BORDERS runner Sara Green was the first female home at the European Masters 1/2 Marathon Championships in Pescara Italy last week.

Taking on some of the best runners in Europe, Gala Harrier Green completed the race in a time of 1:17:28 comfortably winning an individual gold in the W40 category and helping Great Britain pick up a team gold in the W35 category.

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The 41-year-old PE teacher – who covers Channelkirk, Westruther, St Margaret’s, Stow, Kirkhope and Yarrow primary schools – is now looking forward to the start of the cross country season and the British and Irish Masters tournament, which is being held at Tollcross in Glasgow on November 11.

Green said: “It’s all a bit surreal and not sunk in yet. The race was more tactical then I’m used to. I was running in the W40 category but also for the W35 team.

Border Telegraph: Sara Green Photo Ewen Graham

“The start was manic and there were a few fallers and I lost track of the runners in my category. I had a race plan but had to change it after 10k and then again at 16k.

“Because of the heat I had to have a sip of water at each station to keep hydrated. There was a 3k stretch at the end with no shade so I had to make sure I had enough energy.

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“I knew I was clear in my own category and was second to a W35 runner but beating her mattered for the team and I was able to draw level with her at 18k.

“I knew that if I could pull away I could win the whole race and that’s what happened.

“I’m pleased with my time considering the heat but it was more about getting the win so I’m really chuffed.

“And at least I have put a smile on my coach Neil Renton’s face.”

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It has been a successful season on the road for the Gala Harrier who in April won the Scottish Marathon Championships at the London Marathon in a time of 2.44.41, smashing her personal best.