Birchfield win BMAF 30km Championships
Saturday, 11th August 2007

On a hot sunny day over a hilly course in Sutton Park, Birchfield Harriers race walkers claimed yet another national team victory in the British Masters 30km Championships, combined with the Midland Counties Championships.

Starting at 11am, the race took in the hottest part of the day for several hours on a 1.5km loop. As the heat took it's toll in this endurance event, exactly one third of the competitors retired or were disqualified.

John Constandinou was the first Harrier home, finishing 4th overall in 3:19:20. This secured his first BMAF gold medal for finishing 1st M35.

"The hills didn't bother me, but I have a painful rib injury from my first pole vault competition and I wasn't sure I would be able to find a comfortable technique. I'm very happy to have completed the course with no penalties, in my first racewalk as a veteran."

Birchfields second man was Tony Collins, who finished in 6th position overall with a time of 3:26:08. He secured BMAF gold for being 1st M60.

Dave Fall completed the team in 3:39:12 to take 8th place. He took BMAF silver for 2nd M60.

The determination of John, Tony and Dave secured both the BMAF Team Trophy and the MCAA/MARW Team Trophy for Birchfield Harriers.

Dave Manning was unfortunately disqualified at 15km, on target to smash his PB.

Karen Davies reached 18km before having to retire.

The race was won by Mark Williams of Tamworth AC in 2:45:56


In a seperate MCAA 10km ladies race held on the same course, Pam Rayment finished 4th overall in 1:14:22. Her performance earned the praise of several officials, as she does not compete on a regular basis.