Success for Welsh Masters at the BMAF championships at Bangor...

*Ifan Lloyd (Swansea Harriers) - above left - with David Warren (Cardigan AC, and (*below) Ifan, David, and Mike Whyatt (Eryri Harriers).

Success for Welsh Masters at the BMAF championships at Bangor...

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Ifan Lloyd reports on the BMAF cross-country championships at Bangor

The BMAF (British Masters Athletics Federation) cross country championships was held at the Faenol Estate, Bangor on 21st March. 

A glorious course of undulating grassland (with occasional surprise!) on a gloriously warm spring day.

Competing in the Male Masters 65-69 age category I finished just in front of the in-form David Warren, Cardigan AC. West Wales first and second…and both finishing ahead of the winner of the women 35+yo race. 

The field set off at a sharp pace to take advantage of the downhill sweep before hitting the first long hill on the first of the 4 laps of 1500m. The first three finishers immediately took the initiative to head the field. 

I opened a small gap toward the end of the first lap, extending this during the second and third lap before holding this position in lap four to break the finishing tape in first position. I went into the race with some trepidation having not raced in nearly three months but wasn’t as race rusty as feared! 

Photos show David Warren with me proudly showcasing our gold and silver medals, and another joined by the ever consistent Mike Whyatt of Eryri Harriers who won the Male 60-64 age category. Fantastic to see so many Welsh athletes and clubs excelling themselves across the spectrum of races. 

Despite rather small fields there was no lack of quality in terms of individual athletes or race performances. 

*Pictured above - a very proud Karen Butler with her cross-country medal.

Silver medal for Karen at the BMAF cross-country championships at Bangor...

Report by Don Hale.

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Road Runner Karen Butler (*pictured right) won a prestigious silver medal last Saturday at the British Masters cross-country championships at Bangor.

After her race, the NWRRC veteran athlete confirmed: “BMAF XC champs today in Bangor. Silver in my age group. Brilliant sunshine and a great 6k course, which suited me as there were lots of long up hills. Chuffed with the result!”