For Mason Lewis, a senior at Hurricane High School, running isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong passion. Born and raised in Hurricane, Mason lives with his parents, Myron and Stephanie Lewis, on Olde Orchard Drive. He is the youngest of three, with older sisters Payton, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, and Tori, a graduate of West Virginia University.

Mason’s journey into running began at a young age when he watched his sisters compete in cross country for Hurricane Middle School. Their coach required them to run a local 5K, and Mason’s father signed him up as well. “I ended up enjoying the race, and since then, I have continued to run,” Mason shared with Stroll Hurricane.

Now a distance and mid-distance runner for Hurricane High School’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams, Mason has earned multiple accolades. He is a three-time All-Region and All-Conference runner in cross country, a four-time state qualifier, and a multi-time honoree in track & field events, including the 800-meter, 1600-meter, and 4x800-meter relay. His proudest achievement came when he and his teammates—Ty Steorts, Aaron Kidd, and Nick Kennedy—broke the school record for the 4x800-meter relay. “It wasn’t just the feeling of achieving a record that was so great; it was doing it with my teammates who work hard with me every day,” Mason said.

Throughout his career, Mason has been guided by dedicated coaches who have shaped him as both a runner and an individual. He credits Jimmy Cunningham, who has coached him since sixth grade, and Johnathan Fee, who joined his coaching staff in eighth grade. “Coach Cunningham has been a huge part of where I am today, and Coach Fee was easy to relate to since he had just finished his running career at Miami of Ohio.”

What Mason values most about his team is the unwavering support among teammates. His long-time training partner, Ty Steorts, has been with him since sixth grade, and their relationship has always been built on mutual growth rather than rivalry. “We’ve trained together throughout our careers, but we have never grown jealous of each other. We’ve helped each other grow as runners and as human beings,” Mason explained.

The lessons Mason has learned from running extend far beyond the track. “I have learned the values of preparation and hard work, as well as how to overcome adversity. Sports are like life—you have good moments and bad moments, but you have to stay true to yourself.”

As he nears graduation, Mason looks ahead to his future at Radford University, where he will compete on an athletic scholarship and study biomedical science with plans to attend medical school. For aspiring runners, his advice is simple: “If you are willing to work hard and sacrifice your time, it will pay off. If you truly want to succeed in running, it requires an obsession to continue improving your craft when no one is watching.”

With his drive and dedication, Mason Lewis is sure to make strides not just in running but in whatever path he chooses to follow.