News

04/09/2025 00:00, In Blog /

Following on from the success of the Masters International Road Programme over the past three years, a trail half marathon international is being held for the first time between England and Wales and will take place within the Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon on Sunday 28 September.

There has been a fantastic response to this opportunity, partly because the event is being held so close to the Welsh border, but also because more and more athletes are enjoying the challenges that comes with racing on the trails. Due to the fantastic response Wales have been able to pick some really strong teams for this event and are hoping to pick up even more individual medals than we did at the Swansea Half Marathon, which was our best performance to date.

European Masters Marathon champion, Ifan Lloyd, Swansea is back in the M65 team where he will join Swansea M65 winner Dave Warren, Cardigan. Mike Whyatt, Eryri Harriers and Alan Davies, Swansea will both be looking for a third title, in the M60 age group Mike has already won the 5 and 10km races, whilst Alan has won the 10km and half marathon races. Rhodri Owen, Meirionnydd Running Club, will also be looking to add to his win at the 5km and clubmate Tom Roberts will also be looking to add to his collection of medals over the past two years. Mark Jennings, Mickey Morris Racing Team, will be looking to do the half marathon double having won the M50 race at Swansea.

The women are equally as strong with Donna Morris, Builth & District RC, will be hoping to secure a win after two second places in her W40 age group and the W55 team being exceptionally strong with Niki Morgan, Chepstow Harriers, Angela Deeley, Deestriders, and Tracy Jenkins, Porthcawl, all having picked up medals this year. Other medallists from this year also competing include Hayley Lawton, 3M Gorseinon RR, Joanne Henderson, Denbigh Harriers, Lindy Geyer, Trots, and Sue Peters, Tri Hard Harriers.

Teams for the final road Master International of the season, the Abingdon Marathon (which takes place on Sunday 19^th October), have already been selected. However, with the cross country season soon to start there is one final opportunity to represent Wales at Masters level at the BMAF Cross Country International which is taking place at Roundhey Park, Leeds on Saturday 15^th November. Expressions of interest can be made via the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/N5H3sFqaYB

Further details of the Welsh Athletics Masters Programme are available from Bernie Jones:  Bernie-jones@sky.com

Welsh Team – Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon – 28^th September 2025