Coney Island Departure time

 

The final countdown - 9 days to go

As the start of the 3200 mile coast to coast run across the USA draws nearer, time seems to be moving very quickly indeed. I still have a few tasks to complete before setting off from Newcastle to New York on Sunday.

The first task is to pack my running kit, running shoes, cherry active, leaflets etc into two small suitcases. To do that effectively is beyond me so Donna will be making sure that's done properly. New followers may be wondering what Cherry Active is. It's the recovery product that I've been using since 2011. I simply drink 30ml of it diluted in water at the end of each day's running. It helps to minimise the aches and pains. 

The big challenge is to try and fit 8 pairs of Hylo Impact size 11.5 running shoes into my luggage! Thankfully, they are very light but there's no getting away from the fact those size shoes take up a lot of space.

I'm pleased to report that the support team plan is very well established. Everyone one knows where they need to be and when. The team is the joint smallest I’ve ever had on any tour, equalling the number needed for the run across Australia. The run across the USA is 800 miles longer however so pound for pound this is the most compact unit of support I’ve ever had. 

The small size of the team comes with its disadvantages in terms of the work the guys will have to get through and there is the safety aspect too. Driving a motorhome solo can be quite difficult. John and Alan have a significant amount of time on their own (35 days). I’ll be plugging the gap there to some extent and I’ll be 90% runner and 10% support person myself.  It’ll well and truly be a team game where we will rely on each other for support. The same can be said right across the route, I guess, even where the team is at full capacity. 

I think the advantages of having a small team are hugely beneficial. My prediction is that the bonds that will form within the team and subsequent levels of trust will stand us all in very good stead. For all of the team’s experience and wealth of travel over the years, the biggest asset lies elsewhere in my opinion. The camaraderie and good humour that has been shown so far is right up my street. Yes, there is a very challenging mission to complete but the signs are that we are going to have fun while doing it. That’s not to say that there won’t be tough, dark times. There absolutely will be. 

The attitude of this group combined with my experience of working with such volunteers gives us a huge chance of success. I don’t see a weak link at all in the team (unless Carlton puts some cheesy popcorn in the RV’s microwave for too long as he did in Australia).

As the run draws nearer, then so will the activity on this blog and all across the Run Geordie Run social media channels. Please make sure to check back often to keep updated.

Finally, a huge thank you to those kind people who have sponsored me in aid of St. Benedict's Hospice over at www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025.  The charity fund is almost at £11,000. Just like the run across the USA, there is a long way to go in terms of fundraising. The hospice need our help now, more than ever. It's an incredibly tough time for the hospice movement, as has been reported in the news lately. We simply must do everything that we can to help make the lives of people with terminal illnesses comfortable and dignified. I shudder to think how my Mam's final years would have played out had it not been for the brilliant care she received at St. Benedict's Hospice. 

USA 2025 - Meet the support team (Thomas)

The eighth and final member of the USA 2025 support team to introduce is Thomas. He will be joining the  tour with the returning Deb on day 59 (28th June) in Walsenburg Colorado at the 1850 mile point. It's quite literally all uphill after that. 

Thomas experience of running in the hills of Northumberland means he will be well placed to accompany me on some sections of the Rocky Mountains. We've already had a couple of successful trial attempts closer to home in recent months. Most notably was the climb from Elsdon in Northumberland up to Winter's Gibbet. We struck up a great partnership on the very long straight thereafter, taking it in turns to run from the front. This really does bode well for the running we'll be doing this summer.

Thomas's attire in his team photo reminded me of Harvey Keitel's character in the movie Pulp Fiction. "The Wolf" as he was called was called in to help out with a difficult situation. There are parallels to be drawn with Thomas's time on the team I'm sure.

Thomas says "When asked to write down in short why I had signed up as part of the support team for the USA 2025 run, I thought about it for 5 seconds and came to the following conclusion: I Like Mark and Donna very much, I love Campervans, and I love running! It is pretty much that simple of a reason for me to agree to help Mark on his quest to conquer the mighty USA once more! 

When Mark and I spoke and a place was available on the tour in the Rocky Mountains, I felt that this was a part that was written for me! I run in rural Northumberland over endless hills, so felt in good shape to not only do campervan duties on the tour, but provide Mark with daily running company.

In general, my attitude in life is that you should try to do good for others, help others, and achieve something small or large that might inspire another person to do good. With that in mind I can't wait to fly out and have a great time supporting Mark, taking in the vistas, and finally put my head down in a campervan!".

