NATIONAL HONOUR: John Clifford, who helped the England men’s team to over 45s title at the British and Irish Masters cross country event in Swansea at the weekend
NATIONAL HONOUR: John Clifford, who helped the England men’s team to over 45s title at the British and Irish Masters cross country event in Swansea at the weekend

Athletics

EVENWOOD Road Runner John Clifford was selected and ran for the England team at the British and Irish Masters International Cross Country held at Swansea last Saturday.

The masters is for runners of veteran age from 35 years upwards. John, 47, from St Helen Auckland was selected for England in the over 45 category for those aged 45 to 49.

It was the third year running he has been selected for England.

The race included the best athletes from each of the four home nations plus the Republic of Ireland. 

The top six runners from the different masters regions around the country were selected for England. 

In John’s race were the over 35s, over 40s and over 45s. 

John finished 16th in the over 45 category and fourth England runner in his age group, therefore counting in the team points as England won the men’s over 45 team prize.