Ryde Harrier Gary Marshall has led the England team to success at the British Masters Half Marathon Trail Running Championships, securing a national title in the M45 category following a superb performance in the Forest of Dean.
Gary was representing England in the Masters 45-year category, having been selected based on his result in a previous qualifying race.
Conditions were dry and undulating on the trails, providing a fast course for competitors. Gary settled quickly into a strong pace and moved into the top 10 athletes early on. At the halfway point, feeling strong, he pushed harder and began closing in on the race leaders. A powerful finish saw him claim an impressive 4th place overall.
The British Masters Championships are contested in 5-year age bands. When the final results were confirmed, Gary not only won his M45 category to become National Champion, but also outpaced every competitor in the younger M40 category.
His time of 73 minutes and 45 seconds for the half-marathon was recorded on an accurately measured course.
Geoff Watkin, Ryde Harriers Coach, has said:
“I’m impressed with Gary’s attention to detail when approaching his training and racing and despite his full-time job and active family life, he is very organised and able to fit his high level of training and racing into his life.
“This is his second success in a national championship, after his brilliant performance in the 100km event earlier in the year.”
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