This was my big race of the spring; my fifth attempt to qualify for the England Athletics Age Group Masters in the M55 category. I'd attempted and failed on four previous occasions - the Telford 10k in 2022, the Run Tatton half in 2023, the Reading 10k and the Worcester half, both in 2025. This was a departure from the earlier pattern as it was my first trail qualifier, for which I needed to reach the top six in my age band rather than top three in the road events. I have no idea why. A bit of RunBritain stalking suggested that on paper I would be 6th... all to play for.
The day dawned cold, clear and bright. By 9:30 it was warming up nicely and there was a great vibe at race HQ in the grounds of the Speech House Hotel. Clare bought me a coffee, I did my drills and felt good. Many of the competitors were sporting Masters labels on their backs.
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| Front and back |
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| At the start |
The start went well and I focused on settling in to the pace. We were descending gently on road for a stretch, and then the third km was a steeper descent on gravel. Remembering my downhill training last year, I took fast short steps and loosened my arms.
Clare was at the first road crossing. 'I think you're in 6th place' she shouted. Excellent; I really was in with a shout. After a long ascent I caught up with a couple of guys, one of whom had M55 on his back. I edged past him. He responded, drawing level. Aye aye, I thought, I may have a fight on here. But then we arrived at a water station where he abruptly stopped.
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| At the first road crossing |
At about halfway I was at the highpoint of the course, on a ridge with terrific views in all directions. I was working hard, but greatly enjoying myself. My pacing was in near lockstep with Sarah Overington, a lady from Reigate with F35 on her back. She would edge ahead on the hills, I would pull away on the descents. At about 16k she just pulled out of reach.
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| No idea where this was |
5k to go, and I had the bit between my teeth. Clare passed on her bike. I turned north (the sun was being a great help in orientation), and with about 2k to go approached two M55ers. I moved past them as decisively as I could, hoping to break their spirits. Clare peddled past again as I approached Speech House. 'You've got 50 metres on him' she said. It was a long trawl around the grounds of the finish field, and I staggered over the line in a chip time of 1:29:22.
First things first... I went to the timing tent and was handed a slip of paper saying I was 6th in my age group. So I'd done it! I was thrilled. This means I'll be coming back to the FOD for the autumn half for an England v Wales match. Very cool!
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| At the finish |
Further analysis back at home confirmed that I was 4th place amongst the fellow geezers who had signed up for the Masters competition. I'm really delighted to have got there, and especially for having to attempt a few time - it's made it a very special quest since December 2022.
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| The highlighted geezers were competing for Masters qualification. |
