WITH his recent four-medal haul at the European Masters Athletics Championships in Madrid still fresh in the memory, seasoned international Phil Brennan medalled for Great Britain yet again, this time at the European Masters Non-stadia Championships in Alicante.
Before departing, Stratford Athletic Club’s Brennan had thought he had an outside chance of a podium finish in the 10km road race but no chance at all of a medal in the half marathon, due to the strength of the field. However, things turned out a little differently.
The 10km went pretty much as he had predicted. With the effects of the previous week’s Stratford half marathon still in his legs and the excessive afternoon heat proving troublesome, he managed to finish in fourth place, just shy of a podium finish, in a time of 51:20.
It was then on to the cross-country team relay event. The teams consisted of three runners, with each runner having to complete a 2km leg. Brennan was part of the British team which finished in the silver medal position in a time of 32:36, trailing the winning Swiss team.
Brennan’s final event was the half marathon, in which he really did not fancy his chances. He spent the whole race defending what he thought was fourth or fifth place against a couple of Swiss competitors but it turned out he was actually in third place – a position he was able to maintain throughout the race – thus ensuring a bronze medal.
He was greatly relieved the 8am start meant the temperature was not too high.
It was another successful international event for Brennan, who returned with two more medals to add to his growing collection.
