Jane Gandee takes gold in BMAF Cross Country Championships

6 Winchester athletes enjoyed a big day out in Kent on Saturday where the British Masters Cross Country Championships took place in the beautiful and challenging grounds of Somerhill Park in Tonbridge.
n Under clear skies and perfect conditions the ladies were the first off in a 6k race that featured 3 former Olympians. Jane Gandee was right at the sharp end of the action from the beginning, continuing with her exceptionally good form that she has enjoyed through this cross country season. She passed her V50 rival on the 2nd lap to romp home as winner of the V50 gold medal (9th overall). Emma Carter (31st) and Alison Fenwick (77th) both ran strong races. All 3 brought home the bronze team medal for the V45-55 age category, just losing out to Tonbridge in 2nd position by 34 seconds. Special mention must be made to Alison who due to our usual stalwarts being unable to make this event, Alison dropped down an age group to make up the team and enabled us to win a medal.
nIn the 8k men's race there was some fast running over the tough hills and long downhill stretches with Wayne Bevan finishing 32nd, Pete Sansome 56th and Rob Carter 98th, completing the team, which finished 6th overall.
nThis was a fantastic end to a very enjoyable cross country season and the masters events should be on the radar of all Winchester athletes over 35. An exceptionally well organised event by BMAF and assisted by Tonbridge.