Ampage Founder Mark Mason Seriously Injured
Ampage Founder Mark Mason Seriously Injured
March 29, 2010
Ampage lead singer and bassist Mark Mason was seriously injured Saturday while competing in the California Ironman 70.3 in San Diego.
Mason had just finished the 1.2 mile ocean swim and was barefoot running out of transition with his bike when another athlete tried to go around Mason, tripping him and pushing his front wheel spokes (that are like flat razor blades) into Mason’s foot, shredding all 4 of his toes. “I almost lost 2 toes completely” says Mason, “blood was everywhere, I was in shock. I wanted to keep racing but couldn’t even stand up, I thought I could still do the bike ride but there was no way I’d be able to run the 13.1 miles. The athlete who caused the accident didn’t say anything to me and just kept going.”
Mason was carried to the medical tent by Ironman volunteers where doctors spent 2 hours working on Mason, giving him a total of 30 stitches. “The Ironman Staff and doctors were awesome!” continues Mason, “there wasn’t a lot of skin left to stitch. That doctor was very talented and amazing as were the staff and volunteers. I was laying in the medical tent for 2 hours while 2 guys were massaging my legs that were cramping, another guy was keeping my toes spread apart so the doctor could do the stitches while yet another guy was feeding me chicken broth and keeping me calm. I would like to personally thank the Ironman organization for doing an incredible job. I think they should give medals to the Ironman doctors, organizers and volunteers. After I was all stitched up, the Ironman doctor called in a prescription for antibiotics and pain pills to the local pharmacy while one of the staff members typed up directions to the pharmacy. I wish the Ironman organization was in charge of this country’s healthcare! They get my vote!!!!”
Other athletes that witnessed the accident stopped their race long enough to leave angry notes and throw trash (mostly tampons) all over the transition area of the man who caused the accident citing recklessness and bad sportsmanship. Mason is now back at his ranch in Point Arena healing and is expected to make a full recovery, hopefully before his next races at Vineman Ironman 70.3 and Ironman Lake Stevens 70.3
“This looked like a fun coarse and I was very excited and trained hard for it. This was my first race of the 2010 season after completing the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona last year. I was really disappointed when this accident happened. Now it looks like I’m off for a few weeks of healing. At least I’ll have more time for recording with the band and finishing up the new album.”
Courtesy of www.sleazeroxx.com and markmasontri.com