Tollcross Park in Glasgow hosts one of many most important masters occasions on the athletics calendar on Saturday
The British and Eire and Masters Worldwide is regarded by many because the spotlight of the masters calendar. Whereas in most championships it’s a case of simply turning up, right here choices are restricted and it’s all the way down to the 5 dwelling nations (England, Scotland, Wales, Eire and Northern Eire) to decide on their finest 4 athletes or, controversially, six on this age of extra equality within the 4 youngest male age teams (M35 to M50).
The championships return on Saturday (Nov 11) to Scotland and Tollcross Park in Glasgow which was the final venue used north of the border in 2016 and can present a troublesome testing course.
The occasion was first held in 1985 and yearly since (barring the Covid associated cancellations of 2020 and 2021) the general contest was gained by England till final yr’s occasion at Dublin the place the house nation pulled off a shock win by 71 factors to 66, successful the lads’s by one and the ladies’s by 4 factors.
Eire is not going to be as sturdy away from dwelling and hosts Scotland may mount an total problem too with a workforce that features potential winners corresponding to Alastair Walker, Fiona Matheson, Sara Inexperienced, Fiona Ross and Alex Sutherland.
Alastair Walker gained by two minutes in 2022
Since internet hosting a trial, England’s workforce appear marginally weaker even whether it is an apparent enchancment by way of equity with groups picked by racing moderately than by committee, it does seem like affecting some age teams with some potential workforce members much less eager to participate in a trial particularly on a league weekend.
Wales and Northern Eire each have some particular person hopes however they too appear to be barely under full power with the price placing many off from collaborating.
The motion begins with the blended over-65 race earlier than being adopted by the youthful ladies’s age teams after which the M50 plus race after which the ultimate worldwide race options the three youngest male age teams. There’s additionally an open race which normally is dominated by the groups reserves.
Race 1: 11.05am Ladies: W65 to W75, Males: M65 to M80
(5 Age Teams) – 6km 4 in every workforce to run and three to attain
Race 2: 12.00pm Ladies: W35 to W60 (6 Age Teams) – 6km
4 in every workforce to run and three to attain
Race 3: 12.45pm Males: M50 to M60 (3 Age Teams) – 8km
M50: 6 in every workforce to run and 4 to attain
M55 to M60: 4 in every workforce to run and three to attain
Race 4: 1.30pm Males: M35 to M45 (3 Age Teams) – 8km
6 in every workforce to run and 4 to attain
Open Race: 2.15pm Race for all ages – 6km & 8km
Earlier venues
12-Nov-22 Santry Demesne, Dublin, IRL
16-Nov-19 Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. ENG
17-Nov-18 Singleton Park, Swansea, WAL
18-Nov-17 Gansha Park, Derry, NIR
12-Nov-16 Tollcross Park, Glasgow, SCO
14-Nov-15 Santry Demesne, Dublin, IRL
22-Nov-14 Wollaton Park, Nottingham, ENG
16-Nov-13 Bute Park, Cardiff, WAL
10-Nov-12 Queens Enjoying Fields, Belfast, NIR
26-Nov-11 Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, SCO
13-Nov-10 Santry Demense, Dublin, IRL
14-Nov-09 Perry Park, Birmingham, ENG
15-Nov_08 Singleton Park, Swansea, WAL
17-Nov-07 Stormont Property, Belfast, NIR
18-Nov-06 Callendar Park, Falkirk, SCO
12-Nov-05 Santry Demesne, Dublin, IRL
20-Nov-04 Lloyd Park, Croydon, ENG
22-Nov-03 Bute Park, Cardiff, WAL
16-Nov-02 Sentry Park, Ballymena, NIR
10-Nov-01 Callendar Park, Falkirk, SCO
18-Nov-00 Dalgan Park, Navan, IRL
13-Nov-99 Grenville School, Bideford, ENG
21-Nov-98 St Asaph Leisure Centre, WAL
08-Nov-97 Sentry Hill Park, Ballymena, NIR
09-Nov-96 Seashore Park, Irvine, SCO
18-Nov-95 Malahide Fort, close to Dublin, IRL
12-Nov-94 Silksworth, Sunderland, ENG
06-Nov-93 Lord Trehearne’s Property, nr.Cardiff, WAL
31-Oct-92 Newton Abbey, Nation Antrim, NIR
03-Nov-91 Aberdeen, SCO
04-Nov-90 Ampthill Park, ENG
05-Nov-89 Ampthill Park, ENG
05-Nov-88 Moss Valley Park, Wrexham, WAL
M35 race: defending champion: Steven Macalary (NIR). TEAM: Northern Eire
First held in 2007. Eire 10 groups wins. England 2, Scotland 1, Northern Eire 1
This occasion has been dominated of late individually by Northern Eire who’ve gained the final three titles and it was sub-two minute 800m performer Mark Malone who gained their trials.
