donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026

Medal and PB success at the Welsh track & field championships at Yate Report by Don Hale, with input from Brett Davis and Steve Gardner. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   There was a good turn-out and plenty of medal success and PBs at the recent Welsh Masters Athletics track and field championships staged at Yate on 28th June. This prestigious event attracted nearly 500 Masters in total from a variety of clubs across the UK for a highly competitive national encounter, which again included the Welsh finals. And we are fortunate to have some excusive reports from a unique race in which a father and son both won gold medals, and some extraordinary news of an unfortunate mistake where a controversial lap counter failed, yet the athlete in question still won a silver medal; and in in contrast, a report from an international track champion who struck gold in two track events. Welsh Masters Athletics director Brett Davis confirmed:   “ Sean McCormack  and...

One thing leads to another:  From the couch to World Championship Silver medals A special and personal journey  report by Welsh Master veteran David Gibson donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Read about David Gibson's incredible journey from the couch to World championship medals  In 2014 at the age of 62, I thought that I was reasonably fit through sailing, swimming, cycling and walking. However, a desk job and driving over 30,000 miles a year meant my legs struggled with any running over half a mile.  With support from my son and daughter and with the 2012 London Olympics slogan ‘Inspire a Generation’ in mind, I embarked upon ‘Couch to 5k’ and did what so many do - a Parkrun in Hove, whilst they were there for the Brighton Marathon. There was no way I could realise then where this would lead. Like so many others, the 5k led to a 10k, which led to a half Marathon and then a full Marathon at Manchester in 2015. Despite the Manchester results being binn...

BMAF Road Race report and calendar for 2026... donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 Special note from Walter Hill, the BMAF  Road race secretary. I note that a Road Report is on the agenda and for those who are not on our mass e-mailing list it is copied below.  I will be in Majorca on a training camp for cyclists at the time of the Council meeting and will be finishing off the team dinner . However, I still aim to sign in wi-fi dependant ,if I don't appear please accept my apologies.  On a personal note, Glen and I have continued to ensure a Masters Service is provided with the help of BMAF Services. I  must also record my thanks to VAC and the IOMVAC in helping me promote the BMAF 5K and the Marathon for 2026. Best wishes, Walter Hill. BMAF Road Race Sec. Update on Masters Road Race Championship Calendar 2026.. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 Although the BMAF Executive has only two elected officers and an England Masters representative in post we are not a quorum, this con...

Welsh Masters Athletics track and coaching session at Tonypandy. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk WMAL are going to stage their first Masters track session with coaching at Tonypandy track on 20th May. Meet at 10am for a warm-up. The spring group will be taken by Eric Oram, and the middle distance group by Brett Davis, then retire to a nearby café afterwards.  

*Pictured above  - the start of the Bank  Holiday parkrun at Rhos on Sea. Bank Holiday bonanza at North Wales parkruns Report by Don Hale. Photos at Rhos by Michael Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   The Bank Holiday weekend brought in plenty of first timers and mixed ability entrants to the various North Wales parkruns, which were again blessed by mild and sunny weather. Llandrillo yn Rhos  was the top venue yet again with 511 people enjoying the unique atmosphere of this new and exciting promenade dash, where visitor  Robin Stacey  (York Acorn AC) was the first finisher overall in just 17 minutes and 6 seconds. Aidan Thomas  was the runner-up in 17.55, with JM15-17 athlete  George Ledshaw  celebrating an impressive performance with a new course PB of 18.00.  And it was interesting to see local athlete  Simon Cole  (GOG Triathlon) starting at the back of this large entry to eventually finish in 4th pl...

*Pictured above - flashback to a previous BMAF event. Update on Masters Road Race Championship Calendar 2026...make a note of some important BMAF diary dates. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Although the BMAF Executive has only two elected officers and an England Masters representative in post we are not a quorum, this concern has led to some delays and the ability to make decisions.  However, with the help of BMAF Services we are determined to continue to provide Championships at T&F, XC and on the Road. To that effect I am posting an update on future Road and Trail Championships to all athletes who have shown an interest in past events On the 28th June we return to the North Downs for our  30k British Masters Trail Championships . I am delighted to report that many who compete return and this year will be no different. The reasons are simple. It is possibly the best Trail race in the South. The  Marathon  is next and will be promoted in Ram...

*Pictured above - some of the many talented Welsh Masters athletes at Lee Valley. Welsh Masters at the Indoor Inter-Area track & field Championships at Lee Valley on 14th March 2026. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Joe Horner reports from last weekend's events. Well done to our athletes who competed last weekend: W70 Nicky B - HJSB, Shot 60m SB W55 Juliet S - 60m  Age PB 200m  M40 Samson C - 60m  4 x 200m  W40 Rhiannon J - 4 x 200m  W40 Eleri J - 200m 4 x 200m  M55 Jim M - LJ  W55 Lou K - 1500m  800m  M60 Paul Y - HJ PV    Special event report and photos courtesy of Joe Horner .     *Some exciting action photos courtesy of Joe Horner. First  of all, my heartfelt thanks for making Adrian and my job so straight forward! We had no idea what we were signing up for and all your efforts made it run a lot smoother than we expected (or feared!)  If you haven't see...