Hereford marathon runner Clara Evans has today been named as part of a 22-strong athletics squad heading to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.
Evans, 28, said:
“I got the call a couple of weeks ago but I had to keep the news really quiet so it’s nice to be able to finally celebrate with everyone. It’s also really exciting because the Games are in Birmingham so everyone can come and watch. Plus it’s my first ever major championships so I’m thrilled.”
She has certainly been on quite a journey in recent years. As recently as 2018 – when the most recent Commonwealth Games were hosted on Australia’s Gold Coast – the distance runner was simply “running for fun”:
“I’d race every weekend,” said Clara. “parkrun, local half marathons, cross countries, you name it – I’d run it. For me, it was something to do and I didn’t have big ambitions. But I was spotted by Welsh Athletics coach Chris Jones at a couple of races. He noticed I wasn’t far behind the athletes who’d just come back from the Commonwealth Games.
“He offered me support but I didn’t think too much more of it. But a couple of months later, I got in touch. I was curious to see if I could get any better. We started working together in late 2018.”
Since teaming up with Jones, she has shaved five minutes off her half marathon time – going from 75 minutes to 70. And what’s more, she is now Wales’ second fastest female marathon runner of all time. She has also pulled on a GB vest, competing at the 2020 World Half Marathon in Poland.
And she has twice achieved the Commonwealth Games qualifying time of 2:35:30 – once at the Olympic trials last year where she safely ducked in with a time of 2:32 and again in Rotterdam last October where she bettered her time, clocking in with 2:31.
Welsh Athletics National Coach, Chris Jones said:
“Welsh athletes faced the toughest ever selection criteria for Birmingham 2022, so I am delighted to confirm 22 athletes will be joining Team Wales from athletics.
“I am proud that the work and dedication of the whole team has been recognised by this selection and I am excited to see how the athletes perform.
Within the team we have a great mix of experienced athletes who will be returning for their second and third Commonwealth Games combined with 11 athletes who will be making their debuts at Birmingham. “
Evans was eight when she first started running, joining Hereford Athletics Club:
“I was never very good. I’d often come last in cross countries at under 13, under 15 and under 17 level but I made lots of friends at the club and I liked to see that I was always improving.”
While anxiously awaiting Team Wales’ selection announcement on 8 June, Evans also has a Guinness World Record in her sights:
“My Mum started running and is proper into it. She even does marathons. She’s 55 and we want to get the Guinness World Record for the fastest Mum and Daughter time in a half marathon. We have already beaten the current record but we haven’t done it officially. We’re hoping to do it at the next Cardiff Half in October.”
For now though, the focus is on Birmingham:
“I’m really looking forward to a home Games and to have a home crowd behind us will be amazing. I just hope I’ve done enough to be on that list!”