Northern Eire have had 5 particular person victories to Eire’s six in an age group that historically England have struggled.
Hardly any of the 2022 rivals on this age group return with Scotland’s Colin Doherty the very best returnee after eighth in Dublin.
Midlands sixth-placer Lee Gratton was a transparent English trials winner whereas the very best from the Irish Trials was Kenneth Rodgers.
Essentially the most successive athlete on this age group is Eire’s Ciaran Doherty has gained this title 3 times (2010 to 2012).
M35+ race at Dublin in 2022
M40 race: defending champion: Mark Doherty (SCO). TEAM: Eire
First held in 1988. England 27 workforce wins. Eire 4, Wales 2.
The 2022 winner Mark Doherty returns as a part of a robust Scottish workforce and Scottish champion and the current brief course champion Darrell Hastie additionally appears a possible winner. Scottish trials winner Grant Baillie may enhance on his fifth from final yr and Mike Houston, who was sixth, additionally return and they need to win the workforce with Eire not trying as sturdy this yr with Ian Conroy the very best of the Trials runners. Trials winner Stephen Jackson leads the English workforce.
The Welsh workforce consists of Tom Carter, the son of 1972 Olympic 800m fifth-placer Andy Carter, who’s now a high coach. The previous is getting back from a 10-year break and he had a mile PB of three:57.30.
Two athletes have gained this title 3 times. with Wales’ Olympic fourth-placer Tony Simmons (1988-1990) and England’s Chris Greenwood (2013-15) the highest people.
M45 race: defending champion: Brian Maher (IRL). TEAM: Eire
First held in 1988. England 28 workforce wins. Eire 4, Scotland 1.
Eire’s third placer from final yr Ciaran McGonagle gained their trials and ought to be in rivalry together with English trials winner Jan Bailey who was fifth final yr and Scottish trials winner Jim Tole.
Wales’ Austin Davies gained this title 4 occasions between 2009 and 2012.
2022 M45 winner Brian Maher (4505)
M50 race: defending champion: Shane O’Neill (IRL). TEAM: England
First held in 1988. England 28 workforce wins. Eire 3, Wales 1, Northern Eire 1
The primary three from 2022 are absent however fourth (English trials winner Ben Paviour) fifth (team-mate Tony O’Brien – second within the trials) and sixth (Irish trials winner Declan Toal all return and ought to be within the medal hunt. Scotland may do properly led by trials winner Paul Monaghan plus Scott Brember and David Gardiner who missed the trials however have been in good type.
Eight athletes have gained this title twice (Tim Hartley, Ben Reynolds, Ian Furness, Mike Hager, Peter Hyde, Alan Roper, Graham Patton and Les Presland) however nobody has ever gained three.
M55 race: defending champion: Pauric McKinney (IRL). TEAM: England
First held in 1995. England 20 workforce wins. Eire 4, Scotland 2.
The defending champion Pauric McKinney returns and may comfortably medal once more with Irish trials winner Paul Cowhie additionally more likely to place extremely.
Nonetheless, two-time M50 winner Tim Hartley was an in depth second within the M50s final yr over a minute up on McKinney and may win simply and could lead on England to a different workforce success. Scottish trials winner Stephen Allen, who can be shifting up from the M50s final yr, also needs to be within the medal hunt.
Scottish-based Steven Cairns has medalled previously and is one in every of Northern Eire’s finest medal hopes and also needs to be in rivalry.
English Masters legend Mike Hager has gained this title 4 occasions between 2005 and 2009.
M60 race: defending champion: Steven Watmough (ENG). TEAM: England
First held in 1989. England 23 workforce wins. Eire 6, Scotland 2, Wales 1.
England went one-two in Eire final yr and each Steve Watmough and John Convery return with Convery heading a lower than totally match Watmough within the trials.
2022 M60 winner Steve Watmough
Final yr’s bronze medallist Kevin Griffin was solely fourth within the Irish trials which counsel a robust workforce.
European 10,000m champion Dave Thom was a lowly fifteenth final yr however appears in a lot better type judging by his decisive Scottish trials victory.
Wales also needs to be within the medal hunt right here by the general 2022 British champion Ifan Lloyd.
Mike Hager additionally tops this class with three wins.
M65 race: defending champion: Alastair Walker (SCO). TEAM: Eire
First held in 1998. England 20 workforce wins. Eire 3.
