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Masters middle distance

Monday 5th September 2022

Middle distance Masters racing

5 of Malcolm’s Masters middle distance track group travelled across to Portsmouth on Sunday for more or less the last track racing of the year. 

4 from Phoenix – and a Phoenix 2nd claimer – had all been drawn in separate races starting just after 1pm.

First off was Steve Atkinson – currently no.2 M55 in the country and hoping to shave off the 0.3sec that would take him to number 1.  A great first 600m had him on course but a 15mph head-wind on the final bend ironically took the wind out of his sails and he came in just outside the required time but still a fabulous 2’08.63. 

Next up was Phil Grabsky who has, over the summer, been nudging his times down from 2’28 to 2’24. Unfortunately for Phil, his was the only heat in which the pacemaker got it wrong, completing the opening lap a few seconds outside the target time, yet Phil's great battle down the finishing straight to finish 3rd pushed him to a very creditable 2’27.73. 

Next up Barry Blackwell who, asssisted by pacemaker Paul Navesey (winner of 2022 Brighton Half Marathon), ran superbly to lead from start to finish, taking his pb down another 10th of a second to 2’24.81 - enough to move him into the British top 20 M55 rankings. 

Next was the very welcome return of Nigel Herron who has been unlucky with ongoing injuries and who managed to be fit & healthy both on the start line and finish line – as was his wish!  First time racing in a while, his 2’38 was excellent.

Final word to Kevin Lowe – Phoenix 2nd claim V60 running for Arena – who ran a superb second lap to record 2’48 which is roundabout 50th fastest for the year in the UK V60s.   Thanks to our second coach Dan Maskell for coming to support and advise.  Winter training starts now with all eyes on the major championship track races next year.
If you're a senior or masters club member and fancy middle distance track racing next season, you can find us training with Malcolm Kemp and Dan Maskell at Withdean on Wednesday evenings. Warning - once you start middle distance racing you'll get hooked. To quote Barry after his race yesterday "I just love middle distance racing!"