A WELLINGTON Museum volunteer is setting the pace as an England international runner.

Archivist and steward Christine Williams races in the 70+ category for England gaining England Age Group Masters’ representative honours in 10K road racing on three occasions.

A member of Taunton Athletics Club, her latest international outing was at the Bideford 10K on May 10 with the group whose ages range from 35 to over 75.

It was a welcome return to the course where she claimed victory last summer in one of the four qualifying races in a time of 55min 48sec to gain a spot in the international event.

Despite being plagued by injury and illness, Christine was delighted with her performance finishing just outside the medal places in the female veterans’ 70+ category.

“It was my first competitive race since last September,” said Christine. “I was just glad to get back out there. All things considered, I was happy to clock a time of 56.32.”

Christine moved to Somerset in 2023, and took up running late in life, at 67. She started competing competitively for her local Wymondham AC when races resumed after the Covid.

Her running has taken her across the country representing England Masters in Chester and Newcastle, with qualifying races in Telford and Bristol.

“When I first took up running, I never dreamed I would run in an England vest,” said Christine. “It was only after winning my age group in the City of Norwich 10K that it was pointed out that my time was well inside the England qualifying time for my age.”

Christine clocked up another milestone last summer when she was cheered on by large crowds lining the streets of Inverness shaving more than two minutes off her personal best time at 53.09 to win her age category in the River Ness 10K.