Ryde Harrier, Gary Marshall, led home, the England team at the Home International, of the Half-Marathon trial running championships, staged in the Forest of Dean. He was running in the Masters 45-year category representing England, after selection from a previous race.

In perfect conditions, where the trails were undulating but dry, Gary was soon into his running and inside the top 10 athletes. Feeling strong at the half-way point he pushed on, and was soon chasing down some of the leading athletes, and, with a very strong finish, was rewarded with 4th place.

The championships are organised in 5 year categories, and when the results were finalised, Gary had won his age M-45 group, becoming the National Champion, and had also beaten all the athletes in the age group below; the M-40 in his time of 73m 45s.

Geoff Watkin, Ryde Harriers coach said: “I’m impressed with Gary’s attention to detail when approaching his training and racing and despite his full-time job and active family life, he is very organised and able to fit his high level of training and racing into his life.

This is his second success in a national championship, after his brilliant performance in the 100km [62miles] event earlier in the year.”