Large fields of top runners in all age groups ran over the very testing 10km for men aged up to 69 years, 5km for women and M70-plus, at Maiden Castle, Durham on 20 March 2004. Although the storms that caused traffic chaos on North East motorways on Friday had abated, high winds still swirled buffeting runners as they reached the pinnacle of a steep hill.
The women’s age group 35-39 bringing together for the first time in the 127-strong field, four new entries into the masters category, engendered the most interest. Astrid Winger from Highgate Harriers in North London, Sue Wint, Coventry Godiva and Audrey Macmillian of Redhill Road Runners challenged the much in form Nicki Nealon, 10th in the International Race in Cardiff last November and Susan Ridley 11th in that race running for Scotland. A mere four seconds separated the first three in a frantic sprint to the finish as Ridley held off Clare Pauzer, the first W40-44 from Wingler and the early pacesetter Wint.
Heavy rain lashed the men’s 40-49 race on the exposed hills. Virtually all starters completed the muddy four-lap circuit, a testimony to their fitness and endurance. The 10km race was won my Brian Rushworth, Sunderland Harriers from the tall Guy Amos, City of Norwich, Rob Hand, Durham City H. came through for the bronze medal followed by Andy Wilton, Staffordshire Moorlands 4th from one of the early leaders Ben Reynolds, Thames Hare & Hounds. The M45 title went to David Neill, Staffordshire Moorlands. The Scottish club, RonHill Cambuslang, Sunderland H and Clayton le Moors Harriers won the team medals, but North Belfast Harriers’ fifth place amongst the top clubs was a meritorious performance.
Nigel Gates easily won the M50 race but only seconds split Brian Lloyd, Telford AC, from Charlie Dickinson, Belgrave H in the M55-59 race. Gates recently set a World M50 3000m record and won the World indoor title in Germany the previous week. Martin Ford travelled up from Cheltenham to win the M60 race, just, from Robert Young of Clydesdale. Steve James, also a World Indoor winner, added the M65 title. Despite the adverse conditions, five men aged 70-74 and two 80-plus fought through to the finish, led by Gerry Spink, Bingley Harriers.