That's the spirit as Kathy toasts a double
Veteran Wrekin road runner Kathy Ling has double reason to celebrate – after winning trophies in two racing events on the same day.
No sooner had the 72-year-old caught her breath after running a 5k race in the Les Foulees du Bord de Loire in Jargeau, France, she was on the start line for event's 10k distance.
Ling came first in her category (O/70) in the 5k and second in the 10k, despite the race director insisting she underwent a medical before competing.
She was joined by fellow Wrekin elder statesmen, Paul Williams, Ian Emery and Ken Richards, at the event.
And although winning two cups may have come as a pleasant surprise for Ling, the refreshment she was offered on course came something of a nasty shock – it was Pernod.
Kathy said: "I booked in for the 5k and the 10k and got a strange look from the race director who insisted I had a medical.
"He told me I had to be back within the hour for the 5k and I said I'd give it a go.
"Then 37 minutes later I came in and changed my number ready for the 10k – this had never been done before.
"I was watched very closely by one of the marshals. The first half of the 10k was on roads. A lady came out and offered me a drink which I thought was grapefruit juice.
"I took a big swig then realised the pasty liquid was Pernod. I quickly handed the glass back!
"The second half of the race went alongside the Loire river. I went a bit astray, but soon found my way back to a great welcome.
"Paul Williams did a very good time in the 10k. We flew the Wrekin Road Runners flag in France and very proud we were."
Results: 10k – Paul Williams, 52.45; Kathy Ling, 1.27.00. 5k – Kathy Ling, 37.00; Ian Emery, 43.38; Ken Richards, 44.22.