This year I participated in the WMAA Championships for the first time. I am not a track "specialist" (unlike Joe Lewis) but I do enjoy "having a go!" I entered 6 track events from 100m to 5000m.
We (my wife Katie and myself) arrived at the spanking new Cardiff International Stadium, opened by Colin Jackson earlier this year, just in time to watch the 5000m Start!
One down, five to go.I did run in the five remaining events. The results, in order of running, were as follows:-
400 M
Barrie Roberts M65 74.5secs (Gold Medal)
1500M
Barrie Roberts M65 6mins 04.1secs (Silver Medal)
200 M
Barrie Roberts M65 35.6 secs (Gold Medal)
800 M
Barrie Roberts M65 2mins 58.8 (Gold Medal)
100 M
Barrie Roberts M65 17.6 secs (Silver Medal) ----- It was the last race of the day ,and was outside Welsh Master Standards.One race too many!
The weather was splendid with the sun shining all day. The Championships had been held in memory of Mary Webb, who until her death had been the President of Welsh Masters. Mary was one of the driving forces within the Welsh Masters Association. She didn't take up running until the age of 57 years - however she became an accomplished athlete winning medals at Welsh, British and European level. She sadly, recently, had lost her battle with cancer, but has left a wonderful legacy/example for others to follow. There are indeed wonderful people in this sport of ours.
I look forward to next year, but perhaps I should concentrate on the longer distances. Hopefully, all this track work will help me with my road speed!
Barrie Roberts M65
Bournville Harriers/Welsh Masters
Full results here
