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Third time lucky for Mason on Mont Blanc

9:30am Friday 12th September 2008


BENFLEET Running Club’s Mike Mason has finally conquered the race to end all races, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.

This was Mason’s third attempt at the race, having failed to finish on his last two attempts.

It was a battle Mason was determined to win and, after a gruelling 43 hrs. 20mins. 33secs, he finished the race in 908th position.

“Ultra running is different to marathon running unless you are elite,” said Mason “It’s 90 per cent mental and that has been a big weakness for me.

“I gave up my first attempt at this race due to lack of mental toughness. I couldn’t face another three-hour climb.

“Last year I was beaten with lack of physical fitness because of injury.”

This year he conquered both and an exuberant but exhausted Mason was “over the moon” at the end of the race but claimed that he never ever wants to do anything like this again — until the next time!

The race is not for the faint-hearted as it covers seven valleys, 71 glaciers and 400 summits.

The route basically follows the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking path, that is usually completed in seven to nine days by walkers.

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gekstar, Edinburgh says...
8:53pm Fri 12 Sep 08

Mike Mason is a deadset legend... In any other society they would have an open bus parade to welcome him home and he would be given the keys to the city.. The people of Southend need to pay tribute to this man, surely there is a street, road, community centre or play park that you can name after the bloke..Big of heart, big in effort, be proud Essex, be proud that there are people like Mike Mason walking amongst you..

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cyclops246, London says...
9:43pm Fri 12 Sep 08

Mason should be an inspiration to all ne'er-do-wells. Don't be fooled by the man's urbane exterior, he was for many years a shady character in the Essex Underworld, running a number of scrap car yards and a county wide doorman business. In his two previuos attempts at Mont blanc the man wore som much bling it's no wonder he failed in his quest. However, he has now become a devout Buddhist and taken to eating raw vegetables and drinking spring water. This I believe is the key of his remarkable success. When I grow up I want to be just like him.

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Godfather, Horsehead says...
10:36pm Fri 12 Sep 08

The family is proud of this wayward brother. In the past he has lost his way in the world, shown great respect to the farming community even at times when they least expect it. One farmer will never forget the kind visit that went out of his way to perform. i am sure he would share his thoughts on Mike's achievement.It is good to know that mike has been kind to the enviroment. I am sure that one day the family may ask of him a favour...

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ladderriders, lahndan says...
10:51pm Fri 12 Sep 08

When Mike and I lived together he wasn't much of a runner. Preferred to spend his days playing on his X-Box and eating peanut butter sandwiches. I got fed up, going out ever day to my job as a trawlerman out of Southend while Mike sat playing his childish games. It came to a head when I asked him for a civil partnership....I'd bought a nice tonic suit de la Marc Almond, our favourite artist. Mike was to be dressed in a lovely blazer and slacks combo.....then he left me. Found some git in Scotland that put on stupid races for skinny bald men....not my type at all!! Now Mike is a superstar in the ultra running community and my vessel is holed and in dry dock. Where's the justice??

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stuffed squirrel, hull says...
7:10am Sat 13 Sep 08

I owe a lot to this great man, he brought me up like a son, taught me how to navigate, how to catch squirrels with my bare hands, how to live in the woods, how to make a makeshift loo, and how to cut my enemies dead with pure mason sarcasism. What a man, without his help I would still be roaming the suburbs of Milingavie. Mike Mason you are my hero, my mentor, and my fantasy figure, may you live forever

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Moviestar, Ayrshire says...
2:14pm Mon 15 Sep 08

A lot has already been said about Mike 'The Cat' Mason, but you only really get to know a person when you are thrown together, for an extended period of time and in a life threatening situation.

Mike and I shared a 3 foot diameter Life Raft for three weeks after the the small freighter, we had been using to smuggle Medical supplies to the improvished and tyranised people of the Bhuquall Region of Uzbekistan, was sunk by henchmen of the Tyrant Warlord, Pu.

Had it not been for the character, knowledge and bravery of Mike Mason I would have died there. It was Mike that showed me how to spear fish with a Bic Biro. Mike who created a sea water distillery using nothing more than an inner tube and 5 Volvic bottles that he emptied out.

Mike Mason got through that watery hell even if it was to a destination 1,000 miles from where he said we would end up.

Mike, you made me what I am today. You took the piece of refuse that I was and, like Tony Hart on Vision On, turned me into the beautiful creature that I am.

Mike, you complete me. Be well.

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