Dynamic duo: John and Keith Shapland earning England vests for all the family

It is not a secret that genes run within a family, but for the Shaplands, so do England vests! Dad, John, and son, Keith, have risen through the masters running ranks to secure England vests over cross country and the roads, and have done it all alongside each other.

Finding the love for running

For both Keith and John, it was a love of football which led them into our sport.

“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,”

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

“I played football until I was 48 and had done a couple of marathons, so decided to take up running,”

added John. “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.”

Sharing success and choosing highlights

Despite being at different stages in their running careers and life, it’s amazing to see both John and Keith achieving some fantastic results. John has not only had domestic success but has even travelled around the world with the British Masters team!

“My personal highlights have been representing England at cross country international races, with the big highlight winning the gold medal at the 2014 World Masters Cross Country Championships in Budapest, after getting the bronze the previous year in Brazil. Another great experience was helping Great Britain to take home a team gold medal, as well as winning a silver in the half marathon.

“After that I had a serious knee injury and an osteotomy which kept me out of running for three years, so it has been all about getting back to working towards an England vest – something which I didn’t think would be possible at the time. To be able to achieve this now for five consecutive years has been a real achievement, and to run it with Keith this year will be really special.”

“Dad has achieved monumental success in the last ten years or so, but for me my personal highlight would be breaking the 16 minute barrier for the 5k in 15:42,” explained Keith. “It was something I never thought I would do. Being able to qualify for England this year after missing out in Brighton last year has been extremely pleasing.”

Toeing the line together

There are not many people in the country who can say they will toe the line at a major race with their relative, never mind whilst wearing a national vest – something which brings immense pride to our duo.

“It is a fantastic feeling to have secured the England vest,” explained Keith. “I missed out when I was V40 as I tweaked my calf during the Telford 10k and then missing out in Brighton recently was very disappointing. So now I have qualified, I’m really delighted to run for England and in the same race as my dad will make it extra special.

Despite it being less about who crosses the line first, it’s fantastic to see just how much it means to John and Keith to be able to experience this together.

“When I was playing football dad was always a lot quicker than me in any kind of running race, so competitiveness was never really on the agenda. There was a brief time when our times were similar but now, I would say it is a huge privilege to be able to take part in races together.”

John added, “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.”

There’s no time like the present

Running really is for everyone, and masters competitions provide excellent competitive opportunities for those over 35 – something which John and Keith are both passionate about.

On targeting an England vest, John advises:

“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.”

Keith adds,

“I would advise anyone to give it a go. The chance and honour of getting to represent your country are few and far between so you really have nothing to lose by registering your interest.”