A U.S. contingent of 13 athletes is in Ponta do Pargo-Madeira, Portugal for the two-event 22nd World Masters Mountain Running Championships on September 15 and 17. At Saturday’s uphill race, five medals were awarded to U.S. athletes – two gold, one silver, and two bronze.
Welcome World Masters athletes
On Thursday, September 14, many of the U.S. athletes had already arrived and participated in the opening ceremony and parade. Local dancers delighted the crowd who formed a conga-line procession through the town square with members in the audience jumping in to dance, cheer, and clap. Speeches were given by officials from the local organizing committee, the World Mountain Running Association, and the World Masters Association.
Part of the USA contingent at the World Masters Mountain Running Championships opening ceremony.
It was evident that the organizers were delighted to host the event and enthusiastically welcome the more than 400 athletes representing 20 nations. The view from the town square to the ocean was enhanced by the many flags positioned around the venue blowing in the breeze. Following the ceremony, many athletes enjoyed the pre-race pasta dinner.
The uphill race
There were four different starts for the uphill race with the Women 55-75 age categories staring at 9AM, followed by the Men 55-75 at 9:30, the Women 35-50 at 10:15, and the Men 35-50 at 10:45. Weather was clear and comfortable at the start with temperatures in the upper 60s, but the conditions would change throughout the nearly 6 mile uphill course before reaching the high point at just over 4000 feet, a gain of more than 2600 feet.
Starting in the village square, the course started on asphalt and immediately started to climb. After a little over one half mile, the route turned onto a single track and continued a steady climb to reach a wider dirt path (much like a 4-wheel drive road) that would be the surface for much of the race. With just under a quarter mile to go, the path reached a paved road for several hundred feet before turning to grass for the final downhill sprint to the finish.
Nancy Hobbs on the upper section of the course. Photo: Tomo Sarf
The terrain throughout ranged from rich, red clay, to pine needles and leaves, with some rocks strewn along the dirt path. A few small stream crossings on the upper reaches of the course were easily navigated and mostly jumped over by the athletes. The course (from this runner’s perspective having competed in the race), was excellent for masters’ competition as it had great variety, was runable throughout (or power hiking in the steeper sections), provided forested sections and open sections. There were even some cows grazing on the upper reaches of the course.
While the start was clear and comfortable, the humidity increased throughout the climb and fog rolled in. Although there was no rain on the day, temperatures at the summit for the first few hours of the event were cool and overcast before clearing. By the time many of the runners in the latter start groups finished, the skies became sunny and temperatures warmed.
Men’s 70 age group podium.
The results
With individual and team medals on the line (top three men and women in each category and team medals for the top three nations in each category – the top three athletes per nation score for the team and if there are not three full teams, scoring of the top two from a country then count for team results), competition was sure to be fierce, but friendly. Part of the vibe of the championships is the coming together of nations and building friendships with fellow competitors.
World Masters Individual Medals
Italy led the individual medal count with 10, followed by Great Britain with nine, five for Germany, four for Ireland and Spain, three for Portugal, France and USA, two for Poland, and one each for Denmark, Bulgaria, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia.
Men’s race
Eric Blake, 44, (USA), had the fastest time on the day at 43:11 to win gold in the M40 category. Second fastest time went to M45 winner Shaban Mustaga, (BUL) who posted a time of 44:03. USA’s Mike Popejoy won the M35 category with the day’s third fastest time of 44:36. Additional gold medalist on the men’s side were Paul Faulkner, (GBR), in the M50 category timed in 47:06, Joaquim Figueiredo (POR) 47:11 for the M55 win, Colin Donnelly (GBR) 51:12 for the M60 win, Martin McDonald (IRL) 55:26 for the M65 win, Aurelio Moscato (ITA) 1:00:41 for the M70 win, and Claude Dechandon (FRA) 1:03:14 for the M75 win.
Women’s race
Fastest on the day for women was Charlotte Cotton (BEL) who won the W40 category in 52:41 to earn the sole gold medal for her country. W35 Dee Collins (IRL) 57:58, W45 Angela Serena (ITA) 57:54, W50 Lou Osborn (GBR) 55:48, Nives Carobbio (ITA) 54:58, W60 Ana Mori (ESP) 1:02:54, W65 Hilary Spenceley (GBR) 1:10:24, W70 Ann-Marie Jones (GBR) 1:10:08, W75 Barbara Prymakowska (POL) 1:35:21
Both Italy and Ireland led the way in the medal haul with seven apiece, followed by Portugal and Great Britain with five each, Germany, Spain, and Austria four, USA two and one medal each for Romania, Slovenia and Japan.
Nancy Hobbs and Suzy West earn team bronze in the W60 age group.
World Masters Team USA results
Women
W60 Nancy Hobbs, third in 1:05:39; Suzy West, seventh in 1:12:25 – Bronze medal team
W70 Kristina Hindert seventh in 1:45:10
Men
M35 Mike Popejoy, first in 44:36
M40 Eric Black, first in 43:11; Brett Winegar, seventh in 49:56
M60 Bob Jones, 24th in 1:09:34
M65 Richard Ferguson, 16th in 1:12:30
M70 Buzz Burrell, fifth in 1:06:36; Len Hall, eighth in 1:09:11; Bob Mulvaney in 11th in 1:14:27 – Silver medal team
Complete results can be found here. For an article from the WMRA on the event, click here.
Next event – World Masters Mountain Running Championships: Long Race
On Sunday, September 17, the 32K long distance race will be held with women starting at 8AM, followed by the men at 8:30. The awards ceremony will be at 5PM and will include passing the WMRA flag to Canfranc-Canfranc, host of the 2024 World Mountain Running Championships.
The majesty of Madeira.