World 10km champion Alastair Walker gained by two minutes final yr however getting back from harm, he has hardly raced since his 34:04 world document in April however will nonetheless begin as favorite however it ought to be lots nearer.
Scotland may win the workforce occasion for the primary time with trials winner Colin Feechan and Jeff Farquhar shifting into the age group after working properly within the 60s final yr.
Northern Eire’s Norman Mawhinney and Wales Gordon Jones are two others shifting up and more likely to place extremely.
English trials winner Jonathan Haynes was third final yr and leads a robust workforce and Eire additionally look sturdy however are lacking trials winner and marathon sensation Tommy Hughes with 2022 fourth-placer Eugene Moynihan their finest wager.
England’s Martin Ford has the very best document on this age group with three wins between 2008 and 2012.
M70 race: defending champion: Tony Martin (SCO). TEAM: Scotland
First held in 2002. England 17 workforce wins. Eire 1, Scotland 1.
The 2023 British champion Tony Martin defends and is in nice form judging by a 3 minute win within the Scottish Trials however nonetheless gained’t begin as favorite however could lead on Scotland to workforce success.
Final yr he was 25 seconds behind Eire’s multi world and European champion and M65 runner-up Joe Gough who strikes into the age group. Additionally shifting up is English trials winner David Butler who’s a former three-time winner of the M55s and he was simply forward of Martin final yr.
Joe Gough
England’s Brian Ashwell (2003-5) and Fred Gibbs (2008-10) every have three M70 wins.
M75 race: defending champion: Peter Giles (ENG). TEAM: England
First held in 2014. England 6 workforce wins. Wales 1.
England’s Peter Giles is the one two-time winner of this pretty current addition however didn’t make a really sturdy England workforce which is able to led by trials winner Malcolm Weir however 2022 third-placer Mick Casey will even function extremely.
The clear favorite although is British champion and final yr’s M70 third-placer Alex Sutherland who gained the Scottish trials from final yr’s fourth-placer Norman Baillie.
Eire have a former M60 and M65 winner Martin McEvilly of their workforce.
M80 race: Peter Cartwright (ENG). No TEAM.
Solely three people – all Scots – participate and final yr’s M75 fifth-placer Robert Younger ought to win from defending champion Peter Cartwright as he was 4 minutes clear final yr.
W35 race: defending champion: Sinead O’Connor (IRL). TEAM: Eire
First held in 1988. England 19 workforce wins. Eire 11, Scotland 3.
Scotland’s Jennifer Wetton was third final yr and can begin favorite. Wales Lucy Marland was fifth in 2022 and Eire’s Edel Gaffney sixth and so they too return however Ailenn Arthurs appears the very best for Eire.
Ladies’s race in Dublin
England’s trial winner Becky Penty has pulled out and Tracy Rogers ought to lead the English problem.
Essentially the most attention-grabbing entry on this age group although is a number of Scottish champion and Olympic marathoner Freya Ross, who has simply turned 40, however is shifting down an age group to bolster the Scottish problem although calmly raced with simply seven races within the final 4 years, she will probably be nowhere close to her finest however will nonetheless be to the fore.
Freya Ross (Neil Renton)
England’s Claire Martin is essentially the most profitable particular person with 4 W35 wins between 2010 and 2013.
W40 race: defending champion: Sara Inexperienced (SCO). TEAM: England
This appears the most effective high quality age teams with most of final yr’s high 10 returning.
Sara Inexperienced (4032)
Defending champion Sara Inexperienced begins favorite having made the highest 10 total within the UK Inter Counties final winter and successful an European masters half-marathon title in the summertime.
English trials winner Juliet Potter adopted her dwelling final yr and gained British masters title at cross-country and 1500m in the summertime and could possibly be her nearest challenger once more although two-time W35 winner and Scottish trials winner Michelle Sandison will even be a significant medal contender.
Eire had three within the first seven final time and may problem within the workforce contest led by their trials winner Dympna Ryan who was third final yr in Dublin although there appears little between them, Scotland and England.
Claire Martin has additionally gained this age group 3 times (2014-16) together with one other total winner Niamh O’Sullivan of Eire (2004-6).
First held in 1988. England 26 workforce wins. Eire 5, Wales 1, Scotland 1.
W45 race: defending champion: Natasha Adams (IRL). TEAM: Eire
First held in 1995. England 20 workforce wins. Eire 5, Wales 1.
This appears one other high class age group. Natasha Adams returns however she was crushed by former W40 winner Teresa Doherty within the Irish Trials although the general 2019 winner Kirsty Longley might be the favorite as she makes her W45 debut within the occasion.
Lesley Bell who set a British W45 indoor 1500m document within the winter, might be Scotland’s finest hope together with trials winner Katrine Kelly.
