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MASTERS ATHLETICS CROSS COUNTRY
event, was expanded even further this year with two extra Julie Briggs had a fine run in the 45+ age group, Julie’s
age groups introduced, the over 70 women and over 75 current form showing after obtaining the quickest stage in
men. It is a large step forward in recognising that our the recent BMAF X/C relays at Derby, Nicki Nealon and
members are still competing past retirement age and is an Philippa Taylor ensured England of another 1-2-3.
incentive to continue training and competing at
International level, within this great pastime of ours. England’s dependable Claire Elms, on her debut as a 50
year old, managed to hold off Scotland’s Fiona Matheson
by just 5 seconds. This was no mean feat, as Fiona had
successfully obtained gold medals in this age group at the
Carmell last three Internationals. Fiona’s second place prevented
Parnell England from obtaining another clean sweep of 1-2-3
nine places.
successive
victories!
On arrival at Wollaton Park, the course looked in Claire
surprisingly good shape for the visiting athletes. The water Martin
drainage of the venue is superb to be able to cope and Winner for
dispense with the amount of torrential rainfall received from the last five
the previous day. Although the temperature was quite mild years. The
for late November the overcast sky always looked as Race One
though there could be more showers on their way. Luckily winner.
the athletes survived the day’s competition without any rain
and were greeted with the occasional glimpse of the sun. The amazing Carmel Parnell comfortably won the 55+
section for Ireland. The description “amazing” is apt for
The first race of the day contained all the women’s age Carmel, as she has created history being the first athlete to
groups and all the men’s age groups over 65 years. This win any age group over the five consecutive years. Watch
was contested over the 6k distance, comprising of three 2k out for her next year in the 60+. Lucy Brennen obtained
laps. Silver to assist Ireland to their deserved Gold team medals,
with Ann Nixon of Wales the individual Bronze making it a
Once again Claire Martin although wearing a 40+ age Celtic 1-2-3.
category number was showing the rest of the field her
intentions, she lead a large group of mainly England vests England went back to their dominance within the 60+
through the first and second laps to dominate the field and section. Marion Heskith held off the challenge of team-
obtain her fifth successive Gold Medal. This was her first as mate Maggie Statham, by a mere four seconds, with
a 40 year old after winning the last four Internationals in the England obtaining the first four places in the age group.
35+ category. Helen Berry (40+) finished just 9 seconds
adrift of Claire, coming in to the team after originally being Angela Copson remarkably obtained her seventh gold
named as reserve. Only a second separated her from third medal, this was her third consecutive 65+ title, previously
placer Louise Rudd, leading the over 35 age group. In fact winning the last four as a 60+. Ros Tabor in second place
the first six over the finishing line were wearing English rounded off, probably her finest season, to assist England
vests, only Northern Ireland’s Sharon Barlow (35+) with another 1-2-3 and the team medals.
prevented an England 1-2-3 in both the 35 and 40 team
sections.
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