Fierce competition at Masters 5k International

Team England and Wales athletes were bathed in glorious Shrewsbury sunshine at last Saturday’s Shrewsbury Festival of Running. The event hosted the first Masters International of the season over 5k.

On a closed five lap circuit the event hosted three age group races. It was a magnificent site to see the waves of red and white vests charging down the course. This race was also the first time that both England and Wales had entered development teams, comprised of athletes who had not previously represented their country. Two development squad athletes for Team England took home age category prizes, Philip Cooper taking bronze in the M45 category while Elizabeth Towersey struck gold in the W70.

The competition was as fierce as the sun as Team England took eight victories in the men’s events. M35 Ben Robinson ran a blinding 14m43, which also earned him the prize of fastest male of the day, with Bryan Brett (M40) Jon Hart (M45), Chris Blackburn (M50), Woody Felton (M55), Malcolm Eustace (M60), Jim Rowland (M70) and David Moorkite (M80) all taking category wins.

The women competing for Team England also had some eye catching performances, led home by F35 Sarah Winstone in a storming 17m19s.  Sarah also took home the prize for fastest lady of the day. Nicola Curtis (F40), Hayley Gill (F45), Nikki Sturzaker (F50), Kate Ramsey (F55), Jill Harrison (F60), Elizabeth Towersey (F70) and Sarah Roberts (F75) all secured gold medal wins.

Team Wales enjoyed their successes on away soil with Mike Wyatt (M60) and David Wilson (M70) taking their respective wins. The Welsh women had a number of great performances with both Donna Morris (F40) and Tracy Jenkins (F55) enjoying runner up spots.

Overall, the day was a huge success with the spectators engaging in a carnival atmosphere.  As one of the athletes noted,

"Having the masters races separated from the open races really showcased Masters athletics and moved it to the forefront. . . it was a brilliant event, we couldn’t have asked for more.”

Next month sees the Masters roadshow move on to Swansea for the half marathon international where Team Wales will enjoy home advantage.