The women's Vets team are Southern Counties League Champions for only the second time in the Club's history. Two years ago they took the title by just half a point in Horspath (and last year finished second). This year's triumph at the Linford Christie Stadium on 27 September by a much more comfortable eight points has left team manager Anna Garnier almost out of superlatives, not only for those who competed on the day, but for everyone who took part over the four-match series which saw the team top the local League to qualify for the Finals. ' I am so proud of everyone', she says.
'The whole summer was an adventure with this wonderful group of women, who gave everything and would do anything asked of them to fill a gap and make sure every event was covered – such as running in a 100m relay when your favoured distance is the marathon'.
Ever mindful of that nail-biting finish two years ago, she cannot stress enough that every contribution can make the vital difference. The spirit and camaraderie within the squad was epitomised at the second match at Epsom on a hot and rainy night where, says Anna, 'we were missing some key athletes so just nine of us covered more or less every event. The support, determination, encouragement and huge amounts of positivity everyone gave each other all season made team-managing a pleasure, not least because of the fun everyone has had. We are there to win, but also to enjoy ourselves!'
With so many outstanding performances across all the matches, she is reluctant to single out individual achievements, 'but', she says, 'I have to give a very special mention to our field-eventers, Teresa Bowden, Jacqueline Richardson and Maria Kirkbride who between them scored over 100 points in the Finals, with Teresa winning the trophy for highest scoring athlete (over nine events, including the 100m and 200m) for the second year running'.
The men's team finished in sixth, equalling last year's result, as injuries plagued the squad, nevertheless says team manager John Foley, 'people stepped up and there was a great turnout and attitude, with ages spanning from 35 to 82'.
As illustrated by the legendary Peter Giles, 'there is no finishing line when it comes to competing for Hercules Wimbledon', says John. Nothing illustrated that commitment more than a second place for the 4 x 400m relay team, 'a combined 30-40 years older than the first-placed team!'
As always there is much mutual support and respect between the two squads. 'Once we realised we were in the lead and things got a bit more serious, it helped so much to have the guys shouting and cheering for us,' says Anna.
Many of the Club's vets warmed up for the Finals at the BMAF Championships in Derby (11-13 September) where Anna Garnier won gold in the W70 400m and silver in the 800m and 1500m. Lisa Thomas (W60) also claimed gold in the 200m and 400m and silver in the 800m. while Men's Vets team manager, John Foley (M60) claimed gold in the 3000m (left) in 10:08.12 to improve his own Club M60 record.
Charlie Eastaugh marked turning thirty-five with gold in the 1500m, plus there were bronze medals for Mark Andrews in the M35 discus and Matt de Freitas in the M55 1500m.
The ever versatile Peter Giles (M80) won gold in the 800m and 5000m, setting a new British record of 3:00.40 in the 800m. Peter is one of four athletes with a combined age of over 300 years who have been chosen by Altra shoes for their Legacy Team, whose experiences are to be recorded in a book, The Long Run, aimed at inspiring younger generations to keep on running.