British and Irish Masters Cross Country International

Bellahouston Park, Glasgow

26th November 2011

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Chiltern Harriers’ Brenda King earned great distinction recently with selection to represent England in the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International event at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow.

The race, held on Saturday 26th November, took place in tough conditions. Heavy rain had made the hilly course very muddy so it was a tough challenge on a two lap course which was approximately 6k. There was also a strong wind to contend with. England were up against teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Brenda was the fourth English finisher, overall ninth out of 15 finishers in the Vet 65 age group, and was awarded a gold medal as part of the winning English team. Her time was 34.42.

Brenda had targeted the race, competing over recent months in a variety of events aimed at veterans. Her performances over the past year caught the eye of the BMAF (British Masters Athletics Federation) and were sufficient to gain her selection to this prestigious event.

It was a family occasion for Brenda, with son-in-law Mick Bridgeland taking part for England in the Vet 50 men’s race.

Brenda pointed to how the Saturday morning ‘Parkruns’ in Black Park have helped her racing fitness and also thanked her coaches Trevor Brawn and Steve Perkin for their help.