Bronze Medal Glory for B&H AC Master’s Men at Southern Road Relays!

We were fortunate to have beautiful British weather for the SEAA South of England Road Relays held at Aldershot, with clear blue skies, no clouds, and a pleasant 16-degree temperature. The turnout was huge, with teams coming from as far away as Cornwall to compete against some of the best in the country.

This event marked my first time serving as the Winter Team Manager, which came with its own set of concerns. Our coaches were unavailable due to illness or other commitments, and transitioning from the summer track season to longer distances with hills and different terrains presented a selection challenge. However, my worries were unfounded. Our athletes not only performed brilliantly but also demonstrated exceptional organisational skills. They walked the course, warmed up properly, and ensured they were on the start line on time. It was heartening to witness our older athletes guiding their younger or new counterparts, advising on everything from using the ankle chips to race strategies—a testament to our team spirit.

Our athletes exhibited flexibility and adaptability, adjusting to last-minute team changes caused by unexpected illnesses and injuries. Some of our runners moved teams or ended up on a leg that was not their preferred one, but all did so willingly and with determination. The day was not without drama as one of our runners had to withdraw mid-race due to being unwell. Despite their disappointment, the smile was back on their face later in the afternoon. We had Mia D insisting on running despite missing training all week due to illness and then still giving the team a solid result. Also due to team changes Layla, who only recently joined the club, had to run her first team relay race in a team made up of just herself but she got out there and put in a strong performance.

My thanks also to Duncan, who supported me throughout the day doing pretty much anything and everything!

by Jay Potton