Brownlee Cycle Circuit, Leeds on Saturday 16th November

By Anne Chinoy, Masters Women's Manager

On a very wet and windy Saturday morning in Leeds, nearly 60 Veteran Runners arrived at the University of Leeds Brownlee Cycle Circuit to compete in the Norther Masters 5K Road Championships. Up for grabs were gold, silver and bronze medals in each age category. Having researched the recent 10K times of the other 5 W45 competitors, I arrived hopeful of a silver or bronze W45 medal. I was delighted to win Gold in an official time of 19:40 (and finished 3rd lady overall). With 76 entries and 57 finishers the numbers were significantly up on last year’s 26. The persistent rain and wind meant that many of us lost our numbers on the 3 lap course but there were some seriously impressive times which can be viewed here.

The organisers commented that it was the first championship event they had known where every single runner stayed for the presentation. It was a very relaxed and friendly event and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting to other veteran runners from the North of England.

The next Northern Masters event will be the Half Marathon Championships at Helsby Four Villages on Sunday 19th January. To be eligible for a medal, you need to join the Northern Masters Athletic Club. More details here.