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Following a string of successes over the cross country, which included taking the Southern Masters Cross Country Championships, four of the Chiltern Harriers Veteran Women's Team decided to see how they would fare at a national level, by taking part in the National Masters Road Relay Championships in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands. This high standard event attracts top veteran runners (those aged over 35 years) from all over the country.
Judith Orr ran the first leg for Chiltern. Unfortunately, she learnt to her cost that veteran athletes are just as competitive at their younger counterparts and 'hit the deck' in the first ten metres, as a result of the jostling and pushing for positions that took place following the start. Despite a heavy nose bleed and a few cuts and scrapes she bravely continued with her leg to finish in a time of 19.33.
Debbie Wenman ran a solid second leg for the Harriers, keeping them well in contention and completing the three mile run, in 19.56, in very blustery conditions.
Despite having completed the London Marathon only a few weeks earlier, Ali Young showed that she has lost none of her speed by completing the undulating course in 19.31.
Laura Butt had a great run to bring the team home in tenth position overall, out of the 32 entrants in the Vet 35 age category. Her time of 18.54 was the fastest of the Chiltern team.
Judith Orr