There has been a brilliant response to the announcement of the run across the USA to be undertaken in 2025.
Given previous campaigns, it’s incredible to think that I already have a very kind main sponsor in place. That represents 50% of the total commercial backing needed for the run to take place. Once again, I’m incredibly grateful for the kind folk at Chapman Ventilation for their support which is now in its 12 year!
I’ll step up the search for the remaining commercial sponsors over the coming weeks and months. If you’d like to know further details then please read the sponsorship prospectus here:
Without adequate commercial backing, then the run across the USA won’t be possible.
Details on how to contribute to the “Promise Fund” are also in the prospectus. This has been setup to attract a significant sum in aid of St. Benedict's Hospice. I’m looking for 25 businesses, workplaces or individuals to promise to donate £1000 to the hospice prior to the event going ahead. I’m very pleased to report that there are three such people who have come forward so far. Firstly, thank you to David Gateshill who took the first slot and the first individual to step forward. Secondly, thank you to Doors and Floors Direct based in North Tyne Industrial Estate who are the first business to sign up. Last but by no means least, thank you to Lesley Lynch who is heading up the first workplace to contribute to the Promise Fund. Let the bake sales, tombolas and sweepstakes commence. Without a full Promise Fund, then the run across the USA won’t be possible.
With their promised £3000 and the £3075.88 already raised for St. Benedict’s Hospice this year, it’s safe to say that the USA 2025 fundraising campaign has got off to a terrific start.
Again, if you’d like to help with fundraising / commercial sponsorship then please have a good look at the sponsorship prospectus and get in touch with a message or via sponsorship@rungeordierun.com.
One aspect that I’m not progressing too much myself just yet, is finding a good quality set of people for the support team. However, I’ve been contacted by some fantastic people for this role already. That is really encouraging at this stage with 648 days to go before the start at Coney Island. Without a good support team, then the run across the USA won’t be possible. That's Stobbsy and Carlton below who were part of the Australia and Europe team. Carlton was also on the team in the USA in 2011.
One other thing to talk about is the route across the USA. I’m currently 30 days into the detailed route planning. The high level route has been settled for a few months now but each one of the 100 days need to be planned out in great detail. I’ll talk more about this in August as the detailed route planning comes to an end. Without a robust route plan and strategy, then the run across the USA won’t be possible.
Finally, I’m currently trying to find the best and most cost effective option for mobile accommodation. The ideal scenario is that some kind individual in the USA comes forward with an offer to loan us an RV. Second to that, an affordable option would be most welcome. Without a viable and affordable option for a motorhome, then the run across the USA won’t be possible. The RV below is the one we had in the USA in 2011.
As you can see, there is a lot to think about and a lot of support required to make the run across the USA a success. I haven’t even mentioned training yet either. That begins in August where, if I don’t reach an unprecedented level of effort and discipline, then running 3100 miles across the USA via Death Valley in 100 days won’t be possible.
What a task! But as my Dad used to say, you have got to work hard for anything that is worth having. That really will set the tone for the journey that lies ahead.
