Over 2400 athletes from 44 countries took part in these championships held in Torun, Poland from the 23rd -28th of March. The championships are open to anyone, there are no qualifying standards, you pay your money and you can have a go at any of the athletic disciplines.
Seven athletes from our local area took part: Sharon Greenwood W40, Mark Davies M35, Steve Hallas M40 and Alan Appleby M65 all from Preston Harriers along with Alex Rowe M55 of Wesham and Greg Oulton M45 and Graham Webster M60 of Lytham St Annes.
Sharon and Mark competed in the 200 and 400metres, Steve in the 1500, 3000 and X-C and Alan in the X-C. Alex competed in the 1500, 3000 and X-C, Greg in the 3000 and X-C and Graham in the 800, 1500, 3000 and X-C.

After heats and finals Sharon came away with a silver medal in the 400m, posting a time of 60.00.35secs.
In a close run final the Spanish athlete Yolanda Badia won in 59.17 with the Italian Cristina Sanulli in third.
In the X-C Alan also gained a silver medal. After leading most of the way he was outsprinted in the run to the finish by a Polish athlete with a French chap in third.
The athletes returned to the UK on Saturday tired after a strenuous week but looking forward to future Masters Championships for the friendliness and comradeship that goes with them.