Masters athletics - inspiring generations to get into our sport

Athletics and running are the perfect examples of accessible and inclusive sport. No matter what your age, ability or background, there are fantastic opportunities for you to get involved at all stages of life.

We recently caught up with former international athlete, Keri Lees, and her dad Graham, to learn about how athletics has been a big shared passion for them throughout their life, and how they have rekindled their enjoyment in recent years.

Rekindling their love for the sport

You may be familiar with Keri Lees, Sydney Olympian and regular British team member over the hurdles, however her journey started much earlier at her local club, Stafford Athletics Club, now Cannock and Stafford AC.

"From a young age I enjoyed running at primary and middle school, often winning  sprint events on sports days and inter school competitions. My Dad was already a member of Stafford Athletics Club and, when I turned nine, took me down to Rowley Park in Stafford to train with a sprint group for young athletes. As a teenager, I took up hurdling by accident when an athlete hadn’t turned up to a race. I loved it and went on to compete in junior international teams and then Senior World and European Championships, Commonwealth Games and the Sydney Olympics."

After a staggering 23 year hiatus, Keri then stepped back into the sport as a masters athlete, accompanied by her father who competes at age 86.

"When Keri became involved in veteran athletics, her mum and I enjoyed watching her compete again. I then got involved as an 85+ athlete, albeit by accident! I had started to do parkruns in the belief that vigorous exercise, following a heart attack, would help expand my blood vessels. I walked the first one in a reasonably good time so I volunteered to do the mile walk in the veterans league - which led to me being asked to do the sprints and shot put. It was encouraging to be informed that despite injuries, I was second in the UK rankings in the 85+ class, and sixth in the over 80s."

Supporting each other on their athletics journey

Although both Keri and Graham have different goals in the sport, it's fantastic to see how the club and the pair support each other.

"My dad has been one of my most avid supporters early on as a coach and now he comes to watch me train and compete," explained Keri. "I love to watch him compete too and see the joy he gets from it."

"The atmosphere at club nights is always very friendly and welcoming. There are squads of all ages training from children to masters athletes. All athletes and coaches - young and old - encourage everyone no matter what their ability and celebrate other's achievements. It is a lot of fun!"

"Sharing the sport with Keri is something we have both shared for many years, but it brings back many fond memories," added Graham.

Looking to the future

From competing on the world stage to representing her club, Keri has experienced the sport at all levels and has set her sights on enjoying many more years on the track.

"Mainly I just want to enjoy track and field, whether that’s training or competing, staying injury free and doing the best I can in the 80m and 300m hurdles. I may even run over longer distances to try to improve my performances."

Enjoyment is also at the forefront of Graham's plans:

"I obviously have no long term plans but I like to think that I can improve on my 2025 performances in all events, including parkruns with more running and walking. In the coming winter, I want to build-up my core strength, mobility, endurance and technique in order to perform next year with a stronger base avoiding frustrating injuries."

Want to get involved?

Keri and Graham are definitely inspirational athletes, both loving every second in our sport! If you would like to give athletics and running a go, no matter what your age, find your local affiliated club below.

If you want to find out about masters opportunities to represent England, take a look at our masters representative races.