NEMAA Shines at Inter Area Challenge - Best Finish Ever! Report by Stuart Lynn

Sunday saw a spectacular display of talent, determination, and team spirit as the North East Masters Athletics Association (NEMAA) took to the track for this year’s Inter Area Challenge at the University of York. With nearly 50 athletes making the trip, our largest squad to date, the team included world champions, national champions, regional champions, and a number of masters league regulars stepping onto the national stage for the very first time.
Facing a field stacked with the UK’s top masters athletes, the competition was fierce, but the camaraderie and mutual support were equally impressive.
The combined NEMAA team delivered a historic performance, finishing 5th overall with 467 points, just 20 points shy of 3rd place. This marks our best-ever finish at the IAC, made even more remarkable by the fact that we were unable to field athletes in 17 events.
Contributions from our men’s and women’s teams were almost perfectly balanced. The men’s team amassed 236 points, securing 4th place, only 16 points from a podium finish, while the women’s team scored 231 points, finishing 6th and just 19 points behind 3rd place.
Several NEMAA all-time records were broken, with standout performances from Daniel Bradford (M35 ,1500m), Gavin Card (M45 Pole Vault), Carolyn Gale (W75 1500m),Gavin Bayne (M70 1500m),Angela Richings (W60 High Jump),Carole Urwin (W80 =Long Jump) and Stuart Lynn (M65 200m). In addition to these achievements, the day was filled with exceptional performances too numerous to list individually.
Every athlete contributed to making this a record-breaking occasion, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who competed, as well as those who came to cheer and support. Your energy, dedication, and sportsmanship truly made the North East proud.
Here’s to building on this momentum for next year!
All the best,
George & Stuart

​Full results and points can be seen on the results page