Stratford AC trio claim British Masters team gold

STRATFORD AC claimed a team gold medal in the British Masters’ Cross Country Championships at Bath last weekend.

David Jones, Roger Wilson and Phil Brennan all clocked excellent times over the 6k course to win the M65-74 category.

Jones was the first Stratford runner home in a time of 25.29, finishing 41st overall and seventh in his age group.

Jones was pleased with his run, particularly his strength on the third incline. Next home for Stratford was Wilson, who claimed 46th in 25.45.

Wilson’s form since returning from 12 months of injury has been nothing short of remarkable and his run also earned him a richly-deserved bronze medal in his age group.

Brennan’s performance (27.29, 66th and sixth in age group) was even remarkable for the fact on the previous day he had won a bronze medal in the 1500m at the British Masters’ Athletic Federation Championships.

Meanwhile, three Stratford runners competed in the aptly-named Grizzly race in Devon. It consists of 20 miles of hills, shingle, sand, mud, streams and bogs.

First home for the club was ultra-consistent James Cusack (3.11.48, 201st), followed by Sarah Odell (3.58.46, 725th), who commented afterwards that it was the toughest race she had ever been involved in.

The other Stratford runner was Leslie Kirk (4.19.28, 949th). Kirk must be delighted to have completed this most demanding of challenges, as she heads towards back-to-back ultras in the summer, along with Odell. The race was won by Ceri Rees in a time of 2.17.12.