Earlier this month, Alan Roberts competed for Great Britain the World Masters XC Championships in Lyon, France; the results were a mixed bag, but Alan is happy that this has been a successful year for him.
Alan finished 42nd in the over 50’s cross country race which consisted of 4 laps of a 2k course in Parilly Park, Lyon; his time was 35:09. This was the opening event preceding the track and field championships which would follow. Temperatures were around 40 degrees but fortunately most of the course was through woods giving plenty of shade. Alan said, “Having achieved the European Bronze with the same two fellow GB athletes in Torun, Poland less than 6 months ago we were hoping for a medal shout but finished a disappointing 9th team, especially as all the teams ahead with the exception of the USA were all European. France won the gold, Spain silver and Ireland bronze”.
Alan opted not to take part in the track and field events this year, but did compete in the marathon on the final day of the Championships. In much cooler conditions, and with the help of an 8a.m. start, conditions were not too bad. He was 3rd GB runner home, finishing 37th in the over 50 class which meant that they took the World Team over 50 bronze medal behind Spain who won gold, and France silver.
The conclusion of another masters series which means that this year alone, Alan has won 3 European team bronze and now a World team bronze for GB in his age group.