The 22nd British Masters Open Road Relay Men’s O/40 Championships

Congratulations to Col Rigby and his team of over 40s, who claimed the highest position ever attained by Horwich RMI in this prestigious relay at Sutton Park in Birmingham.
Colin set the team up with our fastest time of the day (15.27) on the first leg and handed over to Steve Nolan in 7th place, then a solid run by Steve in 16.09. It was then the turn of our fell specialist James Logue, would it be too hilly for him, would he be able to find his way round the course with no map or bumbag! Of course he would, and with our second fastest time of the day (15.59) he moved us up to 6th. It was now up to the 2 “fatboys” from Radcliffe, Adie and Steve, could they hang on, could they keep us in the top 20, people were staring as they struggled to get into their vests, “not much room in there said one passer by” I thought he meant the tent. Spectators chuckled as they arrived on the start line but they were aghast as Adie flew round in 16.27 and then Steve in 16.33, we were 7th (Phew), what a show these lads had put on. It was now up to Paul, the sage of the show (oldest) just back from a terrible injury he ran as only he knows how, brilliantly in 16.29 and we were back in 6th. Next on was our latest recruit Garry running in his first relay at this level, and he ran solidly (17.50) to keep the team in 7th. Next on was Clemmy, running the last leg just in case any of his 53 injuries stopped him from completing the leg and letting his mates down, no problem, armed with a brand new pair of racers (similar to Ducky’s ) he flew round and kept the team in 7th with 17.06 – brilliant.

A very enjoyable day – good crack.

Col Rigby 15.27 7th
Steve Nolan 16.09 7th
James Logue 15.59 6th
Adie Selby 16.27 7th
Steve Duckworth 16.33 7th
Paul Muller 16.29 6th
Garry Chadderton 17.50 7th
Nigel Clementson 17.06 7th

Pete Bland

Vets 8 Stage