Thomas's time on the team presented some logistical challenges. His end point of Kayenta on day 72 is in the middle of nowhere with no links to any public transport. To get around that, Thomas will be picking a car up in Durango on day 66. That's what he'll be using to get back to Durango Airport when he eventually leaves the tour.

Thanks to Thomas for committing some much time and effort into this tour. What with Deb also picking up her running recently, I'm going to be well covered for some good company in the Rocky Mountains.

USA 2025 - Meet the support team (Phil)

The 7th and penultimate member of the USA 2025 support team to introduce is Phil. Like all of the other guys on the team, he has gone above and beyond with his support. The team's contribution, especially given that a step has yet to be made across the USA, is never to be taken for granted!

There's always something special about connecting with people all over the world. It's extra special when it's with someone who shares a common culture, interest and philosophy. That's a polite way of saying "football team" really. 

To be able to involve ex pats in the project is a very fulfilling thing to do. Those who have fled our shores to build a life elsewhere must feel a bit of a longing for home from time to time. Run Geordie Run as a project has brought so many of those kinds of people together. Usually, the binding factor has been NUFC.com as Phil explains below. 

"I’m Phil, an exiled Geordie living in Orange County, California since 1982. As a long-suffering (until March 16 of this year!) Newcastle United supporter, I’ve visited the nufc.com website every day since Al Gore invented the internet and occasionally communicate and have a pint with Biffa. I became aware of Run Geordie Run through nufc.com prior to Mark’s charity run across the United States in 2011. 

I’m not much of a runner, actually not a runner at all, but I would have liked to have at least seen him off at Huntington Beach pier, which is only a couple of miles from where I live. As it happened, I was visiting my family in and around Newcastle at the time so wasn’t able to participate at all. Roll on 14 years and what do you know – he’s doing it again, so this time I signed up to be on the support team. 

I initially volunteered to be on the support team for 4 days as Mark runs through Death Valley. I’m not sure how, maybe Mark’s Jedi mind tricks, but somehow that morphed into 17 days, from east of Las Vegas to Huntington Beach. But that’s OK! 

Death Valley is one of my favorite places in the world, although not necessarily in July, mainly because it’s so completely opposite to my other favorite places, like the Lake District, Northumberland hills and coast, etc. Also, after 43 years living in SoCal, I know Death Valley, the Owens Valley (Jack Nicholson/Chinatown), and the Mojave Desert pretty well. 

Just to refresh my memory and to scout overnight locations and resupply stores, I spent two days driving Mark’s route a few weekends ago and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Staggering desert and snow-capped mountain scenery and beautiful warm and sunny weather. It will still be staggering in July but also staggeringly hot! 

I’ve not done anything like this before so I’m not really sure what to expect as a member of the support team, but I’m looking forward to helping Mark any way I can and spending time with fellow Geordies/Toon supporters and other team members. 

I’m guessing (hoping?) Mark and the support team should have the kinks worked out and be a well-oiled machine by the time I join them. 

And of course, Mark is running for a fantastic cause – St. Benedict’s Hospice – which I’m honored to support. Not long to go now.".

Phil will join the tour with Graeme on day 83 (22nd July) at the 2652 mile point in the Moapa Valley, two days to the north east of Las Vegas. The temperatures at that time will likely exceed 100f. 

Once we reached the outskirts of Las Vegas on day 85, Deb will leave the tour for the second time. That will see Graeme driving the motorhome and Phil in his own vehicle. Once through Las Vegas, we'll be on our way to Death Valley. Graeme will be supporting from a distance in the motorhome at this point with Phil providing the direct support to me. 

We have yet to decide whether Graeme will bring the motorhome into Death Valley National Park or stick with the original plan of sitting tight on the other side in Olancha. Whatever happens, we will be faced with an average requirement of 37.5 miles over the final six days to the finish line at Huntington Beach. Not that there wasn't before but this will be a very busy and challenging time on the tour. High temperatures, high mileage and very long days. 

Having Phil's local knowledge and experience has given the run across the USA a massive boost. Thank you to Phil for all he has done so far as well as what is to come on one of the toughest stretches of the USA 2025 route. 

USA 2025 - Meet the support team (Steve)

Next up in the meet the support team series is Steve. Before I get into the detail, it's worth winding the clock back to the last run across the USA in 2011.

