Christine Coleman RIP – Pioneer in Women’s Race Walking

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Tony Taylor

CHRISTINE ORME [nee COLEMAN]

Thanks to Dave Ainsworth for this piece, which appeared in the Highgate Harriers Newsletter.

Sorry to be a bearer of bad news. Talented former race walker Christine Coleman has passed away in a Saxmundham (Suffolk) Care Home aged 78. Sadly the good lady seriously suffered with arthritis for many years, which had forced her to give up work as a landscape gardener, when residing at Halesworth in Suffolk.

Christine was the daughter of 2 times’ Olympian George Coleman (21/11/1916-to-27/1/2005) who race walked in ’52 (Helsinki) & ’56 (Melbourne and who won several National titles). Christine competed in an era when women’s race racing hadn’t yet gained acceptance onto Olympic, Commonwealth, European and IAAF World Championship programmes. She must be regarded as one of our pioneers who continued to “knock on the door” to be admitted at such levels. In such times many race promotors insisted woman started 10 seconds after the men!

Both George and Christine had worked at Vauxhall Motors large Luton car plant and lived in that area before moving to peaceful Halesworth in Suffolk upon George’s retirement. Both Vauxhall and Luton had been strong race walking areas with RWA National Championships held in the town and well supported Open Spectacular 10K road races. When the famous Highgate Open 7 Miles ceased, it “lived on” at Luton for more years, starting and finishing at Vauxhall Motors Sports and Social Club. There was a srong link between Vauxhall employees who race walked and Highgate Harriers, where both George and Christine were members.

Times show Christine could easily beat the hour for 10 kilometres and 7 Miles. Many years ago in the days of Anglia Striders a race walk was included at a festival in Mildenhall, which Christine won. As she approached the finish line a commentator boomed, “Here’s Christine Coleman – hey lads she’s on the programme as unattached”. In London 2012 Olympic year was an Olympic Exhibition in Halesworth – Christine loaned its organiser one of George’s Olympic vests for display.

Her death, which has only just come to light, was on 17th October 2025 with a funeral service at Halesworth Crematorium on 13th November. We perhaps saw her, with her husband, when attending a wonderful 2000 Millennium Challenge at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile racecourse and at a Moulton Open 5 M|iles – I think it was a year we changed in a pub garden as a Village Hall was under construction. I met her more recently when working in Ford’s Public Relations Department at a sales promotion at the Ford Main Dealer in Halesworth. She came along and it was sad to see how she was suffering effects of advanced arthritis. A lovely lady and one who many will remember as it was always a pleasure to be in her company. The family’s chosen charities for donations are Arthritis Research UK and the RSPB. May she rest in peace.

  • I’m sorry to hear that. I had some hard races against her back in the day, especially the Vauxhall Open 10kms. Pat Furey
  • Very sad to hear this news about Christine. When I was in Verlea Athletic Club – Christine would often come out on training sessions with us. We used to start from Gosling Stadium, Welwyn Garden City and our group would include Trevor Parslow-Williams, Steve Moore, Ken Roost, Ron Purkiss, Peter Worth, Bill Pilgrim, Andy Tweed etc. On most occasions Christine would the fastest in the group. I recall she was an excellent stylist. Christine was always very friendly and cheerful. Best wishes, Roy Gunnett
  • Thanks Dave for your wonderful tribute to the late Christine Coleman. Bill Sutherland
  • It’s a real shame, we as a sport lost touch with a fine racewalker, and as you say Dave, a trail-blazer, competitive, modest and a thoroughly nice person. RIP Christine. Roger Mills

For more on Christine’s famous father, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Coleman_(athlete)

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Nigel Shaw dominates on the foothills of Chorley

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Tony Taylor

ALISON TROPHY 15 KILOMETRES, MARCH 7th

Dave Evans reports:

The field disappears into the distance

It was clear right from the start that Nigel Shaw had victory in mind and his pace from the off left his colleagues “in the dust”. The opening mile of the race takes heel toeing aspirants on a downhill trajectory initially before a cruel uphill section which tends to knock the stuffing out of the sails. Neither of these features troubled the leader as he coasted through the mile checkpoint in a swift 10 minutes 20 seconds, 81 seconds ahead of the nearest pursuer.

