Words: Paul Chapman
Images: Marathonphotos & Sarah McNicholl
Running: Noun - is a method of terrestrial locomotion by which humans move rapidly on foot. Running is a gait with an aerial phase in which all feet are above the ground - this contrasts with walking!
Malcolm Rose and Ann Barker are both runners, members of the North Derbyshire Running Club, and they are very good ones at that. Malcolm is this year’s bronze medal winner in the Male M70 (that’s male aged 70 and over) England v Wales Masters 10K at Birmingham and Ann represented England at the same event in the Women’s W60 race, coming 7th in her category.
Malcolm’s introduction to running isn’t what you’d expect, his early running days as a child allowed him to pocket his school bus fare by running there! It wasn’t until much later in life that he took to running as a serious sport.
“I’ve only run properly for the last eight years,” explains Malcolm. “I have always suffered lower back pain since my 20’s and although it hospitalised me at times no doctor or consultant could ever offer me any effective advice.
“A friend introduced me to a book, ‘Treat Your Own Back’ by Robin McKenzie. This changed my life. The exercises slowly allowed me to bring the pain under control, it’s not cured but since my early 60’s it became manageable.”
Malcolm had found running and this love of running caused him to look for a way to celebrate. “I targeted a 10k run in Sheffield and to my surprise, won my category. I was approached by a local running club but eventually joined Penistone Footpath Runners & AC.”
In 2022 Malcolm moved from Stocksbridge to Holymoorside and was looking for a local club, he'd run the Dronfield 10K the year before and had spotted North Derbyshire Running Club jerseys. “I’d chatted to people from the club, and they all seemed really friendly and approachable,” says Malcolm. “I felt welcomed and included from the start and am now the new member coordinator at the club.”
Malcolm’s competitive journey started with him beating the qualifying times for his age categories. “To represent England, you need to qualify inside the required time and win in the top three,” he explains. “I finished in second place and qualified doing a race in Brighton, it was a terrible day, a howling gale was blowing with the sea crashing over the runners!
“My first race representing England was Chester in 2023, I entered the V70 category, and won the Chester 10K in my age category.” Malcolm followed this up with a 3rd place at the Birmingham event this year.
Ann, from Walton, has been running for years. Although we spoke about her recent events, she just happened to mention getting her county colours at age 38 and competing at Elite level in 2002 running marathons alongside Paula Radcliffe! The best part of being in the elite squad, no toilet queues apparently.
“I completed the first Chesterfield 10k in 2021 and a friend said what about trying out for England as my time was competitive,” says Ann. “I’d never considered this, as you get older, niggles and injuries affect you so easily.
“I entered the Telford 10K event in 2021, driving through a blizzard but unfortunately didn’t qualify there. I then went to Knutsford in October last year and although I finished 3rd the chip timing pushed me down to 4th so I didn’t qualify again.
“I wasn’t to be beaten, so entered the Leicester event in March this year, got a personal best for this era and came 2nd, so obtained my qualification to run for England at Birmingham.”
Finishing 7th at this event Ann was so proud to pull on an England vest and both her and Malcom talk of the overwhelming support from other runners and crowds at events across the UK. “It’s great to revel in the fact that you’re performing at an Elite level,” says Ann, remembering her days at age category events when you set off from the Elite pen but then await the stampede from younger club runners as 14,000 entrants are released!
“All these runners are your best mates on the day but when the gun goes, you’re all there to do the same job whether you’re age 35 or 85,” says Malcolm.
What struck me about the pair was how enthusiastic they both were about their running. Both are running well, both admit to not being spring chickens, and both are loving it. “What’s great about what we do is the ability to compete at any age due to the age category. It really is addictive, when you find your stride, whatever your age it feels great, and with the support of a good local club they can really help add to the enjoyment,’ says Ann.
If you’re inspired to put on some trainers and go for a run the NHS Couch to 5k app is a great starting point, it takes you through a gradual program from a gentle walk to running for 5k in just nine weeks. Once there you have the choice of a couple of local Parkruns at Poolsbrook Country park or Hassop Station (Monsal Trail) or you can attend the North Derbyshire Running Club.
In addition, the North Derbyshire Running Club offer a free support program to help you through the Couch to 5K, they also hold a monthly timed 5k at Queens Park on the first Saturday of the month, ‘No Walk in The Park’, like Parkrun at a cost of £5 a run.
Over to you, I might even see you on the trails!
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