Derbyshire runner claims gold at World Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi

Simon Ward, who grew up in Buxton recently relocated back to Lea Bridge, near Matlock – a location that’s been ideal for his training and preparation with this year’s gold medal goal in mind.

What Derbyshire could not prepare him for though is the sweltering heat he faced in the Middle East. Simon said: " The race took place in extremely hot conditions, making for a challenging run on the city’s roads.

He added: "The victory is particularly meaningful as I faced significant setbacks last year, including a pulmonary embolism and a torn hamstring that saw me in intensive care. To go from that to standing on the top podium just 16 weeks later has been incredible."

"I work in IT, which gives me lots of time to train, and focused on running for 2025, having previously been in World Duathlon Championships and also cross country skiing as a master. At 55 years old, this was going to have to be the year.

"This was a culmination of a dream I have had since I was 8 years old, I missed out on many Olympic Trials and even changed sports completely and became a professional racing driver for a number of years. My heart was always in running, and I felt that I had to have the right environment-living alone and training in the Peak District was all I needed. "

The Masters games are open to all adults aged 30 and above (swimming events for ages 25 and above), regardless of skill level, embracing the philosophy of “lifelong sports” and “sports for all.”

Simon has no plans to hang up his running shoes just yet though and is now focusing on competing at the World Athletics Championships this August, as well as the world road running championships in Copenhagen.

He said: "There is still room for more medals on the wall, I just hope I can reward the wonderful support in my village and from my friends who have followed me for 40 years of racing."