Nigel already in the clear

The main body of the competitors are used to walking in sight of each other so pacing is not a problem. As the field passed the 3.4 mile point there was just over 8 1/2 minutes between the leader and the sweeper.

Greg negotiating the tricky left turn on Higher House Lane.

Greg Smith has overcome a number of physical problems of late so his second position at this juncture was enlightening and pleasing. With a sub 5 hour 50k in his past locker the return to “racing” was very satisfying.

Phil on home territory in his trendy shades

As the race progressed fortunes changed and leading walkers lost rhythm and “also walks” regained their composure and made good progress forward.

Roy looking strong but with the out-turned left foot still costing seconds

The weather was relatively cold although most pedestrians were not unsettled by it. Nigel claimed another first place and was less than 7 seconds away from winning the handicap which was extremely close with 4 walkers closing in inside 38 seconds.

Joe, steady and reliable as ever

SCRATCH
1. Nigel Shaw 100 mins 08(10:20/36:31/62:33)1 mile/3.4 miles/5.8 miles
2. Greg Smith 110 mins 06(11:41/40:16/69:13)
3. Phil McCullagh 115 mins 39(12:37/42:31/72:16)
4. Roy Gunnett 117 mins 01(11:44/41:56/63:39)
5. Sailash Shah 117 mins 48(12:03/41:26/71:39)
6 Joe Hardy 121 mins 20(12:47/45:07)

6.8 miles
1. Glyn Jones 83:16(11:59/41:19/70:48)
2. Pat Evans 85 mins 22(12:33/42:34/72:35)

HANDICAP
1. Roy Gunnett 100:01
2. Greg Smith 100:06
3. Nigel Shaw 100:08
4. Phil McCullagh 100:39
5. Joe Hardy 101:20
6. Sailash Shah 101:48

AGE-GRADED

  1. Joe Hardy 77.42%
  2. Roy Gunnett 75.05%
  3. Greg Smith 74.05%
  4. Nigel Shaw 72.17%
  5. Phil McCullagh 66.10%
  6. Sailash Shah 60.12%

Despite efforts to twist my arm there will not be a prize for pointing out the difference between the two photos of the post-race gathering of these Lancashire stalwarts.

As ever thanks to Greg, Dave and Roy for the images.

STOP PRESS

Message from Roy Gunnett

The date of the Macclesfield Shield 10 mile race has been changed from Saturday April 4th to Saturday April 18th. I have confirmed this new date with Marshall Barnard.

The reason for this change is because a number of members could not make the Easter April 4th date as they have family or other commitments over Easter. There was also a concern there might be heavy Easter traffic on this date. April 11th was discounted as it is Grand National day.

I will repeat and confirm this change in a future post.

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A mixed bag of Olympic and Bradford memories, together with a charity appeal

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Tony Taylor

Many thanks to BBC Kent for ‘running’ this story.

A British gold medallist from the 1960 Olympics is commemorated annually by a mile-long race.

Don Thompson set an Olympic-record time and beat former gold medallists to win the 50km (31 mile) race walking event in Rome.

Folkestone Running and Athletics Club in Kent, of which Thompson was a former member, commemorates the Olympian with the annual Don Thompson Mile race between Sandgate and Hythe.

Local running commentator Kevin Daly told Secret Kent that “a lot of runners don’t know who Don Thompson is even though he was a local man”.

“Somebody came up with the idea of doing something to stand the test of time so we could remember him every year,” he said. “So the Don Thompson Mile was dreamt up.”

At the event, runners race along the promenade in Hythe from one plaque honouring Thompson to another, a mile away.

The race direction is determined by the wind.

Daly described the race walker, who died in 2006, as “a character in his own little way”.

Read more at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx24dp5p8yxo

Against the odds. Through injury. Back to the Olympic stage.

WE’RE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE our latest documentary short is premiering with Athletics Weekly on March 4th— telling the story of double Olympian race walker Callum Wilkinson and his journey of overcoming all the odds to qualify for Paris 2024.

Race walking is one of the most gruelling and niche disciplines in athletics – demanding relentless discipline, resilience and endurance. This film captures Callum’s battle to overcome injuries, setbacks to secure his place once again on the Olympic start line.

