SEVEN Kent athletes travelled to Belfast to compete in the British and Irish Masters cross-country in the magnificent Stormont Estate, but only one was able to officially represent their nation in the match race.

Clare Elms, of Dulwich Runners, has taken the masters scene by storm this year with W40 victories in the British championships at 5,000m and 10,000m.

Elms’ vest was awarded in Northern Ireland and for much of the 6km race she was amongst the leading W40 athletes overall but the last lap saw three team mates file past as she tired to finish fourth overall.

Tina Oldershaw (W40) of Paddock Wood won the women’s international reserves race, held over the identical course just before the five nation match featuring teams from England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The men’s reserves race over 8km featured three Kent athletes who went to support the event. Steve Smythe (M45) of Dulwich was an excellent 10th.