Hogweed Trotters Running Club are making history through the selection of three of their runners representing England in the Bristol 10k International Race on Sunday 25th September.
Master Athletics start at age 35 moving in five-year Age Groups to 89 and to compete as a Master Athlete for England, you have to qualify and then be selected.
England Athletics’ selection process opens opportunities for England Athletics registered club runners, such as members of Hogweed Trotters, to achieve their full running potential and ambition.
The three Hogweed Trotter runners (picture above) selected by England Athletics are:
Caroline Lavis started running aged 67. Parkruns at Chipping Sodbury were her starting point in 2014, from which a slow progressive career blossomed.
By 2019 in the Veteran Women 70-74 age category, Caroline improved to being one of the fastest parkrun runners in the UK.
To qualify for this year’s Bristol International 10k Caroline travelled to Chessington in Surrey and finished 1st in her age group.
This will be Caroline’s fourth England selection. This demonstrates what can be achieved through hard work and membership with Hogweed Trotters club.
Pat Curtis started running in her 50’s and went on to gain her first England vest by qualifying in the Valentines 10k at Chessington, Surrey in February 2022. She was the 1st England Athletics registered athlete earning her rightful place in the England Team for the England v Wales at the Bristol International 10k.
Pat was the 1st VW65-69 lady finisher in the recent Hogweed Trot 10k and Berkeley 10k this year. Together with Caroline, she competed in the National British Masters 5k road relay championship at Sutton Coldfield being placed 2nd of all UK clubs.
Pat has been a stalwart member of Hogweed Trotters for over 17 years being involved in coaching and helping the club in many ways.
Mary Derrick comes from a triathlon background with swimming, cycling and running experience. She has also been a county level hockey player, illustrating that Hogweed Trotters attracts members from any sporting background.
In the five years that Mary has been a member of Hogweed Trotters her times have consistently improved culminating in her England Athletics International selection. Mary qualified for her England Athletics Masters place at the Bourton-on-the-Water selection 10k race in February 2022.
Hogweed Trotters is a club for everyone wishing to run. Hogweed Trotters Club includes members of various age categories and mixed abilities. Whilst providing opportunities to excel to an England Athletics standard, the club also caters for members seeking to get and keep fit and enjoy their social well-being.