125 Days, One Journey
From partying to purpose, Mark recounts his journey through grief, growth, and a powerful new chapter shaped by fitness and resilience – a journey that ultimately led to a world record.
We are incredibly proud to share the inspiring story of Mark Telford – a dedicated fundraiser, record-breaker, and passionate advocate for mental health. Mark set out to achieve something extraordinary: running over 120 half marathons in just four months, all while raising vital funds for Tyneside and Northumberland Mind and Cash 4 Kids.
Thanks to his determination, generosity, and resilience, Mark not only achieved a Guinness World Record but also raised over £2,165.11 for each charity he supported. We are deeply grateful to him for championing our work in such a powerful and personal way. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit – and there’s no better way to capture his extraordinary story than through his own words. We are honoured to share his story, which reminds us that every chapter of life can be a new beginning, often with unexpected and inspiring outcomes.
By Mark Telford
My Guinness World Record attempt was something I took on to challenge myself in a different kind of way. Any challenge I’ve done in the past related to fitness has always been through running – usually a half marathon, a marathon, or an ultramarathon – all single-day events. But with the World Record, I knew it would be more than just the actual run (or runs, in this case), and I really wanted to test myself in other areas as well as physically. I certainly got what I asked for!
My Guinness World Record attempt was something I took on to challenge myself in a different kind of way. Any challenge I’ve done in the past related to fitness has always been through running – usually a half marathon, a marathon, or an ultramarathon – all single-day events. But with the World Record, I knew it would be more than just the actual run (or runs, in this case), and I really wanted to test myself in other areas as well as physically. I certainly got what I asked for!
Having to find two witnesses to watch me run every day, making sure each run was recorded from two different angles, spending about eight hours a day editing and uploading all the videos and pictures, dealing with terrible blisters, and trying to eat 5–6,000 calories daily – it was definitely a full-on challenge, to say the least.
I’m proud to say I set a new World Record for the most consecutive days running a half marathon on a treadmill.
125 days later, and 1,700 miles in total, I’m proud to say I set a new World Record for the most consecutive days running a half marathon on a treadmill. What a feeling! I couldn’t have done it without the help and support I had along the way. I needed to ask for help – and I’m so glad I did.
From my early 20s to my mid-30s, I started to take better control of myself. During those years, I was being a typical lad – going out most weekends, drinking myself into oblivion and taking drugs. Like a good percentage of lads in my age group, it was the norm. And while I had some great times with friends, I came to a point where I thought: this just isn’t how I want my life to be anymore. So, I had to make a change.
Even back then, I’d like to think I was relatively fit – going to the gym most days, lifting weights, doing the odd run here and there – but still living for the weekend antics.
On the 20th of June 2014, my best friend Steven passed from an underlying heart condition, which took us all by surprise. He was such a great friend and all-round good bloke, leaving behind two wonderful kids, a heartbroken family, and a huge group of friends. That was the first time I’d lost a close friend – it stopped all of us who knew him in our tracks.
In 2019, to mark Steven’s fifth year anniversary, I wanted to do something big. An ultramarathon came to mind: The Wall – 70 miles from Carlisle to Newcastle. I started training in January for the run in June. The last distance I’d run was a marathon (26 miles) six years earlier, so I knew there was a lot of work to be done.
I had a ton of support throughout training from Steven’s friends and family. It felt right that this event was in his memory. I knew he’d be with me every step of the way – laughing, no doubt! – and that thought would ultimately get me to the finish line. I also couldn’t bear him having that over me for the rest of my life if I didn’t finish!
I crossed the line in 14 hours and 45 minutes. What a journey that was. We raised over £2,500 for the British Heart Foundation, and that was my first ultra distance – looking back, it was the spark that made me think: What else can I achieve?
Since then, I’ve completed a 32-mile desert ultramarathon in Dubai, another 32-mile trail ultra, a 100-mile ultramarathon, and in 2024, I set a world record by running 125 consecutive half marathons on a treadmill. Then, in April this year, I completed another 100-mile ultra. And of course – I’m not done yet. Far from it!
The difference in me now is something I’m proud of. I’m the man I wanted to be years ago: more responsible, more focused on my health and fitness than on drinking. I’ve mostly noticed a big change in myself this last year doing the world record attempt. That one experience had a big impact on me in a positive way. I’m not perfect – I never will be – but now I choose when and how much I drink. I know my limits, and it feels good to be in control.
That what else can I achieve attitude excites me — not just in fitness, but in life in general.
Now, I look for ways to challenge myself rather than cause myself misery. At nearly 43, I genuinely believe my best years are still ahead of me. Fitness, in my opinion, is the best tool for changing your life. I never thought I’d be a man who could run 70 miles – never mind all the other things I’ve achieved since. That what else can I achieve? attitude excites me – not just in fitness, but in life in general.
We really aren’t limited in what we can do. Being active, pushing yourself regularly, and then experiencing the feeling of achieving something you doubted you could – that’s one of the best feelings in the world to me. “I did it. I actually did it.” That applies to anything in life.
By choosing to raise money for Tyneside and Northumberland Mind throughout my world record attempt, it touched on a lot of things personally. A lot of people are struggling out there. I’m not saying I’ve ever needed serious help, but I’ve had my moments – overthinking, drinking, and drug use took their toll. I’ve felt lost and depressed. I know a lot of people can relate.
We all need to know we’re not alone. People want to help. They are there to help.
Sometimes, just having someone to talk to – where you’re not judged or bombarded with opinions – can lift your spirits. That might be all someone needs. And I know for some, it’s way more than that. But we all need to know we’re not alone. People want to help. They are there to help. You just have to reach out.
In my opinion, making small steps on a fitness journey can only lead to a positive outcome. Small, consistent changes over time lead to big results. Imagine being that person who does something after constantly telling yourself you can’t – whether it’s stopping smoking, changing your diet, walking regularly, going to the gym, or simply asking for help. That’s powerful. We all have the ability to achieve great things in life. And I guarantee: once you start believing you can, you’re on your way to a new you.
If someone reads this and sees that I’m just a normal guy with a job, who at 43 is still achieving amazing things through fitness – and it gives them the confidence, courage, or inspiration to make a change – then that really does put a smile on my face.
I’ll continue to support the fantastic work Tyneside and Northumberland Mind does as a charity, and I’d encourage others to do the same. We only get one shot at this life – let’s make the most of it while we can, and support those who need it along the way.
Mark ran a collective 1700 miles as part of his Guinness World Record attempt. This was achieved within 250 separate runs, all undertaken in 125 days, equating to a half-marathon distance run every single day. As part of the attempt every run required two witnesses, with 1250 photos, 250 videos, and 250 witness statements sent as evidence to the official Guinness World Record.
You can view Mark Telford’s official record as the Most Half Marathons Run on Consecutive Days on a Treadmill Here
We can only do what we do thanks to local people like Mark and their passion and resilience for their community. If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved with fundraising for Tyneside and Northumberland Mind and setting your own epic challenge just like Mark, click here.
