9:30am Friday 12th September 2008
By Dick Marshall
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.
SEE TODAY'S ECHO FOR FULL STORY
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk