Hi, I’m Mike Mewse and I’ve recently taken on the job of Veterans Team Manager.
I’m a relatively new runner. Previously I spent time as a football and basketball player before going on to coach and manage football teams. I have also helped with Gloucestershire Schools AA as a team manager.
I’ve enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of running with Westbury and hope I can support veterans or masters (as it is often referred to) men both individually and as team members.
Many of you are extremely experienced runners and I hope we can work together to share information on training and racing – and enjoy competing as Westbury Harriers teams.
For those less experienced or new to the sport I will pass on information on masters / veterans competition.
I’m normally at training on Mondays with group 3.
Masters Athletics
As well as age group categories (part of most races) there are a number of organisations that provide competition for veterans or masters racers. The main one is the British Masters Athletic Federation. It’s worth having a look at their website. Surprisingly veteran / masters categories start from age 35+ and extend through to 100 + ! There are area, national and international competitions. We have some really good masters men and women in the club – not least Pat Gallagher who has recently won the European Indoor Masters Championships at 3,000 m and 1500 m for 70+ ladies.
Our own Westbury Harriers ladies cross country team were amazingly successful at the BMAF Cross Country championships held on 13th February in Bath. They were gold medallists in two age categories and runners up in another. It would be great to emulate their success on the men’s side.
I would like to publicise the success of the Vet men whenever possible – for example Anthony Glover (previous Vet manager) had a great race today winning the Horton Bull Run whilst Dave George picked up his seventh Vet 60 prize of the year in the Eastnor Castle 7.
With the summer season underway it’s a busy time with races close together. The British Masters relays are to be held on Saturday 14th May in Birmingham with separate age group races. The Bristol 10k is on the 15th and the Avon 10k championships is on Monday 16th at Yate. The British Masters 5k championships will be held on 19th June in Horwich.
Provisional entries to the BMAF relays need to be in by the 22nd April. Age groups are 35+ (6 stages of 5k) 45+ (4 stages) 55+ (3 stages) 65+ (3 stages) and 75+ (3 stages).
If you would like to run this event and any other masters event please let me know. It would be great to have Team Captains for each age group.
Looking forward to a successful summer season
Mike
