5 Big Races
Page creator: Mike Mason
Event: 5BigRaces
Event Date: 4th Nov 2006
Team Members: Simeon Bennett, Max Bloomfield, Gill Mason
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'and that's another fine mess...'
About our charity : Cancer Research UK Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is the world's leading independent organisation dedicated to cancer research. We support research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,250 scientists, doctors and nurses. Over the past 10 years alone, thousands of lives have been saved through earlier detection and improved treatments. But, much work remains to be done if we are to achieve our aim of beating cancer.
Charity Registration No 1089464
Fundraising target:  £10,000.00
Our donations to date :  £ 7,086.00
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Mont Blanc

Last year we managed to raise £5710 for Cancer Research through your generosity for pledging me through 3 Big Ultra running races  see http://www.justgiving.com/3BigRaces

This year I have decided to try and double the target to £10,000 (as it is unlikely my body will be able to continue this regime of abuse for ever) and try for 5 ultras in the UK and abroad and have added 1 little 26 mile trail marathon race.

The 5 + 1 races are:

Compton Downland Challenge - Berkshire, UK - 40 miles - 25 March 2006 (2,900ft ascent)

http://www.16westfields.freeserve.co.uk/comptonharriers/Challenge.htm

UPDATE: I completed the first of the 5 Ultra series on Saturday - The Compton Downland Full Fat 40 miler in Berkshire. Although they said the race included 2,900ft of ascent my innate incompetence regarding geography and map contour reading had not prepared me for the first of many hill climbs. The first 20 miles were completed in heat and humidity and the back 20 - freezing wind, rain and claggy mud.

Bottom line finished in 70th place (99 entrants) in 8hrs 8 mins 8 seconds. 21st in my age category and continued the drive into 2006 as had finished 2005 as : 1st in the Best looking Runner Category......................
 
3 Forts Marathon - 26 mile trail race - Worthing - 3450ft total ascent (yes a bit hilly). Decided to add this 'little race' for extra training
Flaming hell this was hard! I can't really remember any downhills but there must have been some. It appeared to be mile upon mile of climb, much of which was head down hands on knees driving ever upwards. Would have liked to have said that the views of Devils Dyke etc were breathtaking and spectacular - but with the sweat dripping into my eyes and lungs gasping I hardly noticed....nor cared! My Garmin clocked 27.2 miles and my right hamstring started to twinge at 26.2!Finished in 108th from 154 finishers in 4:52:48 (winner was 3:16:40 and last was 6:15:43 - still no question that best looking runner by far.....). Some satisfaction for my club that I pipped a Springfield Strider who finished in 110th. This additional 'little race' proved that my fitness levels need to be increased.....but a great day!
 
 

West Highland Way race - Glasgow to Ft William - 95 miles - 24/25 June 2006

 West Highland Way Race 2006

Mike and the support team at Milngavie just before the race start.

http://www.westhighlandwayrace.org/

Just a short update. I completed my second Big Race over the weekend. This was the West Highland Way race - 95 miles from Glasgow to Fort William. Unlike last years race which was called off during the event due to bad weather conditions and in which 7 people were hospitalised, 2 spending a week in Intensive Care with renal failure. This was a more tranquil race.
 
Of the 121 who started, 34 dropped out at various stages and I finished in 49th place in 27hrs 57 minutes and 26 seconds.
 
West Highland Way Race 2006 
Approaching Rowardennan checkpoint on the shore of Loch Lomond with Soren Hahn and support member Max. 
 
At the Derrydaroch farm checkpoint at mile 44 I spent 30 minutes sitting in agony debating as to whether I could continue - my quads had been destroyed after a fast descent from Conic Hill. However, I recovered from this depression with mushroom soup, 400mg painkiller and the ignominy of my chair collapsing and turning the air blue with a stream of invective.....
 
 West Highland Way Race 2006 Not the finish - the worst was still to come
 
You should be pleased to know that I am still in agony. Laughter at my shuffling gait and pained expression is acceptable though.
 
Bottom line a real BIG thank you to all who have pledged so far. We have raised £3575 so far against our £10k target

Ultra Trail Mont Blanc - round around the massif - France, Switzerland, italy, 8,500m, accumulated ascent - 45 hour cut off - 100 miles - 25-27 August 2006

UTMB routeUTMB profile

http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php

 

Well this one broke me....I managed 72 km of the total 158 km reaching Courmayeur (Italy) in 17 hours of unmitigated hell. There must be an easier way to raise money for charity. Of the 103 Brits taking part only 39 actually made it and the 40% success rate is same for all those taking part . The majority tend to drop out at Courmayeur as this is the first major rest and recovery centre, coming after the largest climbs and descents on the route, and once you stop it is difficult to motivate yourself  to get going again.  

