By Jon Holl and Steve Suttle
Two Thanet Roadrunners ran the Chester Marathon on Sunday (October 6) representing their club and country.
We are all used to watching young elite athletes at the top of their game on television, but Masters Athletics continues to give top quality athletes the opportunity to represent their country after age 35.
Dave Winch is in his late 70s and Steve Suttle in his late 60s. They are still at the top of their game, representing England at master’s level.
Dave Winch has represented England at Masters level for several years. He was joined by Steve Suttle for the first time this year.
They travelled to Chester by train without a hitch. Unfortunately, their hotel room was in ‘party central’ with loud music being played until 2am.
Like true athletes both Steve and Dave said this had no effect on race day! They focused on the task and conditions were good for running. Both performed beyond expectations.
Dave has not enjoyed his last three marathons but he was certainly back on form with a top class 3.45.46 which won him both the England and British Masters gold medals!
Steve ran really even splits, showing he’s improving even in his late 60s. He ran 3.31.55 which he was delighted with!
With Steve being in the V65 category and Dave in the V75 category, these times and results are truly inspiring and deserve so much praise.
Thanet Roadrunners Chairwoman Julie Neaves said: “Dave and Steve are inspirational people. They show that age is just a number. Their results are a result of hours and hours of training. They make the club very proud.”
