WESTBURY runner Fiona Price, who represented Great Britain at the World Masters Half Marathon Championship in Hungary, is celebrating after winning a Silver medal with the GB team and achieving fifth place overall in her age group. Fiona notched up her second best ever time of 1:27:58.
The mum-of-four was selected for the Great Britain team based on her previous running times and was joined by team-mates Sian and Lisa Finlay.
Fiona said, “It was amazing! I was hoping to be in the top ten in my age category but to come fifth exceeds all my wildest expectations. It’s my first international half marathon and different to races I’ve run previously because there were six laps rather than a continuous road race. I had to look out for my competitors and just try and move up the rankings. It was warm and sunny which suited me for running.”
Fiona was joined in Budapest by 500 athletes from 70 different countries with the half marathon taking place on Sunday 30th March. She said, “It was great to see all the flags flying and there was an amazing atmosphere.
“22 people came out to watch me run and I’d like to say a massive thank you to them and to all my family and friends who have supported me along the way, and especially to my coach Martin Rush.”
Next, Fiona will be running competitively in the London Marathon on Sunday 13th April. She said, “I’m really excited, I love London. Last year I came 7th in my age category so I’d like to see if I can improve on that or maybe break the three hour barrier.
Fiona first took up running in 2007, aged 40, as part of a charity fundraiser for Headway after a friend’s niece had a serious moped accident. She was first a member of Westbury Running Group and later joined Avon Valley Runners in 2010.
Fiona says, “You’re never too old to start running; join Avon Valley Runners’ beginners’ session on Tuesdays up at Trowbridge Rugby Club 7.00pm (6.45pm meet).”
