The curtain finally lifts on 13th December 2025, when the mystery of '365' steps out of the shadows and into the daylight. It’s the sort of moment that feels like standing at the edge of a long road just before the first stride. It’ll be that familiar feeling of equal parts nerves, excitement and a quiet grin at the madness of it all. I've been there many times whether it was Carlisle, John O'Groats, Huntington Beach, Cottesloe Beach, Guincho Beach, the Belgrade Fortress or, more recently, Coney Island.
The reveal won’t just answer a question; it will signal the start of something bold, something crafted to carry people along for every rattling mile, every unexpected twist, every story that deserves its spotlight.
Once the announcement lands, the whole thing will spark into motion, gathering pace and purpose as it rolls forward.
Here’s to an exciting awe inspiring inspirational journey in aid of St. Benedict’s Hospice.
The design of the 2026 Run Geordie Run leaflet is underway. There's a sneak preview below. I've masked the exact details of the event for now. Fear not! You'll be able to hear all about it in December.
It's early days but it's really starting to take shape. There'll be the usual useful background info, details on the 365 event, useful maps, sponsors logos and information on how to donate to St. Benedict's Hospice.
I'm in the process of finding commercial sponsors for Run Geordie Run 365. The beauty of this event is that all expenses for it are coming out of my own pocket. All commercial money will go direct to St. Benedict's Hospice.
Leaflets have always been one of the most important tools in my fundraising journey. From the early days of Run Geordie Run, they’ve helped tell the story of why I run, who I run for, and how every donation makes a difference to St. Benedict’s Hospice. A simple leaflet has the power to start a conversation, inspire a sponsor or remind someone that every mile counts for something much bigger.
Over the years, these little pieces of paper have travelled as far as I have. They’ve been tucked into shop windows, handed out at events or passed to random passers by. Many of whom, have subsequently made a donation or have helped to spread the word (and in some cases they've helped to get me out of a spot of bother!!).
That’s why I’m so excited for the Run Geordie Run 365 leaflet. It’s not just another flyer. It’s an invitation to be part of something special. 365 will be a huge challenge, but it’s also a story to be shared every single day of the year. The new leaflet will help bring people into that story, spread the word far and wide and keep the fundraising momentum strong.
The images below show some very kind people from all corners of the earth with a Run Geordie Run leaflet. Every picture tells a story and is a reminder that sometimes the smallest things, like a leaflet, can help make the biggest impact.
Run Geordie Run 365 isn’t just about distance or destinations. It’s about stories too. The kind that live in the towns, villages and coastlines of our region. This year-long journey is a chance to shine a light not only on the places I pass through, but on the people who have helped to them special.
365 is a platform for connection. It’s a chance to remind us what makes life extraordinary.
The landscapes may be many and wide, but the real journey lies in the details: the inspirational stories, the laughter shared, the challenges overcome and the reasons that keep my miles ticking by.
This isn’t just about where the run goes. It’s about what we discover together along the way.
As you will soon discover, 365 isn’t just about endurance. It’s not just about running day after day, through the seasons and the storms. It’s about shining a light on this incredible place we call home. Every stride will move through landscapes that deserve to be seen, celebrated, and shared with the world.
From the rugged coastlines that catch the sunrise before anyone else, to the quiet country lanes where the only sound is your own breath and birdsong. This region has a heartbeat all its own. 365 will bring that to life. Through images, video, and stories, we’ll show the world the raw beauty, the grit, and the charm that make our corner of the world so special.
People who followed the USA run saw a nation of contrasts, vast and wild. But 365 will be different. Closer, more intimate, more personal. It will celebrate home. Every route, every backdrop, every finish line will be a reminder that beauty doesn’t always need to be sought across oceans; sometimes it’s right here on your doorstep.
This journey will show more than the miles. It’ll show the soul of a region, one day at a time.
There’s a new chapter about to begin: Run Geordie Run 365.
The full details will be revealed in December and from January, people will be able to follow the journey day by day. What’s certain already is that this isn’t just another challenge. It’s something far deeper. The physical, mental and logistical demands will be there as per usual, of course. However, the true meaning of 365 goes beyond miles, routes or records.
It’s about connection, endurance, purpose and discovery. It’s about what happens when you commit to something so big that even you don’t fully understand it at the start.
For now, 365 remains a mystery. But as the months unfold, its real significance will slowly reveal itself. Not in the announcement, not even in the early stages of the journey, but much later on next year. When that moment comes, it’ll all make sense.
Run Geordie Run 365 isn’t just about the physical, mental and logistical challenge. It’s about taking everything I’ve learned from past adventures, especially the run across the USA, and building something even bigger.
During the USA run, people didn’t just follow along; they bought in. They became part of the story. Every mile, every setback, every sunrise on the road, it was shared and felt together. That connection meant everything.
With 365, the goal is to take that experience to the next level. To bring people closer to the journey than ever before. To show the highs, the lows, the grind, and the joy in a way that’s real, raw, and immersive.
This is about more than miles. It’s about creating something that inspires, connects and moves people to believe that impossible things can be done, one day at a time.
Before anyone knows what Run Geordie Run 365 truly is, something remarkable has already happened. The first kind donation to St. Benedict’s Hospice has arrived. No launch, no big reveal, just quiet belief.
It shows that when something is built with purpose and heart, people can feel it even before they fully see it.
That first act of support says it all: build it and they will come.
