This event has been run since 2008 in memory of Joe Moran of Manchester Harriers and is open to athletes aged 35 and over.  It’s a great event for anyone thinking of trying out track and field for the first time in a very relaxed and non-threatening environment.  Athletes are encouraged to try several events during the two hour duration of the event – running, jumping and throwing.

Jed Turner, Caroline Brock and myself competed in this year’s event.  Caroline focused on the 3000 metres, leading her event throughout in blustery conditions and comfortably winning the F35 age category.

Jed went for the 200, 400 and 800 metres, whilst I chose the 800m, 1500m and javelin.  We both added the shot putt event where it turned out that being built like matchstick men and having no clue what we are doing is a bit of a limitation.  Gosh those shot putts are heavy!  We somehow managed to “achieve” exactly the same distance and shared a bronze medal between us.

The very last event of the day turned out to be the highlight – the M70 400 metres.  There were no Striders in this one, but it did feature Geoff Beattie from Sale Harriers, well known to many of you I am sure, and Mike Quinn from Sheffield Running Club.  There were a couple more M70’s, and for most of them it was their third or fourth event of the evening.  A very close event saw them heading up the home straight almost in a line, with Mike edging out Geoff to get into the medals.

Definitely one worth looking out for next year, particularly if you have always fancied having a go at track racing but find it all a bit intimidating – it’s very friendly and relaxed and you may just find out you are a brilliant high jumper.  There is also a high chance you’ll be heading back across the Pennines with a shiny medal or two!

The full results can be found here.