The12th Masters’ International Single Distance Races started in Hamar/NOR today. The Olympic venue Vikingskipet could offer good conditions to the 100 master skaters from GBR, GER, ITA, NED, NOR, SWE and UKR. According to Speaker and Statistician Kjell Rune Kristiansen there were 129 Seasons Best and 9 Personal Best. There were no new IMSSC Records, but Ivar Njøs (AG50) was very close with 39,19 (against 39,04). For the first time we had a participant from Great Britain, Henry Vincent (M30). He was very happy having improved his 500m record by almost two seconds to 42,94, and his 1500m record by almost 6 seconds to 2.11,69! We hope to see more of UK Master Skaters from now on. The competition continues tomorrow with a choice of distances from 500m through 5000m. The International Competition is combined with the Norwegian Masters Championship. Picture 1: Lars Fredrikson/SWE(left) and Jan Petter Fredriksen/NOR (right) ready for start at the 1500m. Picture 2: Marja Haartsen/NED/NOR having a chat with Vincent Henry/GBR. Picture 3: Master Skaters from Italy and Norway in friendly chat.