Bideford family running for the nation

When it comes to running, the Shapland clan have taken their family achievements to a new level.

Dad John and son Keith, from Bideford Amateur Athletics Club, have both won vests to run for the England Masters, while daughter Karen also runs for Bideford AAC and has qualified for GB in a Triathlon and an Aquathon this year.

The Shapland success was recently picked up in a superb article from England Athletics, showcasing their impressive journey to the national stage.

Keith said: “We both used running to keep fit whilst playing football. When I was 14, I ended up playing on the same football team as my dad for a couple of years. It wasn’t until I retired from football that I concentrated solely on running.

“When I still lived at home, we would occasionally go for some runs together, but I could never keep up!”

John added: “Keith was already a member of a club, North Devon Road Runners, so I joined too. We trained together and then after a couple of years moved over to Bideford AAC, who we both currently compete for. As well as training with Keith, my daughter, Karen, also joined the running club, so we had quite a family presence at the training sessions! It was a nice experience to be involved with them both.

“The days of me beating Keith in races have long gone, but I was really happy for him when he finished ahead of me for the first time.

“For anyone trying to qualify for an England masters vest, I would say just enter a qualification race, enjoy it and do your best. It gives you such a proud feeling to wear the England vest, so if you don’t try, you may never have the chance.”

Read the full story on www.englandathletics.org