📅 Premieres Wednesday 4th at 10am

📺 On the Athletics Weekly YouTube channel

📰 Also featured in the March issue of Athletics Weekly

Director Tom Ruddock

Producer Shelley Ruddock

Cinematographer Yannick hausler

Executive Producer Len Ruddock

Post Sound mixing Ben Metsers

Artwork design Snollygoster Productions

#Athletics#RaceWalking#Olympics#Paris2024#Documentary

Our very own Ron Wallwork makes a guest appearance!

Paul Briggs continued.

Back last August we posted a tribute to Paul Briggs, Yorkshire RWC – https://lancswalkingclub.com/2025/08/12/remembering-centurions-past-and-present-paul-briggs-and-ian-garmston/

In January, by way of our great friend, Dave Ainsworth, Fiona Kavanagh from Bradford got in touch and later provided the photos of Paul to be found below. If any readers have information about them, we’d be pleased to hear.

I grew up across the street from Paul and when he got ill the last year he moved in with my dad and I was his carer. I have a lot of photos and medals if you would like any also he did a race walking scrapbook full of stuff.

I replied – Thanks so much for getting in touch and belated, sincere thanks for looking after Paul. The stuff you’ve got is a treasure trove but what might be done with it. Unfortunately I now live abroad on Crete and because of illness I haven’t been back to the UK for a couple of years. I’d love to get more photos and images by email as I can use them on the Lancashire website I maintain but I don’t know what you might do with the medals. Sadly there isn’t a national race walking museum and the once great Yorkshire club has folded.

Fiona can be contacted at fionakavanagh87@yahoo.co.uk

Stephen’s fundraiser for Mencap

Lancashire Walking Club member, Stephen Walker is taking on this formidable challenge.

Story

Last year our son Michael, undertook a fantastic challenge for MENCAP, by completing 100km in a week, and setting a Guinness World Record in the process

Carrying on in this vein, now its my turn, and I’m going to carry on and attempt to undertake the Super Six Half Marathon series. This is a series of Half Marathons across Europe, starting with Lisbon and Prague in March, we then head further north to Copenhagen, then to finish in 2026, its Cardiff and Valencia in October. To complete the series the Berlin race will be in March 2027.

Having had cancer in my right leg, I do find running for any distance a struggle, but I am determined to give it a go.

Thank you to everyone who has already supported me.

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The Alison Trophy, March 7th – now the toughest course in England?

Posted on March 1, 2026 by Tony Taylor
On his way to victory last year, Nigel Shaw negotiates the tricky steep left turn

The Alison Trophy 15 kilometres club race will take place this coming Saturday, March 7th, starting at 1.00 p.m. As is usual it would be really helpful if you could let Dave Evans at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk know if you are attending and in what capacity. The venue is the St Peter’s Church Hall, Harpers Lane, PR6 0HP and the hall will be open from noon. As ever thanks to Eric Crompton for making the arrangements

And over in France this weekend, Bourgos is hosting the French national 24 hours championship race. Best wishes to all the competitors. Thanks to Frans Leijtens for the info and photo.

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JANUARY 2026 VIRTUAL 5 KILOMETRES RESULTS

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Tony Taylor

A trifle late but find below the full results of our now annual January Virtual 5km event. Your anecdotes and photos were much appreciated. The bets are off as to who might win the 2026 Literary Award. It was especially pleasing to receive the clockings from Bill and Shirley of the Scotia club, Marco, our loyal German contributor and our own David Lamb, now shadowed by illness, who I raced against as a young stripling back in the early 1960s.

Coming soon a tribute to the great Ken Harding of the Royal Sutton Coldfield club, five times winner of our Manchester-Blackpool event and GB international

Virtual 5km Scratch

  1. Bill McFadden [Scotia RWC] 27:22
  2. Ken Connor 31:02
  3. Nigel Shaw 31:17
  4. Tony Bell 31:56
  5. John Gordon 33:36
  6. Marco Bernatzki 33:47
  7. Greg Smith 36:14
  8. Martin Payne 36:15
  9. Joe Hardy 36:31
  10. Pat Evans [F] 37:53
  11. Roy Gunnett 38:10
  12. Shirley Simpson [Scotia RWC] [F] 38:20
  13. Steven Wilde 38:26
  14. Phil McCullagh 39:24
  15. Andrea Lennon [F] 46:18
  16. David Lamb 52:15

