Mark Graham, a 48-year-old from Blaydon, Gateshead, described his 'euphoria' after completing the 70-mile ultramarathon 'The Wall' from Carlisle to Newcastle in 12 hours and 35 minutes, nearly six hours faster than his previous attempt. He finished 29th out of over 2,000 participants.
Two Very Different Races
Graham first took on the challenge in June 2025 with only nine weeks of training. He admitted he 'didn't give the event the respect it deserves,' finishing in 18 hours and 30 minutes, suffering severe blisters and pulled calves. Determined to improve, he signed up for the 2026 event and began training in July 2025.
He gradually built up from 5km runs to 10km, then completed a 10-mile race at Lambton Castle and a marathon by the end of 2025. A highlight was the Paris Marathon in April 2026, where he achieved a time of three hours and 14 minutes, giving him a boost. A growing social media community supported him throughout.
Training and Mindset
Graham said: 'I firmly believe that if you have the right positive attitude, are willing to work bloody hard, stay consistent with training and nutrition as well as having plans for daily and weekly recovery, then why is something like this not achievable? No matter what your age or background.'
On race day, the first seven miles from Carlisle were 'crazy,' with over 50 people cheering him on, making him feel like a 'local running celebrity.' However, the second half was 'seriously rough going.' He said: 'After Hadrian's Wall, my legs were cooked, but watching the clock and getting further into the race, I saw that I was running at an unbelievable pace and that really pushed me on to keep going.'
Euphoric Finish
Graham added: 'Mentally everything is telling you to stop and you have to keep pushing yourself hard to keep going. Getting to the quayside and checking my watch, I couldn't believe I was on course for under 13 hours, almost 6 hours off my time last year. I heard family and friends cheering at the finish line willing me to push, and crossing the line was just euphoric, I can't even explain it. I came in 29th place out of over 2,000 people, and although my legs were sore and tight, I could also still walk, I had smashed it and I was thrilled.'
Graham was supported by his wife Helen, of 22 years, and his two children Alex, 29, and Aaron, 24.
