WEYMOUTH runner Ian Middlebrook picked up a bronze medal in his age group while representing the England Masters team in an international competition at the Manchester marathon.
Middlebrook, 61, who runs for Egdon Heath Harriers, completed the course in a time of 2:53:38 to finish just behind Rob McGrath (England) and Peter Norris (Wales) in the M60 category.
The International Masters race saw the country’s top veteran runners from England, Wales and Northern Ireland go head-to-head in five-year age groups from 35 up to 70-plus.
The Manchester marathon is the second largest in the UK, with 28,000 finishers this year covering a route that stretches from Old Trafford out to Altrincham and back through the city centre.
Three other local runners lined up in Manchester as part of the England team; Julie Wargent also of Egdon Heath Harriers (F50, 3:18:11), Karen Mitchell of Dorchester RIOT (F55, 3:26:42) and Nigel Haywood of Purbeck Runners (M70, 3:58:55).
Speaking to the Echo after the race, Middlebrook said: "I was very pleased to finish in the top three in a highly competitive field. The course at Manchester is mainly flat, conditions were ideal for fast times and this was my quickest marathon since 2021. It's a great honour to represent my country and always feels special to pull on the England vest."
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