Northern Eire’s Karen Marshall hogs the historic facet with wins in all 5 years within the age group (1998-2002).
W50 race: defending champion: Annette Kealy (IRL). TEAM: Eire
First held in 1989. England 28 workforce wins. Eire 3, Wales 1.
With final yr’s champion Annette Kealy shifting up an age group, Dublin runner-up Elisoa Crawford has a superb opportunity of a win for Northern Eire.
Irish trials winner Breda Gaffney was third final yr and different contenders are the main two from the Scottish trials, Julie Menzies and Allie Chong.
European masters triple medallist Nikki Sturzaker has likelihood together with former W45 winner and English team-mate Kate Rennie.
Whereas Wales’ Pat Gallagher (1995-8), Scotland’s Fiona Matheson (2011-3) and England’s Clare Elms (2014-7) have all gained triples they’re topped once more by Northern Eire’s Marshall who gained this 4 occasions (2003-7).
2022 W50 winner Annette Kealy (5001)
W55 race: defending champion: Clare Elms (ENG). TEAM: Scotland
First held in 1998. England 21 workforce wins. Eire 1, Scotland 1.
Whereas Elms goes for her third successive title in her final time in her age group, the clear favorite will probably be Eire’s world champion Kealy who gained the W50 titles in each 2019 and 2022 and is a former winner of the W35 title (means again in 2005).
Coincidentally the 2004 W35 winner and Scottish trials winner Sue Ridley and 2006 W35 winner and English trials winner Nicki Nealon additionally return round 20 years from their race debut however Eire, who even have two different members of their successful W50 workforce from final yr in Mari Johnston and Carmel Crowley who will begin as favourites for workforce gold.
Eire’s Carmel Parnell gained all 5 of her age group races (2010-4).
W60 race: defending champion: Fiona Matheson (SCO). TEAM: England
First held in 2002. England 17 workforce wins. Eire 1, Wales 1.
Final yr there was an important race between two age group legends and Fiona Matheson simply bought the higher of Niamh O’Sullivan and the pair return and once more ought to head the age group.
W60 winner Fiona Matheson
England have a robust workforce led by their trials winner and former W50 winner Monica Williamson, who was third final yr plus 2022 fourth-placer Carole Web page and former W60 winner Sue Cordingley.
Northern Eire’s former UK W60 marathon record-holder Mary Slocum also needs to place extremely, having completed fifth final yr.
England’s Angela Copson gained it 4 occasions (2008-11).
W65 race: defending champion: Pauline Moran (IRL). TEAM: Scotland
First held in 2006. England 8 workforce wins. Scotland 3, Eire 3, Wales 1.
Eire’s Pauline Moran defends having additionally gained the W60 title twice and although Eire have workforce, Scotland have likelihood of defending because the 2022 second and third Jane Kidd and Isobel Burnett return together with sixth-placer Margaret Martin.
Copson gained all of it 5 occasions she contested it (2012-16).
W70 race: defending champion: Eileen Kenny (IRL). TEAM: Eire
First held in 2014. England 5 workforce wins. Eire 1, Scotland 1.
Irish trials winner Eileen Kenny ought to defend and alongside 2022 runner-up Margaret Glavey and fourth-placer Mary Lynch ought to retain their workforce title simply sufficient.
The 2022 W70 winner Eileen Kenny
Scottish trials winner Jeanette Craig will probably be eager to enhance on final yr’s third on dwelling soil and so they additionally subject two-time W65 winner Ann White.
The English workforce will probably be led by Hong Kong’s Olympic marathoner Yuko Gordon who was fifth final yr however gained the W65 in 2018.
Copson additionally heads this record with three wins.
W75 race: defending champion: Angela Copson (ENG). TEAM: no occasion
Although there isn’t a workforce contest, right here’s a document end up on this age group with Copson once more returning and favorite along with her likeliest challenger her English team-mate Anne Dockery who gained the Euro masters 10km title in September and adopted Copson dwelling within the 800m, 1500m and 5000m.
General titles: England 32, Eire 1
Most particular person wins
Males:
Mike Hager with 12
Fred Gibbs with 6
Martin Ford with 6
Tim Hartley with 6
Nigel Gates with 6
Alun Roper with 4
Austin Davies with 4
Ladies:
W75 winner and all-time total champion Angela Copson
Angela Copson with 13
Carmel Parnell with 11
Karen Marshall with 9
Claire Martin with 8
Fiona Matheson with 7
Anne Keenan-Buckley with 5
Niamh O’Sullivan with 5
Pat Gallagher with 5
Clare Elms with 5
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