The 2004 USA Masters 8 km Cross Country Championships took place Sunday at historic Franklin Park in Boston, with champions determined in a variety of age-groups. The event was hosted by the New England Association of USA Track & Field.

Brian Pope of Oxford, Miss., pulled away from a four man lead pack in the final mile to finish first overall in the men's 40-44 age-group in 25 minutes, 8 seconds. Multi-time USA masters cross country runner of the year Tom Dalton of Schenectady, N.Y., was the runner-up and 45-49 group winner in 25:25 and Oscar Gonzalez of Costra Mesa, Calif., was the runner-up in the 40-44 division and third finisher overall in 25:33.

Other men's winners included John Barbour of Gloucester, Mass., (M50- 54 in 26:32), Bill Dixon of Brattleboro, Vt., (M55-59 in 28:48), Bill Borla of Torrington, Conn., (M60-64 in 30:24), Joe Cordero of Islip Terrace, N.Y. (M65-69 in 34:34) and Bill Butler of Westchester, Pa. (M70-74 in 38:39)

Carmen Ayala-Troncoso had a far easier time in winning the women's championship in an unchallenged 29:17; she was first in the 45-49 division. Second overall and first W40-44 was past Olympic triathlete Karen Smyers (Lincoln, Mass.) in 29:54, with Rebecca Heuer (W40-44 of Orchard Park, N.Y,) the bronze medalist in 30:24.

Other women's winners included Kathy Martin of Northport, N.Y. (W50- 54 in 31:15), Cathy Klim of Cummaquid, Mass., (W55-59 in 35:08), Jayne Zinke of Valatie, N.Y. (W60-64 in 38:53), Carrie Parsi of Gloucester, Mass., (W65-69 in 38:43) and Liz Szawlowski of Sugar Hill, N.H. (W70-74 in 59:20).

Men's Team winners: Age 40+: Dirigo Running Club, 2:17:26; Age 50+: Greater Springfield Harriers, 2:31:56 and Age 60+: Raritan Valley Roadrunners, 1:40:43.

Women's Team winners: Age 40+: Genesee Valley Harriers, 1:38:45;

Age 50+: Central Mass Striders, 1:54:48 and Age 60+: Liberty AC, 2:06:05