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The Heath's record-breaking sprinter Darren Scott retains his European Masters

Veteran sprinter Darren Scott won the toughest race of his life when he successfully defended his M45 200 metre title at the European Masters Athletics Championships in Aarhus, Denmark.

Darren, 48, who is a fitness instructor at The Heath Leisure Suite in Runcorn, is World, European and UK Champion over 200 metres and has been undefeated for a staggering 12 years in his main sprint event. He clinched the gold medal in a thrilling three-way finish beating runner-up Xavier Ortiz Bosch from Spain and Mattias Sunneborn of Sweden who took bronze.

Afterwards an overjoyed Darren said: “That was by far the toughest race of my life. Three of us were neck and neck going to the line and I just managed to thrust myself in front right on the line in a truly epic finish.”

Darren, who recorded a time of 23.24 seconds, fell to the ground as he dipped to victory injuring his knee and wrist. However undeterred by his injuries, he then went on to race to gold in the 4x100 metres relay and take a silver medal in the 4x400 metre relay. Darren was one of more than 4,000 athletes from 40 countries who competed in the European Masters Athletics Championships staged from July 27 to August 6.

Now the intrepid runner is setting his sights on further record breaking glory in 18 months’ time when he will turn 50 and will be able to compete in the M50 category of Masters Athletics. Said Darren: “There’s a lot of world records in the M50 category which I want to break, so that’s my next goal though I am also competing in decathlons too.”

Darren only took up athletics when he was 21 and quickly became a top-class 200 metre sprinter representing Scotland at international level. But when he turned 35-years-old, he became eligible for Masters’ competitions where he literally took the world by storm. He currently holds more than 50 club, UK, British, European and World titles competing against athletes who in their heyday have graced Olympics’ tracks.

His wife Rebecca was in Aarhus to cheer Darren on and relay news of his triumphs to colleagues at The Heath Leisure Suite. More/2

Mark McGrath, Manager of the Leisure Suite based at The Heath Business and Technical Park, said: “Darren’s a fantastic competitor who always wants to be number one. His enthusiasm and determination is infectious. It’s great to have him as a fitness coach inspiring our gym members and also inspiring our staff too. We are immensely proud of his wonderful achievements. He’s a terrific advertisement to what you can achieve as you get older, and he demonstrates that age is but a number — and doesn’t need to stop you from being a winner if you put your mind to it and train hard.”

To find out more about the business park and how to join The Heath Leisure Suite visit www.theheath.com

About The Heath
The Heath Business and Technical Park is a phenomenal regeneration success story. Formed in 2000, its owner and operator, SOG Ltd, has transformed a once single occupancy corporate facility into a thriving independent business park. The Heath now provides office and laboratory accommodation for more than 120 individual organisations, ranging from business services and IT specialists to those at the cutting edge of science, research and advanced manufacturing. Around 2,000 people are employed at the site. For further information, telephone 01928 515988 or visit www.theheath.com

For more information, please see:
www.theheath.com

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
8th August 2017