Running is a very personal experience.

Its both a physical and mental challenge which can be both exhilarating at times and frustrating at others, especially during times of injury.

Having run and raced over the last 50 years at everything from 60m to a multi-day race up Kilimanjaro, I have to admit that I now get a real buzz out of the competitive spirit of Masters events where I can compete against my age peers.

And this can be proper competitive sport.

At the BMAF Indoor championships this past weekend, I came 4rth and missed out on a medal on the High Jump, but the winner set a new British Record of 1.62m.

At the Triple Jump I managed third, but the winner had taken 3^rd place at the 2023 World Championships on 2023! . So you can meet some real world class competition.

For me, I get a lot of fun out of trying new events, or setting PBs even my 60s.

But the thing that has stood out for me has been the friendliness of the competition. That guy who was third in the World was still taking the time to give me tips on my technique to help my jumps.

In the High Jump, the person who was third (and therefore my closest competitor) sat me down to give me ideas how to improve my run up to improve my performance.    

I don’t think you get that in any other types of National competition!

The upsides for me is that I’ve lost a ton of weight and I’m enjoying my running and competition.

A downside is that a few more things hurt in the morning and I’m feeling pain in muscles I forgot I had!

But working towards the events has given me a positive focus to get up on the morning and get cracking on with stuff. And continuing to get up every morning is an increasingly important thing to do at my age…!

I can only say what I’ve got out of it, but I can therefore only encourage you all to give it a go as well.

I started with the Masters leagues with a BMI where I was technically obese and now I’m looking to represent GB&NI team at the upcoming European Championships in Poland.

Seeing 70 and 80 years olds competing is quite inspirational, and you know, everybody has already experienced the middle age spread and challenges of life, but have come back to something they enjoyed when they were younger.

There is just a massive respect from everyone for all those that are taking part at all ages and all levels.

So if you used to do it at school, if you always wanted to try a certain event, if you are hanging around while your kinds are training, if you find plodding around the parkrun is getting a bit “samey”   – why not give it a go and get involved yourself?

How can you get involved?

Come down on a training night or drop us a line at 

Summer season is coming and if you would like to do some events, upcoming league events are below.

We will always try to find space for everyone to have race.

Four Masters league meetings are currently planned for 2024:

13th May                Wimbledon

3rd June                 Epsom

17th June               Kingston

8th July                  Sutton

Note also the Masters league final is currently planned as:

1st September        Walton

Upcoming fixtures at National level are;