INCREDIBLE ultra-runner Mark Allison has completed his remarkable run across Europe.

The exhausted charity fundraiser, better known by his nickname Run Geordie Run, crossed the finish line in Belgrade this afternoon (Fri, July 22) after completing the 2,650-mile route from Lisbon in 83 days.

The father-of-one has now run more than 9,000 miles for charity, including the length of the UK, the width of the USA, Australia and Europe, raising more than £250,000 in the process.

His European run, sponsored by SOS Group Ltd, was in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Children’s Foundation and already raised £40,900 for the two charities.

The run was the latest leg in Mark’s Around the World challenge.

He said: “I can honestly say, this has been the hardest run I’ve done so far. It was nearly 300 miles further than my Australia run and every day there’s been a new challenge to overcome.

“I knew it would be tough but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. The encouragement I’ve had in terms of messages and donations to the charities has been amazing. That’s what’s really kept me going”.

He added: “I’ll also treasure memories of the different countries we’ve been though. The exhausting climbs were offset a little bit by the truly breathtaking scenery and we’ve met some really lovely people.

“I’m pretty much completely exhausted now. There’s a long drive home but at least I can put my feet up this time. I can’t wait to get back to the North-East and see my son.”

The runner from Bedlington in Northumberland followed a route through Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia.

It was originally scheduled to finish in Istanbul, but last week’s coup in Turkey forced a last-minute change of plan.

He received a hero’s welcome when he was cheered to the finish line at the Pobednik Monument in Belgrade, a 14-metre high monument, whose name literally translates as “victor”.

He was also accompanied running through the Serbian capital by Jeremy Lang from the British Embassy and British Ambassador, Denis Keefe, was among supporters waiting at the monument.

The monument will be the starting point of the next leg of his round-the-world challenge, through Georgia, Russia and Kazakhstan, in 2018.

For more information about Run Geordie Run Around the World please visit www.rungeordierun.com.