A North Yorkshire runner aims to achieve a dream he’s held for more than 25 years when he tackles his 100th marathon in aid of a Teesside charity.
Marc Mason, who lives in Great Ayton, began running in 1990 – both to keep fit and to relieve stress.
“I was teaching in Birmingham at the time, and it was quite stressful, but running really helped me deal with things,” he said.
After moving to Teesside, Marc learned about Middlesbrough MS Therapy Centre through a friend whose mother had experienced the charity’s support first-hand.
Resolving to run the 1999 London Marathon with a group of friends in aid of the charity, Marc took the first step in what turned out to be a bid to run 100 marathons.
Since that first event, Marc, who is chair of governors at Stokesley School and Sixth Form College, has raised nearly £20,000 for various charities.
His 99 marathons have taken him across 19 countries, including Australia, Canada, the United States and several European countries.
His 100th and final event will be the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday, October 18, where he’ll be joined by his sons, Andrew and Ben.
Ben is travelling all the way from Australia to run alongside his dad and brother, with the trio already having raised more than £2,500 for Middlesbrough MS Therapy Centre – mirroring Marc’s very first marathon.
“After 99 marathons, my wife really wonders why I’ve put myself through this,” he laughed.
“But the UK 100 Marathon Club only has around 650 members, and I wanted to join it while I can still run.”
After finishing his mammoth challenge, Marc is looking forward to visiting Stokesley School to share his experiences with pupils.
“I joined the school because I wanted to give something back, and now I want to show the pupils what you can achieve when you set ambitious goals for yourself,” Marc added.
“And I want them to understand how important it is to never give up when chasing your dreams – even if it takes you 20 years or more!
“I’m also very grateful to the school and Areté Learning Trust for the way they’ve backed me – when they found out what I was doing, it was shared around the whole trust, and I got some wonderful messages of support.”
Mark McCandless, chief executive of Areté Learning Trust, said: "Marc brings a huge amount to his role as Chair of Governors, not only through his experience in education and social care, but through the example he sets for others.
“Reaching 100 marathons is an incredible achievement, but what stands out most to me is his determination and commitment to raising money for charity over such a long period of time.
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“Marc embodies many of the qualities we want our young people to develop: resilience, ambition, service to others and a willingness to keep going even when things are tough.
“Everyone across Areté Learning Trust wishes him every success for his 100th marathon, and we look forward to celebrating this remarkable milestone with him."
To support Marc’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/page/marc-ben-andrew-mason
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