Paul Johnston
Running for Durham Mark MBF Festival2029
Fundraising for Relief Chest Scheme - The Grand Charity
Story
Now in my mid-50's and just recovering from a pretty nasty hip-leg injury in 2021 that stopped me running for 18 months, I have decided to set myself a running challenge for 2023 & 2024 in support of the Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Durham 2029 Festival.
So what events will I be taking part in during 2023-2024 ?
Well here we go, all entered :-
Runs - over 80 competitive miles
21st May 2023 - Pier to Pier (Completed)
7 miles, all off road including tough beach running from South Shields Pier to Roker Pier.
https://my.raceresult.com/229573/info
9th June 2023 - The Blaydon Race (Completed)
The one and only iconic Blaydon Race, 6 miles from Newcastle Quayside along Scotswood Road and finishing in Blaydon.
2nd July 2023 - The Great North 10k (Completed)
A jog around my beautiful city of Newcastle.
https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-north-10k/
12th August 2023 - Gateshead 10k Trail (Completed)
A trail run that winds through the Derwent Walk Country Park, which is my usual training route.
https://www.gatesheadtrail10k.com
2nd September 2023 - Man v Mountain (Completed)
Starting off in Caernarfon Castle, covering 22 miles....but a 5055 feet ascent of Mount Snowdon, the hard way, including the infamous vertical kilometre climb at Dinorwic Quarry!
https://ratracemanvsmountain.co.uk
https://youtu.be/t0r_QtOuaSk?si=oxq8HUY-FEnETlka
10th September 2023 - The Great North Run (Completed)
The worlds biggest and best Half Marathon, 60,000 participants.
https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-north-run/
2nd December 2023 - The Mighty Deerstalker (Completed)
Postponed from 11th March 2023. Just a wee 10 mile night trail run, err with a few obstacles thrown in for fun like a 1 mile scree slope climb and the river Tweed wade!
https://mightydeerstalker.co.uk
9th March 2024 - Endure 10k Trail Run
(Completed)
A new event and supporting a friend's new running events company.10k trail run around the Derwent Walk Valley.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Endure-Events/61552837958673/
I was well and truly aware that the motto of the Mark Benevolent Fund founder, the then Grand Master, the Rev George Portal “He gives twice who gives promptly” is as relevant in the 21st Century as when he founded the MBF in 1868. Of course, the MBF doesn’t only support community causes, it gives speedy assistance to local people in distress.
Please help me help make a difference and support my efforts by giving whatever you can using the 'Donate' button.