WELSH Masters international opportunities have seen a few Aberystwyth Athletic Club members represent their country over the last few years.
The latest to make his international debut and gain a red vest was Damian Sidnell who was selected in the M65 category for a Wales v England fixture in the Forest of Dean Trail Half Marathon.
Masters athletes are runners over 35 years of age and are selected in five year age groups, and the competition is strong.
This is particularly true in the M65 age group, and Damian was selected alongside legendary Llangwyryfon born Ifan Lloyd, and Cardigan’s David Warren who’s been regularly making international podiums.
The Forest of Dean provided a great setting for this race - though hilly, the course is not as technical and tough as many trail races which made for fast running on the day.
Damian eventually finished 7th in his category in a time of 1:48.47, a fine contribution to the team effort on his debut.
It was a proud moment for the Aberystwyth runner who’s been consistently excellent and fully deserved his callup.
“I felt a mixture of nervousness , excitement and pride to be representing my country,” said Damian.
“Mostly I was just determined to do my very best to justify having been given the honour.”
A second Aberystwyth runner, Owain Schiavone, was also running in the Welsh M45 team and had a great run to finish tenth overall in the race in 1:18.07.
The performance was good enough to secure bronze on a strong M45 podium which included the runners who finished 2nd and 5th overall on the day.
Both Aber runners helped the Welsh team to their best ever performance in a masters international with a total of 23 top 3 finishes over all categories - including both overall wins for Dan Kashi of Meirionydd RC and Gemma Moore of Eryri Harriers.
Owain was it again a few days later at the annual Ron Cullum race, a 5 mile club challenge organised in memory of one of Aberystwyth Athletic Club’s founder members.
On a warm autumnal evening, Aber AC members lined up on the promenade to try and win the coveted trophy under the watchful eye of race co-ordinator Ian Evans.
It was Owain Schiavone who came out on top again winning the race and the men’s trophy in a blisteringly fast time of 28.32 with Seren Alexander taking the women’s trophy in a time of 39.15.
If you would like to hear more about Aberystwyth Athletic Club and join in its activities visit https://aberystwythac.wordpress.com/ or find the club on Facebook.
A reminder also that applications are open for this year’s Aberystwyth fantastic Twin Peaks race.which will be held on Sunday, 11 October and you can enter by following this link TWIN PEAKS & RAS CONSTI – Clwb Athletau Aberystwyth Athletics Club
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