NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Auburn native Steve Pelletier excelled in the first Masters/Seniors championship to be held in New England this outdoor track and field season.

Competing in the men’s javelin in the 60-64 age group, Pelletier, 61, won the gold medal with a throw of 129 feet, three inches, defeating a field of eight other throwers from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

Pelletier achieved Masters All-American status for the second straight year by bettering the 127-11 qualifying standard. He also qualified to compete in the next National Senior games to be held in August 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio, by bettering the qualifying standard of 126-2.

Pelletier’s next competition will be June 10 at the Rhode Island Senior Olympics.