Virtual 5km Handicap

  1. Joe Hardy 29:01
  2. Greg Smith 30:16
  3. Pat Evans 30:23
  4. Nigel Shaw 30:47
  5. Ken Connor 31:02
  6. Marco Bernatzki 31:03
  7. Andrea Lennon 31:18
  8. Tony Bell 31:41
  9. Phil McCullagh 33:24
  10. Roy Gunnett 33:55
  11. Steve Wilde 33:56
  12. Martin Payne 35:30

Virtual 5km Age-Graded

  1. Bill McFadden [ScotiaRWC] 82.75%
  2. Joe Hardy 81.33%
  3. Pat Evans [F] 79.23%
  4. Andrea Lennon [F] 78.62%
  5. Nigel Shaw 73.95%
  6. Ken Connor 73.74%
  7. Roy Gunnett 73.10%
  8. Greg Smith 71.80%
  9. Tony Bell 71.66%
  10. Shirley Simpson [ScotiaRWC] [F] 71.48%
  11. Steven Wilde 66.00%
  12. Marco Bernatzki [SuS Schalke] 65.94%
  13. Martin Payne 65.20%
  14. Phil McCullagh 62.06%
  15. David Lamb 53.40%

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Sam Shoebottom 10 km in Celtic rather than Baltic weather

Posted on February 8, 2026 by Tony Taylor

Greg Smith observes and informs us:

Despite it being the old Celtic festival of Imbolc a few days ago, marking the halfway point between the Winter solstice and Spring equinox, it felt decidedly grey and wintry in Heaton Park today…as the pictures below show.

Andrea dressed for the weather

Dave Evans reports:

Given the absence of any club competition since the Dick Maxwell race on 6th December it was intriguing to see who has maintained their fitness and who is still recovering from Christmas festivities ! The virtual 5k we hold in January would have inspired colleagues to do at least one high tempo perambulation so the stage was set for anything.

Joe looking very stylish in that hat

At least two club members have experienced hot weather in the last 2 months with Tony Bell in New Zealand and Nigel Shaw in Cape Verde. Both deny travelling to these destinations for warm weather training , however, their performance today makes me think otherwise.

The leading trio approaching the quarter distance mark

From the off in damp conditions the field of 10 surged forward in the direction of Heaton Park and it was no surprise to see 2 figures returning from the halfway point virtually in tandem with Tony seizing the initiative by 50 metres or so. As they passed the 5k point in 33 mins 42 and 33 mins 58 respectively it was obvious that both were keen to outwalk each other. Martin Payne and Roy Gunnett were playing similar games passing the same mark but some 90 seconds later.

Martin somewhat aware of the photographer!
Similarly Roy – too much time on both their hands!!

Although the weather forecast was relatively poor the rain held off and as the clock showed 64 minutes 30 seconds both Tony and Nigel appeared in that order a straight away from the 10k finish. Who would win the day ? My guess was that the leader would not know just how close his pursuer was and this would give that individual an advantage knowing exactly when to strike . As both entered the final 100 metres the gap was shortening and a final burst of effort gave Nigel a narrow victory.Martin used his longer distance strength to stretch away from Roy in the last 2k and failed by a tad to break the 70 minute barrier.

Nigel in pursuit paced by the cyclist!
Nigel coming back to form

Four club walkers decided to limit their efforts to one out and back with Ken Connor setting the standard with a comfortable clocking of 33 minutes 42. The handicap result put 3 walkers within 25 seconds of each other and the other 3 10k performers 15 seconds. My thanks to Greg Smith for his photography and Ian Hilditch for marshalling at the critical half distance point.

Glyn leading from Pat with Joe in hiding

10k Results

  1. Nigel Shaw(33:58)65 mins 49
  2. Tony Bell (33:42)65 mins 51
  3. Martin Payne(35:35) 70 mins 01
  4. Roy Gunnett (35:38) 72 mins 44
  5. Glyn Jones (37:52) 75 mins 59
  6. Joe Hardy (37:56) 76 mins 38

5k results

  1. Ken Connor 33:42
  2. Pat Evans 38:12
  3. A N Other 43:13
  4. Andrea Lennon 47:35

Handicap results

  1. Roy Gunnett 63:14
  2. Joe Hardy 63:38
  3. Glyn Jones 63:39
  4. Martin Payne 65:04
  5. Nigel Shaw 65:19
  6. Tony Bell 65:21

