The 19^th National Open Masters Road Relays: 20^th May 2006, Sutton Park

As we hadn’t any races in the last month it was difficult to predict the form of the athletes so I decided that I would pick the teams in plenty of time, keeping everyone involved informed as to developments. It was therefore worrying that with a few days to go I had used up all the available reserves bar one and had to cancel the M60 team and on the day ended up with two short to complete the M40 team! My thanks go to all who turned out, I do appreciate it. 

The M70 team unexpectedly came away with Bronze Medals. Being in silver medal position for most of the race was a pleasant surprise and three slightly chuffed ‘youngsters’ collected their medals with glee despite the wet weather. For Max, travelling down from Leeds, this made the trip worthwhile. Well done lads. Best runs of the day came from Steve and his partner, Cath, with Gordon coming in between! See the performance levels below. Analysis of the M50 team reveals that two of them will qualify for the M60 teams next year, putting that age category into the most competitive. But that’s next year!

There were fourteen teams that finished the inaugural M35-39 age group (3 stages) and this will grow in the future. We must try to get teams in this category so that we can ‘groom’ them for the later age groups. Entries overall were down reflecting the current trend both nationally and in the clubs for reduced membership. The road running boom is over…!!!

For those who don’t know, the Birchfield Road Runners supply the marshals for this race and without their help the race would not take place. My sincere thanks go to them and to those non members who also helped. There were difficult weather conditions this year and they all coped very well indeed.

 Results are tabulated below, please study and aim to better all the times next year…..