 
Bottom line - we have raised to date £5214 for Cancer Research.  Thanks to all those of you who have pledged and those about to.  4th race of the Big 5 is the Castillos de Avila mountain marathon (50K) on 28th October near Madrid.  
 
 
Click to closeClick to closeClick to close
 

Castillos de Avila - Mountain marathon - 31 Miles (28 October) outside Madrid

 http://www.castillosdeavila.com/

 Castillo

completed the 4th of my 5 Big Races for Cancer Research on Saturday. This was the Castillos de Avila - 50km Mountain Marathon - outside Madrid. The weather was a blistering 25c even in the Mountains. As a result only 163 of 210 starters completed. Thanks to kind words of encouragement from Beda Dreber after the Mont Blanc Ultra, I finished in 5:45:19 and 92nd. Still managing First place in Best Looking and most modest Runner category.

 We have now raised £5464. Final race will be on 9 December - Round Rotherham 50 miler. There is still time to pledge. As extra encouragement please note that this will be my FINAL year of Charity running so you will not be troubled for cash again.

 

 

http://www.tra-uk.org/

Round Rotherham - South Yorkshire Forest - 50 miles - 9 December 2006

http://www.hmarston.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/rhac/trail/rrr.htm

Completed last of the Big 5 Runs on Saturday - the Round Rotherham 50 miler. Finished 76th from 151 in 11:09:39. Mud, hills then...muddy hills, but at least it didn't rain on the actual day. Will lose 3 more toenails to add to collection, one of which had only just regrown....
 
I would like to thank all my pledgers for their kind donations in my last year of Charity running. We have together this year raised in excess of £7000 for Cancer Research and the pledge site will remain open until 4th January. 
 
For all offline pledgers please see me before Xmas if you can. If you want to donate online simply hit the pledge url and add your name to the long list of donators, or send me an e-mail. Pledge for Cancer Research http://www.justgiving.com/5BigRaces

All the best and thanks for your support over the last years. I still remain the best looking runner (and most modest) on the circuit by far. I wish you and your families a great Christmas.........

 Again I am supporting this charity in memory of Ford colleagues who have died or are suffering.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

If you want to pledge offline please contact me at mmason6@ford.com or mason@kilnwood15.freeserve.co.uk

