.
The America run will see Mark climb the 11,000ft Rocky Mountains in Colorado before joining the famous Route 66 for a straight 1,000-mile jog.
And to prepare his body for the run, he will start by running 50 miles a week, gradually increasing that to 110 miles a week by next July and then to 80 miles a week in the months leading up to the run.
However, for Mark, who lives with his wife Katy, 35, a project manager at BT, and five-year-old son Jack, the biggest difficulties lie in the strict diet.
He said: “I’m well ahead of schedule and I’m looking forward to it. I just want to push on and keep going.”
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