Newcastle man running over 120 consecutive half-marathons in world record attempt
Mark Telford, 42, is attempting to run 13.1miles on a treadmill every day for at least 120 days
by Sara Nichol · ChronicleLiveThis is the Newcastle man attempting to run a half-marathon a day for at least 120 days.
Mark Telford has taken four months off work to take on the gruelling challenge, which, if successful, will see him secure a spot the Guinness World Records. The 42-year-old is running two hours a day at his local gym in his bid to oust the current record holder for running the most half-marathons in consecutive days on a treadmill.
The off-shore construction worker, who has spent weeks getting up at 3am and has ditched alcohol for the last six months to prepare for the challenge, is now on day 45 and aims to finish on December 22, just in time for Christmas. Mark is not only taking on the mammoth task to break a record, he's also raising money for two North East charities at the same time.
Mark, from Chapel Park, Newcastle, said: "I have done a few ultra-marathons but I'd fallen out of love with long-distance running. Then, in January, I got back into it and I wanted to do something totally different.
"I was on a treadmill off-shore and I just wondered what the world record was for running the most half-marathons on a treadmill and I thought, can I do that?."
Mark contacted the Guinness World Records in February but didn't hear back until April, which was when he started preparing for his challenge. He added: "I was running 70 miles a week to prepare. I was getting up at 3am, doing my runs, showering, changing, working a 12-hour shift, coming home then going to bed.
"The running challenge itself is actually easier as I've taken four months off work and made the two-hours of running a day my job. I've only had some minor ailments, so far, but I have had some major blisters!"
To complete the challenge, which he's doing at TKO Boxing Newcastle, in Kenton, Mark must have two witnesses to each run and they are not allowed to be family or friends. "It's been difficult finding that many people," he admitted. "I think I'm covered through October now, though."
Mark is aiming to smash the current record of 120 half-marathons in 120 days by doing 125 half-marathons in 125 days. He is raising money for Tyneside and Northumberland Mind and Cash for Kids North East. To sponsor him or to learn more of his record-breaking attempt, click here.
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