A quietly spoken Pat Lewis has lined up for the 3.5k handicap for over 5 years now. She may not known to many and hanging in the background until her ‘go’ time. Pat is nearly always a starter, running a minimum of 9 runs in each series (of 12 runs) in all five years since joining the club in 2013.

Last month, Pat competed at the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast; she is a veteran having competed at Masters Games on at least 8 occasions. Swimming has always been her forte, and Pat has medalled many times over the years, but heart issues have caused her to now forego the water events.

In November, more than 15,000 participants took part; competition was open to people over the age of 30 in a range of sports. Pat competed in seven athletics disciplines, from a 5km road run through to shot put and discus.

Pat won a silver medal in the javelin and a bronze in the 2km steeple chase.

Pat has battled ongoing serious health issues since 2012 and underwent major surgery just eight weeks before the competition so had a less-than-ideal preparation.

“My goal was to first make the starting line,” she said. “I treat each event as I have my treatment – conquer one step at a time.”

Pat Lewis with husband Mark, who won gold in the bowls pairs in his first Masters.