As you will have noted in the Highlights report of the 2026 AGM itself, the Bill Jackson Trophy is to be renamed after the late Julian Hopkins.
Dave Evans reports:
Dave delivers the pre-race briefing, unfortunately not recorded
In a balmy temperature of 10 degrees and nil wind this year’s race set off on the right foot. With a number of club members sidelined with injury and illness there was no shortage of helpers on course and a cluster of recorders at the finish.
They’re off to a lively start – ta to Chris Harvey
It was clear before the start that there were probably 3 to fight out the “medals” and on this out and back course plenty of time to view your fellow participants.
Adrian leads Martin towards the turn – ta to Roy GunnettRoy snapping at the turn – ta to Greg Smith, a fellow snapperSteven and Phil, the latter looking cool in his shades and smiling for the camera- ta to Roy once more
As the timekeepers reflected on who should arrive in sight first the walking style of the leader on the horizon gave the game away. Sean Goldsmith was ahead of the 10 man field breaking his personal best over the 5k by over a minute.
Sean notches another clear victory – ta to Chris Harvey
Tony enjoying the challenge posed by Sean – ta to Greg Smith
Short distance specialist Tony Bell, last year’s winner, maintained his runner up spot with Adrian Edwards and Martin Payne fighting out the next position . Adrian’s experience told but it was a close thing. All credit to Martin whose last race was a 50 miler ! The remaining finishers walked well but being a distance apart did not feel the pressure of a closer encounter.
Joe striding out and leaving the scooter in his wake – ta to Greg Smith
SCRATCH
Sean Goldsmith 31 mins 17
Tony Bell 32 mins 36
Adrian Edwards 33 mins 07
Martin Payne 33 mins 08
Greg Smith 36 mins 41
Sailash Shah 37 mins 31
Glyn Jones 37 mins 55
Joe Hardy 38 mins 34
Phil McCullagh 40 mins 35
Steve Wilde 40 mins 35
Sailash discarding his headgear, lightening his load – ta to Roy at the turn
HANDICAP
Sean Goldsmith 30 mins 47
Adrian Edwards 31 mins 22
Martin Payne 31 mins 23
Tony Bell 32 mins 36
Sailash Shah 32 mins 41
Glyn Jones 32 mins 55
Joe Hardy 33 mins 04
Greg Smith 34 mins 41
Phil McCullagh 36 mins 20
Steve Wilde 36 mins 50
AGE-GRADED
Glyn fighting to the age-graded podium
Glyn Jones 81.01%
Joe Hardy 77.01%
Martin Payne 72.12%
Greg Smith 71.88%
Tony Bell 70.95%
Adrian Edwards 70.59%
Steven Wilde 63.29%
Phil McCullagh 60.97%
Sailash Shaw 60.39%
Sean Goldsmith 57.41%
Our cluster of recorders without whom all would be lost – ta to Greg
John’s funeral will take place on Monday 16th November at 11-30am, at Charnock Richard Crematorium, Preston Road, Charnock Richard, Chorley. PR7 5JP
The family request no flowers. Donations to Derian House Children’s Hospice, Chancery Road, Chorley. PR7 1DH
After the service, light refreshments will be available at Euxton Mills Pub, Wigan Road, Euxton, Chorley. PR7 6JD
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2026 AGM
We stood for a minute’s silence to honour the passing of John Payn. The Allison Trophy 15kms at Chorley will be renamed after John.
To commemorate the life and achievements of Julian Hopkins, the Bill Jackson Trophy will be renamed after Julian.
We voted to increase the annual subscription to £40 for members where our Club pays the England Athletics (EA) annual fee. The £40 comprises the £23 EA fee plus a £17 LWC club fee.
A £17 annual subscription will apply for our members who are affiliated to other athletics clubs where they pay the EA fee or are social members who do not race.
The race fee remains at £5.
Roy Gunnett won the Annual Handicap in a closely contested competition.
The A J Taylor Award for the best performance by a LWC member went to Nigel Shaw for his racing performances this spring under adverse circumstances and especially winning the Chorley 15kms by 10 minutes from his nearest competitor.
The Cliff Royle Silver Salver for the best long-distance performance went to Steve Wilde who completed the London marathon in LWC colours in 6 hours and 2 minutes.
In discussion of the 2027 racing programme it was agreed to retain the two races at Bury Track but to make each of them One Hour Walks, offering competitors the opportunity to see if they can improve in their second race.
Len Ruddock has done our sport a great service by producing a series of videos exploring the career of one our greatest competitors, Chris Maddocks.
There are five short videos, based on each of the Olympic Games in which Chris raced, starting with Los Angeles in 1984 and ending with Sydney in 2000. There will be two longer episodes, each of around 40 minutes. The second has the sub-title, ‘Reflections on a long international career’ and ends with the BBC coverage of the finish of Sydney 50 km.
Len proposes that Chris has many profound things to say about Race Walking, the athlete, presentation, history, current distances, judges and technology. He commends us all to sit up and take notice.