A series of tweets that I wrote the day after the run finished (9th August 2011) went as follows: 

11:35 “Huge shout out to any New York tweeps could do with help emptying RV in Tappen NY any willing kind helpers ?” 

14:25 “Goodbye to the RV. Now stranded in Tappan! Might have to run back to Manhattan.” 

I was very relieved to report soon after the following. 

15:48 “An #nufc fan I met at Columbus is driving us to NYC. Turns out he was in the year above me at school. Thanks Steven Pringle.” 

“Why is this relevant” I hear you ask. Well… Not only is Steve our “fixer” in NYC (helping to pick the motorhome up and the like), he recently offered to plug a gap in the support team rota. 

Specifically, Steve will be joining Deb on day 76 from Page, Arizona at the 2400 mile point. His tour of duty comes to an end in Mesquite, Nevada on day 81 a week later. That will leave Deb on her own for only 1 day before Graeme and Phil arrive.

Having two people on the team at any one time is my ultimate aim. It’s a relief to me to have a full strength team particularly through that isolated desert section. 

Steve explained "I met Mark during the last USA run while I was watching NUFC play Columbus with Biffa from NUFC.com. At that time I wondered what had possessed a seemingly sensible man to undertake such an act of lunacy! Following Marks’ exploits on social media for the rest of the run was a real eye opener into just what an incredible feat this was. 

When the call went out for someone to help him and Carlton get into NYC [in 2011] I was happy to leave the office early and go get them. Opening the door to the RV office I was greeted by the the most knackered looking and sorriest pair of faces I’d ever seen in my life (although I think this was possibly because Carlton had been regaling fond memories of Roker Park - enough to make the cheeriest person sad I’m sure ). 

While chatting in the car it turned out that we went to the same school - small world. Fast forward more than a decade and Biffa from NUFC.com contacted me to ask if I could help Mark out with some logistics for the start of this years run, which I was of course more than happy to do. 

As the date of the run has got closer I’ve been able help a little more by joining the support team for a short time during the run. 

I’m a firm believer that you should only run if someone is chasing you, or you’re chasing a ball, so to think that someone is going to run 3200 miles out of choice boggles my mind but really shows the type of man Mark is. 

I’m happy to help him in anyway I can, even if it means I have to practice scrambling eggs.".

I said recently that Steve is going “above and beyond” to make sure things go smoothly at the start of the run in New York. He’s now taken that to the next level by joining the team at a critical time. Thanks Steve for all you are doing.

USA 2025 - Meet the support team (Graeme)

The fifth member of the USA 2025 support team that I'd like to introduce is Graeme. It was a case of right time and right place for him to join the team as he'll explain later on.

Graeme will join the team with Phil on day 83 (22nd July) in the Nevada desert to the north east of Las Vegas at mile 2624. Graeme's time promises to be very tough with temperatures of more than 100F expected when he arrives. Once through Las Vegas, we'll be on our way to Death Valley. Graeme will be supporting from a distance in the motorhome at this point with Phil providing the direct support to me. 

We have yet to decide whether Graeme will bring the motorhome into Death Valley National Park or stick with the original plan of sitting tight on the other side in Olancha. Whatever happens, we will be faced with an average requirement of 37.5 miles over the final six days to the finish line at Huntington Beach. Not that there wasn't before but this will be a very busy and challenging time on the tour. High temperatures, high mileage and very long days.

Graeme explains "It was in September 2023 when I was in Italy for the champions league match between AC Milan and Newcastle The night before the game I was in an Irish bar in Bergamo when I got chatting to some other Newcastle fans, one of which was Mark. 

I’m not sure how we got on the subject but Mark told me he’d ran some long distance runs and was gearing up to this coming run across the USA. I must admit I looked at him and thought ‘ mate, you’re no Mo Farah!’ 

In fairness it didn’t take much to convince me to take part in some way. My passion is travel and I’ve travelled the US extensively, so it was a no brainier for me especially as the charity was a hospice. 

I’ll be doing the last leg of the journey with Phil into Huntington Beach, California…the surf capital of the world. The last time I was there was when the world surf championships were on back in the 2000’s…. I was watching not participating!! 

It will be nice to know that me and all the other volunteers are helping towards Mark completing this incredible journey."

Thank you to Graeme for supporting me for almost 600 miles over 18 days. I look forward to taking our journey full circle since that chance meeting over a beer in Bergamo. How fitting that we'll be able to celebrate in similar fashion in Huntington Beach, California.

