paul mason finds his name on the list of runners
Credit: Paul Mason

A Cwmbran man finished in 92nd place out of 1,500 runners in a 70-mile ultra marathon. 

Paul Mason, 54, from Henllys, took on The Wall, a 70-mile ultra marathon from Carlisle to Gateshead on 15 June to raise funds for Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. He completed the course in 14 hours 43 seconds.   

Only 797 runners managed to finish the race, which followed the route of Hadrian’s Wall. 

Paul said, “There were tough conditions for the first 20 miles, then it brightened up and the rain came back in at around the 55-mile mark.  But the weather didn’t bother me too much because my focus was on making sure I crossed that finish line. 

“The support I had from family, friends and spectators along the route was tremendous and kept me going.  

“My motivation throughout this challenge has been the courage and strength shown by my father, who has been receiving treatment from the brilliant Velindre Cancer Centre.  I’ve been humbled by the generous donations I’ve received, which have smashed my original target of raising £1,000.  The current total is an incredible £2,670. Thanks so much to all who have donated.”   

Paul has even more running challenges lined up.  He said, “The next will be a 31-mile ultra in Reading on 27 July, followed by a 46-miler from Brecon to Cardiff in February, which is part of my training for a 100-mile ultra taking place next August from Northumberland to Edinburgh Castle.” 

Sponsor Paul

Paul is keeping his JustGiving page open for a few more weeks for donations.