The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Great day at the Aintree races as Taylor and Herbert win gold
Athletics - English and Irish Masters Cross Country International
Helpston Harriers Philippa Taylor and John Herbert were on England duty at Aintree racecourse last Saturday in the English and Irish Masters Cross Country International.
Fortunately for them they were racing on the flat rather than over jumps! Despite being considerably older than the regular competitors at the iconic Liverpool venue, the pair of thoroughbreds displayed coltish levels of energy as they both helped England to gold in their age groups.
Herbert was in the age 35 to 49 race and covered the 8km course in 26:52, finishing 38th out of 87. He finished sixth out of the 27 competitors in the over 45 group.
“The course was flat and fast, and the going was heavy said Herbert. “I was so pleased to justify my selection by scoring for England. It was pleasing to do well knowing that I was probably the oldest in the race, and therefore something of a dark horse. I turn 50 in less than three weeks’ time, and I just can’t wait to go up to the 50s age group and hopefully keep my form. Then next year I can push for individual gold.”
Philippa Taylor was the third England runner home in the over 50s age group, finishing fifth out of 20 and covering the 6km course in 23:39.
Taylor’s race comprised athletes ranging in age from 35 to 59, and the 52-year-old finished 42nd out of 119.
“It wasn’t the best race for me” said Taylor. “I was fifth in my age group though and we did win gold. I managed to pip two Scottish girls on the line, which gave me a bit of satisfaction.”
In the St Neots Half •
Marathon, Peterborough Nene Valley’s Kirk Brawn clocked 1:13.30 on the undulating course, knocking over a minute off his previous fastest time.
Two other Peterborough men ran well, with Mark Popple 19th in 1:17.36 and Mark Alderson 49th in 1:23.05.
Daniella Hart, also of Peterborough Nene Valley, was the leading local lady finishing 41st in 1:35.08. Yaxley’s Gina Crane was not far behind placing 44th in 1:36.40.