Age-graded results

  1. Glyn Jones 82.21%
  2. Joe Hardy 80.10%
  3. Roy Gunnett 79.08%
  4. Pat Evans 78.58%
  5. Andrea Lennon 76.50%
  6. Nigel Shaw 72.14%
  7. Tony Bell 71.37%
  8. Martin Payne 69.29%
  9. Ken Connor 67.79%

The January virtual 5k gave all walkers the chance to choose their preferred walking route and the results reflected just how wide ranging the options were . The results were as follows;-

  1. Joe Hardy 29:01
  2. Greg Smith 30:16
  3. Pat Evans 30:23
  4. Nigel Shaw 30:47
  5. Ken Connor 31:02
  6. Andrea Lennon 31:18
  7. Tony Bell 31:41
  8. Phil McCullagh 33:24
  9. Roy Gunnett 33:55
  10. Steve Wilde 33:56
  11. Martin Payne 35:30

All performances reflect a net time after the handicap has been taken off their actual walking time.

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January Virtual 5 km clockings and photos

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Tony Taylor

I’m a bit upside down because of serious family illness so I’m just posting the times achieved in January plus photos and comments as appropriate. I’ll sort out the scratch and handicap placings plus age-graded results in the next few days. If I’ve missed anybody, let me know asap. Thanks so much for mucking in with images and tales.

Nigel Shaw – 31:17. It’s been hard getting fitness back with 12 weeks out doing nothing. Had the all clear from the hospital having had numerous tests on heart , ECG, blood tests, heart monitor for 48hr. Been on exercise bike for 30 mins while monitoring heart condition. Told me you are 64 not 46, think I’ve been pushing myself too hard. Slowly getting back into the walking again. Time was done at a cold night at the Stockport track on 28/01/26.

Bill McFadden [Scotia RWC] 27:22

Shirley Simpson [Scotia RWC] 38:20

Ken Connor 31:02. Having had a couple of months of relative inactivity on 3rd January I foolishly attempted to race walk the Halewood 5k. As you can see from my pained expression, it did hurt.
I started at the back and finished not much further forward 116th out of 139 in an official time of 31.02.

By the way this course would be an ideal club walk, old railway line completely off road and good tarmac underfoot, and a small cafe nearby

Roy Gunnett – 38:10. I did this going up and down the long straight path that follows the railway line between Formby and Hightown – see photo.

Marco Bernatzki 33:47. Sunday, January 18th the weather is said to get colder again the following days. Therefore I took the chance of today’s warmer weather.

Greg Smith 36:14. I had three attempts at walking the virtual 5k in January, the first on New Year’s Day at Ormskirk Parkrun. It marked the 60 th anniversary of my first race, an Essex Beagles event organized by Phil Everard at Chigwell Row. Thanks to Phil McCullagh who put me on to the Ormskirk course, which is nearly all firm paths or tarmac, great for race walking. 37:39 was quicker than I’ve managed in some time.

There’s no Parkrun on Lanzarote, where I spent the middle of the month, but there is a social run at 9am every Saturday organized by Lanza Road Runners (see https://www.facebook.com/groups/lanzaroadrunners/ ). It’s a course than follows the very well-paved promenade from Playa Los Pocillos to the airport and back. In 18 degrees Centigrade I managed a 38:14 5k on the first Saturday I was there, improving to 36:14 on 24th January. In contrast to the UK weather, it was a real treat just to feel comfortable walking in shorts and t-shirt.

Joe Hardy 36:31.

Andrea Lennon 46:18.

David Lamb 52:15. Well I managed to do a 5k this year, because my back and toes were not stopping me from walking faster than normal, in fact I quite surprised myself.
Sunday morning 18th January was an overcast and drizzly start to the day. Should I go out and try to do a good time, meaning under an hour or should I stay at home? Out I went, now it’s about half a mile to the prom, so I was able to warm up a little. When I got on the prom I found that there was a gentle NE wind, which made me put my hat on. As I walked along feeling good, people who I normally have a chat to got a negative response from me, as I was timing myself. After two full lengths and two half lengths, I found to my surprise that I had done 52.15, 3 minutes faster than 2 years ago, Amazing as I only expected to do something just under one hour. Can I go any faster I ask myself, well that depends on my aches and pains!

