“On Saturday 6th September 2025, 8 GB Masters runners made it to the start line of the European Masters Athletics Marathon Championships in Jyväskylä, Finland, held in conjunction with the Finlandia Marathon.
In hot and humid conditions, with nearly 300 competitors across all categories, the team achieved 2 individual golds and an individual bronze,
In the M55 category, James (Jim) Allan (Alnwick Harriers) lead practically all the way, finishing in a time of 2:48:55, nearly 5 minutes ahead of his nearest competition. Ginevra Stoneley (W50, Reigate Priory AC) had a much closer race, not taking the lead until mile 22, finishing strongly in 3:05:36. Final GB podium was Sarah Gill (W60, Harrogate Harriers & AC), who ran strongly to finish 3rd in a season’s best of 3:33:57.
Other GB finishers were Emma Burckhardt (W35, Northern Masters AC) in 4th, Paul Sanderson (M70, Guildford & Godalming AC) in 6th and Alan Roberts (M60, Vale of Aylesbury AC) in 17th
