KATE Williamson says she is stunned to be in contention to win sportswoman of the year at the age of 70, writes Jack Johnson.

The Eynsham Road Runner has been shortlisted alongside five-time Olympic rower Frances Houghton and cricket star Linsey Smith for this month’s Oxfordshire Sports Awards.

Williamson, who lives in Witney, broke a 23-year-old veteran 70 record at the Virgin Money London Marathon, with a time of 3hrs 42mins 42 secs.

She also won her category prize in nine events, as well as in the Mota-vation series.

“I was absolutely amazed to be nominated,” said Williamson.

“I just was not expecting anything like that at all, especially when I look at the two other people.”

She added: “There will be loads of interesting people and hopefully I will get to know a bit more about them.

“Frances Houghton is a very prestigious athlete and I know Linsey has done a lot for her sport and has come a long way.”

Williamson, who has been running since she was 35, will attend the ceremony at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium on Friday, January 27, with her husband Phil.

She has enjoyed a successful 12 months.

And her marathon record, which she smashed by more than five minutes, proved to be the icing on the cake.

Williamson also holds the ten-mile record, beating a 12-year-old mark by 50 seconds at Maidenhead last year.

She said: “I just want to have a good night.

“I supposes in many ways it was my best year running. I was just trying to top my age group at the marathon, I did not realise I would have the record as well.”

Rugby club Witney Wolves have been shortlisted for the disability award.

OXFORDSHIRE SPORTS AWARD

SHORTLIST

Sportsman of year: Kyron Anthony (dance), Andy Triggs Hodge (rowing), Tim Stephens (athletics).

Sportswoman of year: Fran Houghton (rowing), Linsey Smith (cricket), Kate Williamson (athletics).

Club of year: Abingdon Gymnastics, Gosford All Blacks Rugby, Oxford City Athletics.

Team of year: Harlequin Bowmen (archery), Oxford United (football), Oxford Saints (American football).

Coach of year: Kelly Collins (dance), Marcia Marriott (athletics), Tammy Sear-Watkins (ice skating).

Junior sportsperson: Ben Goodall (gymnastics), David Murphy (swimming), Miriam Pritchard (hockey).

Junior sports team: Gosford Hill U15 football, Henley U16 rowing, Oxfordshire U17 cricket.

Sporting primary school: Larkrise (Oxford), Wantage C of E, Whitchurch (Whitchurch-on-Thames).

Sporting secondary school: Blessed George Napier (Banbury), Cherwell (Oxford), King Alfred’s (Wantage).

Disability award: Big, Bold & Balance (exercise class), Oxfordshire Bears (cricket), Witney Wolves (rugby).

Unsung hero: Robin Aston (table tennis), Deborah Evelyn (hockey), Peter Travis (kayaking/rowing).

Young Volunteer: Lois MacDonald (netball), Robbie Scragg (hockey), Rosalind Tsang (netball).

Sports Development Project: High Sheriff Challenge (Oxford), Parkrun. Sportivate Street Hockey.

Active Workplace Award: Oxford Brookes University, Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Health Education England.

* Shortlists were chosen by an independent judging panel from nominations received.