I got quite excited at the thought of racing on such a sublime surface and fantasised about a club race in Grange[TT]. David responded, the United Reformed Church Hall is the nearest place people could change, it’s about half a mile from the prom!!!!

Pat Evans 37:53, Achieved at her local parkrun.

Phil McCullagh 39:24

John Gordon 33:36 A dismal day here in South Wales but plenty oxygen in the air. Did my 5K on the roads of Cardiff Airport

Martin Payne 36:15

Tony Bell 31:56 Greetings from New Zealand, over here on holiday for my niece’s wedding. Saturday 10th January (wedding day).

Southern Path parkrun 5km, Auckland. A week earlier we ran this parkrun (see picture). This is my sister and brother-in-law’s home parkrun, lots of family members at the parkrun. One week later we returned to this parkrun and I racewalked it. I was just behind my wife Shelley (who was running) to about 2km but I couldn’t keep up after that. Hard work at end. Finish time 31.56, 80th/178, in spite of walking I was still first M60-64 to finish. Shelley ran 31.13. Km splits 6.26 5.54 6.20 6.38 6.39. Then we went back to our hotel to get our smart clothes on for the wedding.

Steven Wilde 38:26 Monday 19th January 2026 Bolton Road (A673), Adlington
Weather-chilly and moist.

When this exercise had been completed, I found myself in full possession of a ruddy complexion, not so much through over-exertion, but rather because of a blush-inducing encounter with an old lady.

A sequence of events unfolded, firstly about ten minutes after commencement of the walk when I spied a tennis ball (Slazenger, yellow) in the gutter, which I supposed a dog and its pet human had mislaid.
Unable to resist claiming ownership, to scoop up the spherical object was with me the work of a moment, but as my sporting apparel happened to be devoid of pockets, I improvised by securing the item inside the front of my shorts.

Imagine my surprise then a little while later when another tennis ball (Dunlop, yellow) entered my field of vision, this one nestling under a privet hedge, and by virtue of my aforementioned pocketless predicament, with great care I proceeded to insert Find Number Two to occupy a position in close proximity to Find Number One.

Continuing the walk, somewhat gingerly, half a mile or so further on I approached a bus shelter where an elderly female awaited the next conveyance to Chorley, and as I hove alongside, I couldn’t help noticing that her facial expression was one of incredulity bordering on disbelief, her eyes unwaveringly focused on the exaggerated protrusion caused by my recent acquisitions.

In order to allay any misinterpretation that might have suggested itself, whilst pointing to the area of interest, I offered two words by way of explanation:-
“Tennis Balls!”

The lady’s response was of a caring albeit misguided nature:-
“Oh! I am sorry, love.
They must be really painful.
I know I used to be in agony when I suffered from Tennis Elbow.”

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Sunday training, Sam Shoebottom racing and the Virtual 5 km

Posted on January 26, 2026 by Tony Taylor

It might well be a busy fortnight. Adrian is organising a training session this coming Sunday, February 1st. It’s the first live race of this year at Simister on February 7th and your Virtual 5 km time needs to be submitted by midnight this Saturday, January 31st.

Adrian, Sailash, Nigel and Roy enjoying the Sunday training session

Adrian Edwards will be organising the next Club Training Day on Sunday, February 1st at the Stockport Woodbank Park track from 12 noon until 5pm. New faces very welcome.

Six years ago, a great photo of John Crahan and Joe Hardy in fierce combat approaching the finish

Everything is in place for the much awaited first club race of 2026, the Sam Shoebottom 10 kilometres on Saturday, February 7th. As usual it will take place from the Lady Wilton Hall, Simister, Manchester M25 2SB, starting at 1.00 p.m. As always it will be helpful if you can let Dave know if you are able to attend and in what capacity at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk.

As is now our custom the first event in the 2026 calendar will be the Virtual 5 kilometres. Clockings should be with Tony at tonymtaylor@gmail.com by midnight [UK time], Saturday, January 31st, 2026. Over the past few years you have all been brilliant, sending anecdotes and photos to add interest to the overall result. Please continue the tradition.

