ULTRA distance runner Mark “Run Geordie Run” Allison returned home to the North East to a hero’s welcome.

As Mr Allison approached the arrivals gate at Newcastle Airport family, friends and supporters who have been captivated by his epic cross-continent run spontaneously broke into cheers and applause.

But one person who couldn’t contain his excitement to see the runner was his son Jack, who ran into a no entry area to embrace his dad.

Mr Allison, who gained a huge online following during his 100-day run, said he was flabbergasted at the response to his return to the region.

Speaking shortly after coming through the arrivals gate he said: “This is absolutely amazing.

“I expected my family and one or two friends to be here but the number of people who have come to congratulate me is amazing. I’m flabbergasted to be honest.”

Mr Allison, from County Durham, ran 3,100 miles in 100 days travelling from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.

It was a personal journey which was more than two years in the planning.

His delighted wife Katy, 38, said: I’m so proud of what he has achieved.

“When he first started talking about running across the USA I thought it was just a pipe dream.

“But as he talked more and more and especially when he set up his internet fundraising pages I knew it was something he was going to do.”

Jack, eight, said: “I’m very proud of what my dad has done. When he first said he was going to run across America I though his head had exploded.

“He really is a hero. I’m amazed at what he has done and all the money he has raised which will help people.”

Jack, who attends Bishop Ian Ramsey school in Consett, said that his father’s trip had captured the imagination of fellow pupils and teachers.

He said: “Everyone at school has been talking about it. We even had a school assembly about it to explain to everyone what was happening.”

Mr Allison, 40, covered 60 miles on the last day of his 100-day run – meeting his self imposed deadline with just 50 minutes to spare.

He finished his run at New York’s famous Coney Island funfair.

Recounting his final day he said: “Running through Manhattan was very memorable.

“I was joined by some Newcastle United supporters who live out there and I have a lot to thank them for.

“I had to run through what looked like some very rough neighbourhoods and they ensured I stayed on the route and safe.

“Finishing the run felt fantastic and it took a few days to sink in.”

Mr Allison was supported during his California to New York run by a large support crew.

Among them was fitness trainer David Fairlamb who twice jetted out to America to run part of the route with him.

Mr Fairlamb said: “It’s amazing to see him back on Tyneside.

“What he has achieved is beyond belief. I’ve seen only part of what he has gone through but I have spoken to him most days.

“He is incredibly mentally tough and resilient to keep punishing his body day after day.”

Mr Allison said that being physically fit was only part of the battle.

He explained: “At the start it was 80% fitness and 20% mental effort, at the end that was reversed.

“The phone calls and support I had really helped with that at the end.”

Mr Allison is set to complete a lap of honour at Newcastle United’s first home game of the season against Arsenal today .

He is still accepting donations for his two charities. For more information visit: www.rungeordierun.com