USA 2025 - Meet the support team (Carlton)

The fourth member of the USA 2025 support team that I'd like to introduce is Carlton. This won't be the first time he has been on the support team. Regular readers may remember that Carlton supported the first run across the USA in 2011. He followed that up with Australia in 2013, Europe in 2016 and provided some logistical support at the start of the run from Belgrade to Kiev in 2018.

Carlton will be travelling to the USA with me on the 27th April. Having that good company before the run starts is very comforting. His official duties will be with Deb from day one at Coney Island on May 1st. The route in those early days will see him support me through New York and New Jersey before hitting the Appalachians in Pennsylvania around the 250 mile mark. He'll be on the team for a further 200 miles as I run up and over that hilly range before his duties end on day 14 in Wheeling West Virginia. That's the point that John will replace Carlton.

I'm sure that this route will feel surreal for Carlton. It's the reverse of what he supported back in 2011.

Carlton says "Hi, I'm Carlton, and back again to support Mark on the latest leg of his incredible journey. If you don't already know, I was on Mark's support team when he first cracked the USA, helping him over the line for the past 2 weeks. 

 

This trip is a fitting book-end for me, as I am on the first 2 weeks of this run - so the same route but in reverse. In between that 2011 run, I've been on the support team for Australia and a couple of stints in Europe. And of course, I've ran many hundreds of miles back home with Mark, mainly on long Sunday jaunts. 

So why am I back again? I've told Mark on many an occasion he can't shake me off that easily. True it's hard work, stressful and a huge responsibility. And I have to admit, being 14 years older than when I started this support, I am not looking forward to the 5:30 early mornings. But I have to say it's a challenge and an adventure; I get to see places I'd never otherwise visit, and it is great to spend some time with, and help a good friend. But above all, it is me doing a tiny little bit for a great cause. 

Mark could run for a big name charity and probably get way more publicity and support. But the smaller charities like St Benedict's Hospice really do depend on brilliant people like Mark, and what he does for them is truly inspiring. 

Supporting Run Geordie Run really is a privilege."

Thanks once again to Carlton for being the Spot* to my Hong Kong Phooey or the Passepartout to my Phileas Fogg. His contribution to the cause really is beyond measure.

* Hong Kong Phooey's faithful sidekick, Spot is in reality the brains of the outfit. Bored to distraction, his quick thinking and resourcefulness ultimately saves the day every time!

USA 2025 - Meet the support team (Deb)

The third member of the USA 2025 support team that I'd like to introduce is Deb. Amazingly, she is actually doing two separate stints on the tour. The first of which is from the start line at Coney Island on day one with Carlton. 

The route in those early days will see her support through New York and New Jersey before hitting the Appalachians in Pennsylvania around the 250 mile mark. The next 474 miles pass through Columbus, Ohio then on to Indianapolis, Indiana where Deb sill finish the first part of her duties. That's 23 days in total. In the middle of that section, Deb will say goodbye to Carlton who will be replaced by John. 

Deb rejoins the team on day 59 with Thomas in Walsenburg, Colorado. They will be taking over from Alan. I will have ran over 1100 miles since she last left the team with approximately 1850 miles in the bag. 

I'm calling Walsenburg (at an elevation of 6300ft) the foot of the Rocky Mountains. It will take 10 days to get up and over them with two major summits to run up. It'll be a tough place to drive a motorhome never mind support me as a runner.

Once out of the Rocky Mountains Deb will say goodbye to Thomas. She will only be solo on the team for a couple of days before Steve joins the team in Page, Arizona. By this point, we are into desert mid July where temperatures are expected to be uncomfortably high. At the time of writing (9th April 2025) that region of the USA is already seeing highs in the mid 30s Celsius. 

Steve leaves the team in Mesquite. Deb will then spend only 1 day on her own. But that day is a tricky off road desert section for me. It's not accessible by the motorhome. This part is going to require safe planning and good comms between the two of us to ensure our safety. If all goes well we'll meet at the other end of the desert in the Valley of Fire State Park. 

Graeme and Phil will join Deb for her final two days on the team. That will take us to the hilly eastern outskirts of Las Vegas on day 84 (miles 2680).

Deb says "I got to know Mark at David Fairlamb Fitness where we have trained together for a number of years. I have followed Marks impressive fundraising achievements around the world, and I am delighted to be able to support his latest challenge across America. 