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Greg’s 60th year race walking and the January Virtual 5 kilometres

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Tony Taylor

Greg looking strong and purposeful a decade ago

Back in 2023 everyone was very generous in celebrating my 70th year in race walking. And Greg Smith is catching up. As of this January 2026 Greg marked his 60th year in the sport by race walking the Ormskirk Park/run. His debut six decades ago took place on January 1st in the Essex Beagles Open Boys 1 and 7/8 miles staged at the then famous Chigwell Row. Why not 2 miles!!?? At the very least, I hope Greg’s achievement is recognised at our first ‘live’ race, the Sam Shoebottom 10k at Simister on February 7th.

John Webb, an inspiration to young ‘uns such as Greg down in Essex made his breakthrough in 1966

I hope Greg’s example inspires everyone to hit the tarmac and submit their best 5k times by midnight, Saturday, January 31st to me at tonymtaylor@gmail.com. Supporting stories and photos will be gratefully received.

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Frank Dolan [1945- 2025], Centurion 656 RIP and RWA AGM, January 23rd

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Tony Taylor

I am pretty sure that I first met Frank in June 1980 as I passed him a sponge as he competed in the Blackpool of that year. I had no recollection of his smiling face from earlier years, which made his presence in a One Hour race result from 1968 perplexing. After some detective work we are pretty sure that the Frank in the 1968 is Frank Dawson from Preston and not the Frank Dolan of this tribute, who hailed from Carlisle. A case of mistaken identity.

In the flesh, by all accounts, it would have been impossible to mistake Frank for anyone else. He possessed a warm and witty personality, which made him very popular as attested by Richard and Sandra Brown.

Very sad news. We remember Frank well from happy years at the Roubaix 28h with Phil Hastings, Charlie Weston, our current Centurions Captain Roger Michell and others. Our condolences to Family and friends at Lancs WC. Best wishes, Sandra and Richard C735, C 760.

In fact his formidable achievements on the road in the longer distances have been perhaps overlooked, even in our own ranks. Frank is our most prolific 100 miler, having completed four, one more than the marvellous Hazel Fairhurst. In addition he finished two further Hundreds on the continent – see below. This information was found by Roy Gunnett in the programme for the London Vidarians 1996 ‘Colchester 100’, which Frank didn’t finish or perhaps didn’t start.

Frank’s accession to the status of Centurion came in the much talked about Surrey WC 1979 Ewhurst 100 Miles where a record UK 100 Miles field of 107 started – 78 finished (37 were new Centurions). Frank clocked 21:33.14 to be presented with Badge No.656. His fastest time of 20:26:25 came in 1986 at Woodford, which itself was only one minute faster than his 1985 Colchester clocking – a model of consistency.

Frank’s first Manchester- Blackpool saw him on the road in 1980, when he was first counter for our club, just ahead of Eric Crompton.

These are his performances in the years following:

1982.    18th.   9:43:33.          Walked for York Postal RWC

This was the year in which Mike Holmes after a long gap because of his diabetes went under eight hours and Tony Malone walked a fine race to finish 3rd.

1983.    13th     9:30:45.          Walked for Carlisle AC

Frank came in behind those redoubtable women, Sandra Brown 11th and Anne Sayer 12th.

1984.    18th.   9:50:32.          Walked for Lancashire WC

Held in early August, Mike Holmes won again in just over 8 hours on a course slightly lengthened because of road works.

1987.     17th. 9:42:17.           Walked for Lancashire WC

The acclaimed winner was the irrepressible Dave Turner of the Yorkshire RWC.

1988.       9th.   9:23:22.           Walked for LancashireW WC

The victor of the last race to be held on the point-to-point Manchester – Blackpool course was Alan King of the Leicester WC, who had always been staunch supporters of the event.

How very sad, as we reflect again on the great days of British Long Distance Walking. May he Rest on Peace. Sincere condolences, Bill and Kath Sutherland

1979 Ewhurst 100 Miles – Incredible Centurion numbers. I remember Frank in the Manchester to Blackpool walks, the Centurions Honorary Treasurer Richard Cole.

Frank was a great guy and an asset to York Postal RWC, Graham Jackson

Unfortunately we only heard recently of Frank’s death and the date of his funeral, which took place on January 2nd. Belatedly we are sending our sincere condolences to his family and friends in Carlisle.

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Papers for the RWA Annual General Meeting – 23rd Jan 2026Download
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