Newyddion
Flynn Flies the Flag for Wales…..again!
21/04/2026 00:00, I Mewn Blog /
The first Masters International of the season was held within the UK’s second largest marathon, the Adidas Manchester Marathon and a strong team came away with some excellent results.
Leading the way was Louise Flynn, Les Croupiers, who was the defending Masters International Marathon Champion having won the title in Abingdon last October. Not only did Louise show her class by retaining both her overall marathon masters international title and her W40 age group, Louise judged her race to perfection to finish 3rd overall in the race.
Louise Flynnn waiting to receive her third place overall trophy and during the race
In addition to Louise there were a number of other great performances from the Welsh contingent with Simon Cole, GOG Tri Club and David Gibson, Tri Hard Harriers and Dave Warren, Cardigan RC also all winning their age categories. Simon was delighted with his 2-33-20 to win the M45 age group whilst David, who has had some great marathon performances over the past 12 months won his M70 category by over 16 minutes from fellow Welshman Malc Gonnella, Builth Wells.
Dave Gibson, Tri Hard Harriers & Malc Gonnella, Builth Wells receiving their 1st & 2nd M70 trophies
Dave Warren has had a great winter finishing second in both the BMAF Cross Country International and the BMAF Cross Country Championships but with fellow Welshman Ifan Lloyd giving the marathon a miss, Dave was delighted to come out winner for once, as he won the M65B category by over 8 minutes
Dave Warren, Cardigan RC, just after crossing the line.
Peter Norris, Wadebridge RC had a Welsh debut top remember as he finished runner-up in the M60 age group with a time of 2-51-26 and only 43 seconds away from a victory and there was also a second place for Judi Rhys, Les Croupiers in the W65 age group.
Ceri Nicholas, Buckley RC was delighted with her 3-24-26 run as she picked up a bronze medal and Katy Roy also picked up third place in the W40 category with a 2-54-55 new pb.
There were many other great performances throughout the day but special mention must go to Tori Barry, Swansea Harriers, who despite taking a very heavy fall in a pothole at 19 miles, which resulted in concussion and needing medical treatment at the end of the race, shrugged it all off and did herself and her country proud as she finished in 3-18-53.
Team Managers from both countries were delighted with the welcome the masters international marathon received from the organisers of the Adidas Manchester Marathon and we will all hope to be back in 2027.
A big thank you to all the athletes, family and friends who made it such a great day and special thanks to Team Managers Caroline Jones, Bernie Jones and Luke Northall, who did a great job looking after everyone.
The Welsh Athletics Masters Team, quickly move on to two more international races with strong teams selected for the Bideford 10km on 10 May and the Mizuno Swansea Half Marathon on 7 June. Expression of interest are still sought for the 5km, which will be held within the Shrewsbury Festival of Running on 11 July and the Forest of Dean Trail Half Marathon on 27 September. Further details are available via the following link: Information Masters Programme 2026 (Updated).pdf
Bernie Jones
Chair Masters Advisory Group
Welsh Athletics