Athletics: Bruce Solomon sets masters mark

Tauranga's Bruce Solomon. Photo/Supplied

Tauranga masters athlete Bruce Solomon has led a strong Bay of Plenty charge at the 17th Oceania Masters Athletics Championships in Bendigo, Australia.

The prolific ex-pat South African, who holds numerous national masters records, is the proud new owner of the Oceania record in the M50 decathlon after a fine all-around showing.

A strong 1500m was enough to claim the title in a field in which three athletes broke the existing Oceania record set in 2008.

Solomon also claimed bronze medals in the opening days of competition in both the 60m and 100m, though strong head winds were not conducive for quick times.

Murray Clarkson ran a tactical 800m race in the M65 age group as the sole Kiwi in an eight-man field.

The initial slow pace was overtaken on the second lap, with Murray managing to stick with the leading bunch to take silver in a tight finish.

Barry Watson finished third in the M55-59 5000m, while Linda Reynolds was fifth in the W45-49 5000m.

More than 500 athletes competed from around Oceania with 65 from New Zealand, including five from the Bay of Plenty.