Former Army Commando launches unprecedented coast-to-coast endurance relay inspired by 9/11, unity, and a lifelong bond with the American people
A FORMER Haverfordwest schoolboy, ex-Army Commando and personal development author is preparing to launch one of the most ambitious endurance relay projects ever attempted in the United States – a 250-day, coast-to-coast Liberty Torch Relay, starting in Miami on 4 July and finishing in New York.
The extraordinary project, led by local man Mark Seven – a former Royal Artillery Commando with 29 Commando, 7 Commando Regiment – will see a symbolic Liberty Torch carried across the USA, passing through 77 cities, involving 7,777 torchbearers, and travelling across the seven red stripes of valour in the American flag.
Proceeds from the relay will support major charities including the American Heart Association, Feeding America, Water.org (founded by Matt Damon) and the Invictus Games Foundation.
The relay will be supported by an exceptional advisory and leadership network, including senior military figures, major international endurance and sporting bodies, and Olympic-level events specialists, with 29 generals and admirals already on board.
The project has also attracted high-profile international backing. Bear Grylls played a key role in encouraging the concept to move forward, while invitees to carry the Liberty Torch include Michael Sheen, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and David Beckham.
Born on 25 January 1974, Mark Seven was educated at Prendergast Infant and Junior School, then Sir Thomas Picton School (now Haverfordwest High). He joined the Royal Artillery, becoming an Army Commando with 29 Commando, serving for seven years. After leaving the forces, he worked as a bodyguard in Park Lane, before moving into personal fitness training in Cardiff, later returning to Pembrokeshire. His career went on to include producing and hosting speaking events for a TV personality, before stepping away to pursue his own vision. He has since authored 13 personal development books and devoted his life to endurance projects and motivational work.
The origins of the relay began years ago during a long-distance run across America, where Mark drew a route in the shape of the American flag. The idea remained dormant until a series of defining moments. Listening to an interview with Sir Anthony Hopkins, one quote changed everything:
“Risk death. Risk destruction. Risk being a fool. Just go for it.”
“That really motivated me to push this decision forward,” he said.
In 2023, while visiting Bear Grylls’ home, Mark showed him the relay concept.
“He was very encouraging – very positive. That’s when I thought, let’s push it forward properly.”
Inspiration for the torch itself came from a deeply personal family moment. Watching his son Leon win the Welsh Championships 800m relay while carrying a baton, Mark had a sudden realisation.
“I thought – wouldn’t it be incredible if this relay had a torch?”
That idea led him to Tom Osman, the designer who created the Commonwealth Baton for the Queen in 2022. Mark then contacted the Statue of Liberty–Ellis Island Foundation, explaining the project.
“They sent us the original blueprints of the Liberty Torch.”
The result is a no-expense-spared Liberty Torch, made from:
- Steel – representing inner strength
- Copper – representing connectivity between people
- 24-carat gold – representing success and divinity
The torch represents seven core principles:
Freedom, liberty, the American dream, helping others, health and fitness, unity and peace.
Each torchbearer will carry it for 250 metres, marking the 250-day relay, with the option to continue running up to 25 miles.
“This torch is a gift from the people of Great Britain to the people of the United States,” Mark Seven said.
In 2001, shortly after the Twin Towers fell, Mark flew to New York and visited Ground Zero. Standing in a restaurant overlooking the remains, he recalls a moment that changed his life.
“I remembered Isaac Newton’s words: ‘For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.’ I thought, if hate, darkness and war move in one direction, then love, light and peace must rise in the other.”
Three weeks after 9/11, back in Haverfordwest, he had the British and American flags tattooed on his chest.
“That represents my love for America and the American people.”
During a later endurance run from Denver to San Francisco, he was fed, housed and supported by strangers across the country.
“The American people fed me. They put me up in hotels. They helped me survive that run. I will always remember their kindness – and I wanted to give something back.”
The relay will begin in Miami on 4 July, pass through 77 cities, and finish in New York 250 days later. Each participant will become a Liberty Torchbearer, carrying a symbol of unity, peace and shared humanity across a nation.
From Prendergast School to Park Lane, from Haverfordwest to Miami, and from local beginnings to a global movement, Mark Seven’s journey is now culminating in what may become one of the most symbolic endurance relays in modern history.
“This isn’t just a run,” he said.
“It’s about unity. It’s about peace. It’s about giving back to a country that gave me kindness when I needed it most.”
On 4 July, as the Liberty Torch is lit in Miami, a project born in Pembrokeshire will begin its journey across a continent – carrying a message of freedom, connection and hope, from Great Britain to the United States.
