Masters set to defy age

Athletic Northland masters are fit and poised for action at the North Island Masters' Championships at Inglewood next weekend.
Aged from 52 to 79 years, they have all entered in a range of events that much younger athletes would find daunting, over the three days from Friday to Sunday. Most are quietly determined to win gold - or at least to medal - in their age group.
Ian Calder (53), the youngster of the team, has decided to forego the Kerikeri half-marathon on Saturday in favour of competing at Inglewood in the hotly-contested 50-54 age-group. He has entered the 800 metres, 1500m, 3000m and 5000m and will be aiming to repeat former wins at North Island and NZ Masters' championships. He is the current Oceania 50-54 titleholder over 800m, 1500m and the half-marathon.
At 80 years, Wini Pepene is the oldest team member and has entered the shot put, hammer throw, discus, javelin, weight throw, and weight pentathlon.
Colleen Brunker (79) will contest six events in the 75-79 group - including the weight pentathlon - and can be expected to feature in many finishes.
Colin McLeod, Beth McLeod, Barbara Austin, Val Babe and Nancy Bowmar are also expected to add to Northland's haul of gold.