Masters Half marathon team takes on Wales and UK Armed Forces

Last weekend was full of firsts - Wales hosted the half marathon representative race as part of the Swansea Half, and the United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF) fielded a masters team against England and Wales.

The previous day’s rain disappeared and the race started in glorious sunshine. The competition was fierce from the start as the runners left the city and headed off towards the Mumbles.

There were great runs from England's Abbey Van Dijk and Sarah Hunter in the W35 category - finishing 1st and 2nd in 1:17.35 and 1:19.50 respectively, with Roanna Vickers (UKAF) taking 3rd in 1:21.42.

In the M35 category, newcomers UKAF were dominant with Dean Williamson winning the masters' race outright in a time of 66:32. Dean was followed by Welshman Matthew Rees, and William Ewens (UKAF). It was a similar story in the M50 category as Mark Jennings (Wales) took first place in 74:37, 2nd went to Francis Okumu (UKAF) in 75:13, and 3rd to Daryl John (Wales) in 75:24.

England did take clean sweeps in six categories (M40, M55, M60, M75, W50 and W65) with the winning category runs coming from Barry Stephenson, Julian Mathews, Craig Partridge, James McGlynn, Caroline Hay and Susan Lockhart. There were also Team England wins for Anna Harrold (W40), Laura Ebbs (W45), Karima Harris (W55), Andrea Simmons (W70) and Carolyn Gale (W75).

The closest race of the day was the W60 where a margin of three seconds separated the top two after 13.1 miles of racing, Tara Taylor (England) took the win from Elaine Wharmby (Wales) in a time of 1:33:45. Meanwhile Peter Madelaine made his debut for England in the M80 category and had a great run to take the victory in a time of 2:13.14.

Next month sees the Masters roadshow move on to Newcastle upon Tyne for the 10k International where England will enjoy home advantage.