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Greg Wilson - V50 Champion Telford AC's Greg Wilson is celebrating being crowned the British and Irish Over 50 Masters Cross Country Champion. Greg from Wrockwardine Wood was selected to represent the England Masters team in the British and Irish Cross Country Championships held at Callendar Park, Falkirk, Scotland. Greg has been in fine form since turning 50 earlier in the year and has had good performances in the road and cross country relays,the North Wales and Birmingham League races, as well as winning the Bells of Pattingham Multi Terrain Race. His selection for the English team was confirmed after he had an excellent run in several major English Masters Championship races the most recent the 10k held in Swansea. He was delighted with his selection, as although he was selected before he was unable to take his place in the team through injury. That was 5 years ago when co incidently the championships were being held at the same Falkirk venue. Greg has two Masters bronze medals to his credit for performances in previous individual championships but he has never previously represented his country and collected the famous English vest. On this occasion he collected a gold for winning the race and another gold as he led the English team to win the team race with Wales second, Scotland 3rd, Northern Ireland 4th and Ireland 5th. He won the race over an undualting 8 kilometre course which was firm but wet after days of rain. The course was to Greg's liking and he was very satisfied with his performance. Although as all the veterans categories from over 40 to over 70 ran in the same race, Greg was not aware he had actually won his age group until he heard the announcer declare him the winner seconds after he had crossed the line. He admits to becoming quite emotional as he had realised a lifetime dream of becoming the best over 50 cross country runner in Britain and Ireland. He is now looking forward to a good winter with eye catching performances in the North Wales and Birmingham League as well as County Championships to come, before he concentrates on his build up to an appearance in the London Marathon. Paul Sanderson Greg seen below winning The Bells Of Pattingham 15-0ct-06 Bells of Pattingham photo courtesy of Brian Smith |