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.
Page 1 of 3     Latest  << | < | > | >>  Earliest
Display Name Date Amount Tax Bonus  Comment
mark john 03/01/2007 £75.00 n/a keep it going in 2007! 
Mo Ali 02/01/2007 £10.00 £2.82  
Lance Richardson 02/01/2007 £10.00 £2.82  
Nick Clark/Tony Screti 02/01/2007 £12.00 £3.38  
Karl Stockil 02/01/2007 £15.00 £4.23  
Janet Springate 02/01/2007 £30.00 £8.46  
Anon 02/01/2007 £20.00 £5.64  
Jane Murphy (Murph) 02/01/2007 £10.00 £2.82  
Ernie Jewson 21/12/2006 £20.00 £5.64 from a nice Aussie  
www.theupside.org 20/12/2006 £20.00 n/a Great effort Mike! Next big challenge is learning how to read a map... Merry Xmas, Dunc. 
Jim McDonald 19/12/2006 £100.00 £28.21  
Dave Suttling 19/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
Peter Hannaway 18/12/2006 £100.00 £28.21 Great Work yet again Mike 
Sarah Rock 18/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82 well done 
Catherine Grubbs 14/12/2006 £35.00 n/a  
Craig Buckingham 14/12/2006 £100.00 £28.21 Well done! 
ILM 13/12/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Thought I did well walking half the West Highland way in 3 days... 
Anita Fawcett 13/12/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Well done, an amazing achievement! 
Albie and Ermal 13/12/2006 £100.00 £28.21 From the Dream Team 
Karl C 13/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Well Done - what took you so long ! 
Sam 13/12/2006 £30.00 £8.46 Congratulations - makes a real difference 
Dagmar 13/12/2006 £20.00 n/a Good luck and all the best! 
Rob Harrison 12/12/2006 £25.00 £7.05  
Paul R Stokes 12/12/2006 £100.00 £28.21  
Oonagh + Christiane 12/12/2006 £55.00 n/a Greetings from Cologne - next time you really need to get over and personally collect it! 
Cleet Gough 12/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Well done  
Bernd Suedel 12/12/2006 £15.00 £4.23 I think your supply base is great! 
John IOS Smith 12/12/2006 £5.00 £1.41  
Darren Maxfield 12/12/2006 £20.00 £5.64 I have another great idea for a spreadsheet 
Martin Bazeley 12/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82 WELL DONE TO YOU ALL 
anon 11/12/2006 £20.00 £5.64  
Jessie Virdee 08/12/2006 £50.00 £14.10 KEEP GOING 
Nick Blaker 08/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
Julia Woodhouse 07/12/2006 £50.00 £14.10  
Colin Fearon 07/12/2006 £50.00 £14.10  
Terry Haines 06/12/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Mike, Don't stop, don't look around. Just keep going, and going and going. 
Theresa Holloway 06/12/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Well done 
Alan Winnett 06/12/2006 £15.00 n/a Still mad I see. But a good cause! 
bat21 05/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
Trudy Armel 05/12/2006 £5.00 £1.41  
Anna Madden 05/12/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Mike - Good luck - I am sure you will keep smiling! 
Kev Barrie 05/12/2006 £25.00 £7.05 Never met Mike but like your style 
Kerstin Starling 05/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
Caron Robinson 05/12/2006 £20.00 £5.64  
Chris Hoyle 05/12/2006 £50.00 £14.10 Mike - respect is due, and you do this voluntarily ! 
Lisa Bradbury 05/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Good Luck Mike 
John Dewar 05/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Nearly there Mike, keep it up. 
Yen Truong 04/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82 it's amazing what lots of tea can do .... 
Rich Little 04/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Seeing as you asked so nicely!! Keep up the good work 
anon 03/12/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
steve fallon 23/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82 keep going through the pain, its got to be easier than working!!!!! 
anonymous 22/11/2006 £50.00 n/a You've all my admiration for this great job ! 
Carl Swales 22/11/2006 £40.00 £11.28 good luck 
Maurice Carter 20/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Good luck.... 
Sakis 16/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Enjoy! 
A mate 16/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64  
Mike Westgarth 15/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Rather you than me! 
mat 15/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Well done - keep on running 
Rob Richards 14/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
Paul Lowe 14/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Mike, crazy stuff - having run the London the effort you must put in for these races is phenominal! 
Jane Humberstone 14/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 You're truly mad - but well done.  
Sue Sullivan and John Pioli 13/11/2006 £50.00 £14.10  
Alan Edwards 13/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64  
Tim Jolly 13/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Saved the most exotic location to last then? 
Terry Wilson 13/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Keep on running Mike ! 
Julian Hetherington 13/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Having done 26.2 miles myself you must be mad to do it several times over! 
anonymous 13/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
Kev Grech 13/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Well done Mike - you've done a lot of good work for a great cause. 
Malc Birthday boy 13/11/2006 £5.00 £1.41 You're mad but keep it up! 
Anonymous Tight Git 13/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 May the force be with you 
Scott Emery 13/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Best of luck in your last race 
Andy Terry 13/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
Ewan Tucker 13/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
David Waide 13/11/2006 £50.00 £14.10 Congratulations Mike, just one to go! 
anon 13/11/2006 £50.00 £14.10  
Paula 10/11/2006 £5.00 £1.41 Run Mikey ! Run like the wind do ya hear ? 
Steve Bennett 10/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Good luck WEASEL with your fundraising  
Dieter Bell 10/11/2006 £15.00 £4.23 Good Luck! 
Steve Haywood 09/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Well done and keep up the good work 
John STA Smith 08/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82 have some more dosh - well done 
Dave Greener 06/11/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Good work Mike, keep it up. 
Silke Sonnenschein 06/11/2006 £20.00 n/a Not much closer to your target but anyhow... 
Murdo McEwan 04/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 we'll keep a welcome in the..... 
martin jol 03/11/2006 £30.00 £8.46  
Derek Rhodes 03/11/2006 £25.00 £7.05 Go like the wind.... 
Simeon Bennett 03/11/2006 £25.00 £7.05 Mike - the Essex man who doesn't know when to stop! 
Ben Saul 03/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Mike - Best of luck in your last race!!! 
Gerry O'Sullivan 02/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Good luck in the next race. All the best Gerry  
Andy Chara 02/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Honouring my pledge 2 double my original donation if u were air lifted off mont blanc. Another £20 
Wendy Heather 01/11/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Well Done Again! 
Mark Gibson 23/10/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Keep going 
anon 19/10/2006 £20.00 £5.64  
Colin Blayney 06/10/2006 £30.00 n/a Great achievment Mike 
Andrew Thomas 26/09/2006 £30.00 £8.46 Great effort Mike!  
a mate 18/09/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
Elinor Green 11/09/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Part timer! 
Debbie Stott 07/09/2006 £10.00 £2.82 keep going 
Glen Pogmore 06/09/2006 £10.00 £2.82  
David Owen 06/09/2006 £20.00 £5.64 Not bad so far for a miserable old git! 
Gaynor Cairns-Roberts 06/09/2006 £10.00 £2.82 Well done again!! 
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*Total donated online: £6,611.00
Amount raised offline: £475.00
Gift Aid plus supplement: £1,672.28
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