News

05/10/2026 00:00, In Blog /

The past twelve months have seen the masters programme continue to develop through an increase in international competition opportunities, the introduction of the Welsh Athletics Masters Championships, and a continued improvement in the standard of masters athletes representing their country across track, cross country, road, and trail. This year also marked the addition of athletes from Northern Ireland and the UK Armed Forces, who joined Wales and England in the Masters Internationals. 

The 2025 season ended on a high as Ifan Lloyd (Swansea Harriers) retained his title at the BMAF Cross Country International in Leeds, narrowly defeating David Warren (Cardigan AC). The pair were awarded the same time, highlighting just how close the contest was. Together, they also helped Wales secure team gold. Meanwhile, Dave Cundy (Les Croupiers) marked his Welsh debut in style, claiming victory in the M75 age group by an emphatic margin of nearly a minute. 

Welsh Athletics and England Athletics were delighted that the Manchester Marathon, the second-largest marathon in the UK, incorporated the Masters International within its event. Louise Flynn (Les Croupiers), the defending Masters International champion, not only retained her title but also finished third overall in a high-quality field. David Gibson (Tri Hard Harriers) won the M70 category by an incredible 16 minutes, and it came as no surprise when he went on to claim a silver medal at the World Masters Marathon Championships later in the year. 

Next up in May was the long trip to Bideford, Devon, where Swansea Harriers' Alan Davies once again demonstrated why he is one of the UK's leading masters athletes, winning the M70 race by nearly three minutes. He quickly followed up this success with another victory at the Swansea Half Marathon in June, where he extended his winning margin to an impressive eight minutes. Alan rounded off his Masters International season at the 5km International in Shrewsbury on one of the hottest days of July, not only winning his age group but also finishing ahead of every M65 athlete in the race.

At the Swansea Half Marathon, local athlete Ifan Lloyd returned to his best form, not only winning the M65 age group but also breaking his own Welsh half marathon record with a time of 1:20:41. On home soil, Wales enjoyed its most successful day of the season, winning more medals than at any other event. Age-group victories came from Gemma Moore (Eryri Harriers, W40), Tracy Jenkins (Porthcawl Runners, W55), Elaine Wharmby (Brackla Harriers, W60), and Lindy Geyer (TROT, W65), who secured her title by an even greater margin than Alan Davies, winning by more than nine minutes.

Athletes were greeted by the hottest day of the year at the 5km International in Shrewsbury, where Wales fielded its largest team of the season, with more than 100 masters athletes representing their country. A fantastic atmosphere added to the occasion, and in addition to Alan Davies' victory, Wales collected a number of individual medals through Alastair Campbell (Lliswerry Runners), Rhian Maloney (MMRT), Emma Crowe (Deeside AAC), and Lee Aherne (Parc Bryn Bach Running Club).

In 2026, Wales hosted two Masters International track fixtures over 3,000m, incorporated into the Tonypandy Classic and the North Wales Endurance event. This new initiative was well received by athletes and provided additional opportunities for masters competition. Over the course of the year, nearly 200 athletes represented their country, including more than 50 international debutants.

The Welsh Athletics Masters Championships were also introduced during the year, with selected performances contributing to the international selection process. Masters athletics was further showcased at the Caerphilly Festival of Running, where a masters-only race produced one of the closest finishes of the season. Marc Hobbs (Swansea Harriers) claimed victory by the narrowest of margins, crossing the line just ahead of his rival. In addition, Angharad Mair (Les Croupiers) produced a remarkable performance, breaking the Welsh W65 5km record by more than two minutes on Caerphilly's challenging course.

The Welsh Masters Advisory Group is grateful for the support of the race organisers who have incorporated Masters Internationals and Welsh Championships into their events. We are also thankful to the many team managers who have generously given their time and commitment throughout the season, helping to ensure the continued success of the programme.

Full details of the 2027 season are available from the Chair of the Masters Advisory Group, Bernie Jones.