'Run Geordie Run' round-the-world hero inspires schoolchildren before next leg of gruelling challenge

Inspirational marathon man Mark Allison has been inspiring schoolchildren before he sets off on one of his most difficult challenges yet.

Mark is known as “Run Geordie Run” for the incredible feats of fundraising which have seen him pledge to run all the way round the world.

The runner, 46 from Bedlington, is just under a month away from picking up where he left off, in Belgrade. He aims to complete a gruelling 2,900 miles on this fifth leg of his challenge - passing through Serbia, Romania, Ukraine, Russia and finishing in Astana, Kazakhstan.

To reach Astana, Mark will be running 31 miles per day, which will allow him just seven rest days during the 100 day run, and pulling a fully laden buggy weighing 110kg (17.3 stone).

For the first time, he won’t have a support team helping out, and will have to pull everything he needs on specially designed buggy called ‘Chappie,’ which he will tow behind him as he runs.

The buggy, provided by sponsors Chapman Ventilation, will be used for cooking and storage in the day, and a bed at night.