Having retired at the end of 2023 and knowing that Mark was planning USA 2025, I decided to join the team after many discussions with Mark and close examination of a very large map of America! 

Mark said he was looking for people who were fit , healthy, held a driving license, had a positive attitude and good problem solving skills. I have a driving license so I decided to apply. 

I am excited to be part of the Run Geordie Run support team, I will be visiting parts of the USA that I have never been to and while it will be tough and personally challenging, being on the team will be nothing in comparison to what Mark has to do every day. 

In a moment of madness or weakness at the end of a double training session at David Fairlamb’s gym, I also signed up for two stints on the team so I will be spending a fair bit of May and July on the team, enjoying some of the most scenic parts of Marks route. 

Marks commitment and drive is phenomenal and he has inspired me to start running again too which I am loving even if my knees aren’t ! 

It’s a privilege to be contributing in a small way to the huge team effort which will support Mark across America, and hopefully raise thousands for charity along the way."

Just like the rest of the support team, Deb is making a game changing difference to the run across the USA.

I don't agree when Deb says she is "contributing in a small way". Her total support amounts to an incredible 49 days. I know from experience that it's not going to be easy. I think former support team members would agree. It's a huge sacrifice to make. See you at the start line Deb.

USA 2025 - Meet the support team (Alan)

This is second in a series of articles which will introduce the kind bunch of volunteers who make up the Run Geordie Run USA 2025 Support Team. Next up is Alan who will be joining the team on day 33 in St. Louis, Missouri. That's the day John leaves the team. 

Alan is on his own on the team for 26 days. That's the longest individual stint that any of the team are doing. The 845 mile route that he is supporting is one of the most complex to navigate. There are many twists, turns and trails on the route through Missouri, Kansas and Colorado. When I say "trails" that means that I'll be on sections of the route inaccessible by the motorhome. Good communication and a robust plan is important as ever during times like that. 

One Alan's first day, there is a steady climb from 400ft in St. Louis to 6,500ft through to his last in Walsenburg, Colorado. There's a whopping 14,000ft of ascent during that time. Add to that, the ever increasing temperatures we'll be facing where 30+ Celsius is expected every day by that point. It promises to be quite a challenging adventure through the American Midwest for Alan.

Alan says "Having retired a few years ago, I have enjoyed doing a range of activities I didn't have time for when working, travelling, golf, tennis, etc. 

My route to supporting Mark and joining his support team began over a year ago. My wife sits close to Mark and Donna at St James Park on match days. After chats about Mark's mission and meticulous planning, I discovered, unknown to me, that she had suggested that I could be a fair candidate for support driving on the run! 

Mark and I spoke, and he explained the tasks and expectations. It is an amazing challenge to undertake, and I'm looking forward to supporting Mark to reach his goal. 

So here we are almost ready for the Run Across America. 

Just saying, I'm not a runner and definitely not an omelette maker ....yet!"

As is the case with the rest of the team, a huge amount of gratitude goes to Alan for the amazing sacrifice and contribution he is making. Without which, this run would simply not be possible. 

I'll meet you in St. Louis Alan.

USA 2025 - Meet the support team (John)

Welcome to the first in a series of articles which will introduce the kind bunch of volunteers who make up the Run Geordie Run USA 2025 Support Team.

First up is John who will be joining the team on day 14 in Wheeling, West Virginia. That's the day Carlton leaves the team. John starts his official duties the following day with Deb who is on the team from day 1. They'll have 9 days together before Deb leaves the team. 

John then has 9 days on his own through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois before finishing his tour of duty in St. Louis, Missouri. 

I asked John how he became involved in the team - "I first came across Mark at his beloved St James Park and through NUFC.COM around the time he ran the length of the UK, I was an avid runner and was amazed by how he could cover such distances day after day. Not long after that I bumped into him on the start line of a local 10 mile race, since then I have followed his many exploits. 

I retired from my job in December 23 and over Christmas the subject of what I was going to do with myself was fairly topical, my wife reminded me that I said during Marks run across Australia that if he ever did another one I would like to be involved. So by chance I went on the Run Geordie Run website and low and behold plans being made for this USA trip, one email and subsequent telephone call later I find myself on the team and learning to make omelettes ! 

Sincerely it will be a privilege to be involved my only hope is that I can reach the porridge and omelette standard required to keep the fire burning."

In total, John will be supporting me for 18 days and 560 miles. That's a huge undertaking which I'm extremely grateful for.