Handing over of the WMRA World Masters Flag, Austria 2021
The 20th world masters mountain running championships was held in the Alps in Austria on Sep 4th this year in very warm and sunny conditions. Due to corona virus regulations the organisers were unable to have the usual festivities and cultural ceremonies associated with this event but never the less Andi Stern chief organiser in Telefes in Stubai Valley put on an excellent event with the help of over 300 volunteers. It was vibrant and exciting with athletes meeting and making new friendships as well as aggressively competing on a very challenging course.
We obviously do not have the soaring heights of the mountains in the Alps but as the members of WMRA the world masters running association put it” Clonmel will be equally challenging but in more technical and climate terms”.
With over 600 athletes from 21 countries competing this year there were 12 Irish participants and we are extremely proud of Ger Maloney (Glen Bhui Rovers, Wexford), who had a magnificent run winning the Silver Individual (over 60s ) medal in an incredible time of 45:10. The remainder of Irish had go grind it out especially having to run on oxygen deficit ( at 2000m – oxygen levels decrease from 21% to 16%). But oxygen deficit is no excuse! There is no hiding place in these races.
At the Presentation Ceremony in Telfes – The flag of the WMRA was handed over to Patricia and Tom Blackburn representing the organizers of the WMMRC 2022. Best of luck to all the planning team and in conjunction with the significant bodies in Clonmel who have already offered support we look forward to an exciting and successful Championships.
Go neirí libh!
