Newyddion

20/10/2025 00:00, I Mewn Blog /

Flynn flies the flag for Wales

The Welsh Team before the Abingdon Marathon

At the final Road Masters International race of the season, there were some terrific performances from Welsh athletes with none more that Louise Flynn, Les Croupiers and James Elgar, Mickey Morris Running Team. Louise, decided to race for her country rather than defend her Eryri Marathon title and her decision was rewarded with a 22 second race victory over Claire Frankland of England. Louise lead from the gun and whilst Claire closed on Louise a number of times, Louise was too strong in the end as stormed around the track at the Tilsley Stadium.

                      Louise sprinting down finish line                                    James Elgar straight to the front

 James Elgar also challenged everyone from the gun and was already a few metres up as they left the track at the start of the race. James dominated the race and was looking good for victory but the winds and twisty course and being out on his own for so long took their toll and he was caught between 39-40km by two English athletes. Despite struggling over the final kilometres, James battled on well to third place overall and second place in his M40 category.

Other trophy winners on the day included Gold’s for Martin Green, Meirionnydd RC in the M50 category; and Linda Tyler, Farnham Runners in the W65 age group. Tracey Breedon, Aberystwyth AC ran a pb (breaking 3hours for the first time along the way) to earn silver in the W45 category and Malc Gonella, Builty and District won a well earned silver in the M70 age group. There were bronze trophies for Andy Gardiner, San Domenic (M35); Abby Lewis, Swansea Harriers (W35); Matt Yelland, Clwb Run Wales (M45); Mark Jennings, Mickey Morris Running Team (M50); and Jeremy Mower, Western Tempo.

Linda Tyler receiving her award from Chris Hollinshead, England Athletics.

Each of the athletes had their own stories with many achieving pb’s, some representing their country for the first time and sadly for a couple, having to pull out before the finish to prevent further injury. We had husband and wife Martin and Carla Green competing together as well as brothers James and Richard Elgar which just about sums up Wales’ family approach to these events! Well done to all the athletes and supporters, who performed with pride for their country.

The final international of the season will be the BMAF Cross Country International in Leeds, for which teams have already been selected. Next year’s Masters International programme will be shared in full shortly but expressions of interest are already sought for next year’s Masters Marathon International, which is being held within the Manchester Marathon. Expressions of interest can be made via the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/7cVQMdA7am or QR code:

Full results and performances at Abingdon are detailed below: