The Run of Hope Liberty Torch Relay - The Run of Hope Liberty Torch Relay

Mark 7 born as Mark Llewhellin in Haverfordwest, Wales, left school with low confidence.

In the Army, he faced setbacks, including failing his initial fitness test and being voted the fattest in his troop. He overcame those obstacles and went on to become an Army commando. After seven years of service Mark left 7 Commando battery, 29 Commando Regiment, and worked as a bodyguard, door supervisor, and personal trainer, and later a support worker for individuals with learning difficulties, autism, brain injury, and epilepsy.

He dabbled with a little ultra-endurance by completing the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert and ran from Denver to San Francisco, averaging 27 miles per day. He broke a treadmill distance record and placed 1st in the Strava Distance Challenge in both 2014 and 2015, competing against tens of thousands of participants.

Gavin gives us a recap of his amazing run across the entire state of Colorado...680 miles in 14 days. On June 7th, he started running across the state of Colorado.

14 days, I covered approximately 700 miles from one side of the state to the other. That’s nearly 50 miles every single day.

But this run was about much more than miles.

Just a few years ago, my life looked completely different. I was stuck in addiction, making choices that were holding me back from becoming the husband, father, and man I wanted to be. Like so many people struggling with substance abuse, I felt trapped in a cycle that seemed impossible to break.

Today, I am living proof that recovery is possible.

Sobriety gave me my life back. It gave me my family back. It gave me purpose, discipline, and a future I never thought was possible.

That is why I have chosen to dedicate the Run Across Colorado Project to supporting Sobriety House.

For decades, Sobriety House has helped individuals and families break free from addiction and rebuild their lives. They provide treatment, recovery support, housing, education, and hope to people who are fighting one of the hardest battles imaginable.

Every mile I ran represented someone who is still struggling.

Every step forward represents the possibility of recovery.

Every donation helps provide resources, support, and opportunities for people who are ready to change their lives but need help getting there.

Addiction affects every community, every income level, and every type of family. Recovery is possible, but nobody should have to fight that battle alone.

My goal is simple:

To raise awareness, inspire hope, and help more people find the same second chance that changed my life.

If my story, this journey, or the mission of Sobriety House resonates with you, I would be honored to have your support.

This week, meet the one and only Eric Strand (@lead_feet) on Instagram— an absolute ultra-running machine and the definition of what it means to push human limits.

14-time Double Grandma’s Marathon finisher

18-time Boston Marathon qualifier and finisher

8-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher (with #9 coming this August!) Fresh off completing the legendary Western States 100, one of the most difficult races in the world to gain entry into.

From the Hennepin 100 to Tunnel Hill 100 and countless other ultra-distance races, Eric has built a resume that's nothing short of extraordinary. Michele Hartwig

In this episode, we dive into the mindset, determination, and grit it takes to keep showing up when most people would quit.

If you enjoy the episode, please: Like Comment And most importantly... SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!

Your support means everything and helps us keep sharing incredible stories like Eric's.