Every challenge I have taken on has pushed me further, not just across miles but deep into the heart of what is possible. This time it feels different. It is not about one epic moment. It is about showing up every single day, no matter what.
It is about discipline when motivation fades.
It is about courage when comfort calls.
It is about doing something that demands everything.
Something incredible is on the horizon. And it starts with one step.
I had a really good meeting at St. Benedict's Hospice today to close off the USA 2025 run. That Justgiving page closes tonight and the final total is an amazing £31,380. You can see how that ended over at https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025. Many thanks again to everyone who made a donation.
The next item on today's agenda was to talk about the next fundraiser. It’s an event I’m nicknaming “Run Geordie Run 365” for now. I expect to announce further details at the end of November. For now, there is a new Justgiving page over at https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun365.
Run Geordie Run 365 promises to be the maddest and toughest event that I’ve ever done. If I plan it right then it will end up being quite a spectacle. I’m hoping it will be another one of those where people get hooked in to the blog, YouTube and all the other socials.
I’ll be seeking commercial backing for the event starting tomorrow. All overheads associated with the run will be coming out of my own pocket.
In the meantime, I’ll be teasing a few picture clues over the next few weeks.
The overnight stop at Mexican Hat, Utah made for a very uncomfortable sleep. The temperature didn’t cool down until around 0230. That was my cue to get some sleep before the 0515 alarm.
I noticed a single solitary star in the sky. I had also done last week on the Sunflower Road. I didn’t mention the significance of it in my blog. My Mam had left me a letter to read after she died. Part of it read “if you look up to the night sky and see a single solitary star, then you’ll know I’m watching over you”. If you believe in that type of thing or not, I found it very comforting.
We set off at 0545 on the short journey to a mile away from Forrest Gump Point. The sun was just about rising behind me as I set off on the “final mile”. There was barely a sound to be heard. It felt so peaceful out there on the road.
I spoke to Donna briefly to tell her that I’d started. Then, unplanned, I spoke to camera via a Facebook Live session. That lasted until the signal cut out and I switched to my iPhone camera instead.
The mile flew by and I could that famous stretch of road being unveiled by the rising sun. It was like the curtain raising at a theatre.
As you can tell from the video below I was very happy with the ultimate outcome of my running/fundraising exploits.
In what felt like the blink of an eye, I reached the end of the “final mile” at Forrest Gump point. My feet ached even after that short distance.
My socials said “I think I’ll go home now. Almost 13,000 miles of running ends here. As it was meant to be.”
All throughout the final mile I felt at peace. I have the closure to my grief that I’ve spent many years and tens of thousands of miles searching for. As mad as it may sound, I would not have wanted any other outcome to this tour than the one I got today.
There is no regret or disappointment in me at all. There is simply gratitude and pride at a job well done.
The response on social media and the amount of donations made soon after I finished was incredible. At the time of writing (21:13 in a hotel in Las Vegas. It’s a long story which I’ll cover later this week) £25,766 has been raised for St. Benedict’s Hospice. I’m aware of some pledges in the pipeline too so it won’t stay at that amount for much longer.
The mile served as the perfect birthday present. I later chuckled at a card that was sent to me by Donna.
The coverage on NUFC.com helped massively to boost the funds for St. Benedict’s Hospice.
The money raised for various charities including St. Benedict’s Hospice via Run Geordie Run is quite something. The generosity and kindness shown is very difficult to comprehend.
These numbers will continue to grow in the future. I just need to figure out how in due course.
It’s important not to think of these numbers in terms of pure pounds and pence. It’s the difference that money can make to a charity such as St. Benedict’s Hospice that’s hugely important.
I’m one of many volunteer fundraisers. Together we are making a significant difference to the lives of terminally ill people and their families. If you’ve supported my fundraising efforts then you should feel very much as proud as I do right now.
If you haven’t yet got round to making a donation then please visit:
There will be more to write about in the coming days, weeks and months so please tune in to the blog and socials.
In the meantime, it’s good night from an air-conditioned hotel room in Las Vegas. The RV is parked outside in the middle of an extreme heat warning. The air con is set to 67. I’m blumming freezing!
TUNE OF THE DAY: Forrest Gump Suite - Alan Silvestri
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THE RUN GEORDIE RUN MISSION
My name is Mark Allison and in my spare time I'm a volunteer fundraiser. I'm currently on a campaign running across various continents around the world in aid of charities in the North East of England.
The latest event is:
May 1st 2025 - USA - Coney Island New York to Death Valley to Huntington Beach, California. 3200 miles in 100 days (£60,000 target for St. Benedict's Hospice (Charity No. 1019410).
Previous events were:
1993 to 2007 - Various events in the UK (£14,925 raised)
2007 - UK - John O'Groats to Lands End. 874 miles in 37 days. (£34,108 raised)
2011 - USA - Huntington Beach, California to Coney Island New York. 3100 miles in 100 days. (£105,717.80 raised)
2013 - Australia - Cottesloe Beach, Perth to Shellharbour, Sydney. 2384 miles in 82 days. (£55,126.60 raised)
2016 - Western Europe - Lisbon, Portugal to Belgrade, Serbia. 2633 miles in 83 days. (£55,147.25 raised)
2018 - Eastern Europe - Belgrade, Serbia to Kiev, Ukraine. 808 miles (unsupported) in 48 days. (£59,041.50 raised)
