Herne Hill Veterans competed at another national championship, the BMAF 10km road race at Cyclopark. They returned to south London with two British Masters 10km Champions, a team first in the M55 age category and suntans. A fine day’s workout and recompense!
Here at the Gravesend Cyclopark venue one is reminded of that Beatles classic (aren’t they all) ‘The Long and Windy Road’ but Lennon & McCartney seem to have forgotten to have mentioned all the hills (one more per lap than the Southern relays course) on this testing 4 lap course. The sunniest and warmest day of 2017 so far could have given rise to the inspiration for George Harrison’s, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ as Gary Ironmonger did the Red & Black Hoops proud running his usual aggressive style, his main rivals wilting under the sun and his forceful pace to win both the M55 VAC and BMAF champion titles ahead of the M50 winner. Supported by 3rd placed bronze medalist Tom Conlon and Mike Boyle, 4th, the trio earnt HHH a clear M55 team victory in both parallel VAC and BMAF competitions, too. Backed up by Tony Harran, 9th, and Valdis Pauzers (M60 VAC bronze medalist) the men’s race closed out with solid performances and back up.
Mary Setyabule, our only female representative, surpassed her own expectations to take a BMAF gold medal over the tough course which saw several experienced runners wilting on the final lap. From ‘Oh, never again, what a course’ Mary’s thoughts turned to the positive, ‘Yes, I could manage that next year and will do better.’ That’s the HHH spirit.
A late social deservedly closed out the day’s hard work. So let’s all get inspiration to take ‘A Ticket to Ride’ on the next Veterans ‘Magical Mystery Tour’.
Any more for the Sutton Coldfield BMAF relays on 20th May? You know where to apply. ….
Valdis Pauzers, Veterans Secretary.