Please see the YouTube channel, ‘Race Walking Extra’, where all the videos will be posted.
To whet your appetite here are the first three of the short videos, within which Chris’s pre-race eating habits leave someting to be desired!!
I look forward with anticipation to the forthcoming clips and the in-depth conversations.
The 119th AGM of Lancashire Walking Club will be held on Saturday 7th November 2026 at Lady Wilton Hall, Simister, following a 5km race that starts at 1pm.
There are two awards decided by a vote of the membership and announced at the meeting:
Alf Taylor racing in the Leigh Harriers One Mile track championship, circa 1960
(1) the A. J. Taylor Award, which goes to the best performance by a Lancashire Walking Club member in the past twelve months. It can be objectively or subjectively ‘the best’.
(2) the Cliff Royle Silver Salver, which is awarded for the best long-distance performance by a Lancashire Walking Club member.
Please send your nominations for each of these awards (who you are proposing and why) to either Greg Smith (smithgwh@gmail.com) or Dave Evans (dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk) by close of play, Wednesday 4th November.
The Club’s website has a comprehensive record of our race walking endeavours, see:
It is with great sadness that we report that John Payn, Centurion 973, died on the morning of Wednesday,, October 28th. Aged 93, he was an outstanding Masters athlete as both a race walker and a runner. He was a gentle and inspiring presence at all our club events. In the next few weeks we hope to pay tribute to his endearing personality and his enduring sporting achievements.
John racing in the Fred Pearce Relay, 2019
Meanwhile his good friend, Steven Wilde, a fellow Chorleyian, has generously provided these immediate thoughts.
John Payn (1933-2026) Sadly, John passed away yesterday(28th October) aged 93. He had spent the last 3 years in a Care Home where he died peacefully after increasing frailty and proclivity to infection had taken their toll. John hailed from South London, moving to the North West in the late 1960’s securing a promotion in the Electrical Engineering Industry. A decent runner, initially he joined Horwich RMI Harriers, before switching to Chorley Athletic Club in the 1980’s. Apparently whilst gliding around a supermarket one day, he was spotted by a race walker who appreciated his natural style and speed, and subsequently John embraced the suggestion that he might try that athletic pursuit. As a race walker he excelled, including successful races overseas. John became a Centurion at a comparatively advanced age, and when he was 80 years old, he walked 80 kilometers to raise money for Derian House Children’s Hospice. Becoming Chairman of Chorley Athletic Club, John was pivotal in that club’s merger with Chorley Harriers to form the present day Chorley Athletic and Triathlon Club. As a coach, he was well liked and respected whether as a fatherly figure to youngsters or as a supportive influence to adults
John and his beloved Flo at Simister
Unfortunately the Covid pandemic and his wife Flo’s dementia diagnosis brought about an end to John’s athletic opportunities, the social restrictions of the former, together with the caring commitments of the latter becoming the priority. John is survived by his daughter Christine who has carried on the athletic trait. A gentleman and a gentle man, John was modest and unassuming, and was a credit to Lancashire Walking Club. REST IN PEACE
THE ROTHERHAM ROUND 50 MILES TRAIL RACE, OCTOBER 3rd
Martin Payne reports:
Just a short summary and some photos regarding the above event.
The race has been organised by Rotherham Harriers AC for many years and involves a circular route with an interesting mix of urban and rural terrain. Many people run the event, some run and walk, while others stick to walking. This was my 17th and I did it with my old friend Jim who was doing it for, I think, the 24th time. We both used to run it but for the last few years we have just walked it.
A long way to go
Blessed with good weather we had a great but long day out, starting and finishing in darkness, taking full advantage of the food at the various checkpoints.
What a remarkable feeding station!
In fact I think I overstayed my welcome at the last checkpoint as I fainted but was well looked after ( see photo ) and recovered fairly quickly to go on and complete the event.
Martin playing to the gallery, seeking affection!
267 started the race and 240 finished it. The winning time was 5-53-44 and I finished 213th with a time of 15-54-34.
Congratulations, both!
Obviously not racewalking (!) but it’s a fairly challenging and well organised event all the same which I can recommend to anyone who likes a long day out over varied terrain.
By chance this weekend the Bolton Evening News ran an informative article on the challenge posed by another long distance walk.
PEEL TOWER – HOLCOMBE – Thanks to Bolton Mountain Rescue Team
Standing watch over the moors of Bolton and Lancashire, Peel Tower, Darwen Tower and Rivington Pike are familiar landmarks for thousands.
The Tower to Tower Challenge brings them together in one gruelling 21-mile journey through the heart of the West Pennines.
The challenge takes walkers across the West Pennine landscape, connecting Peel Tower, Darwen Tower and Rivington Pike in one demanding day on foot.
It is a journey through moorland, reservoirs and hill country that brings together three familiar landmarks with very different stories behind them.
And while each makes for a popular walk in its own right, linking all three transforms a collection of local viewpoints into a serious endurance challenge.
Ta to Joe Regent , the BEN reporter. His whole piece is worth a read.
In the comments below the BEN piece a couple of runners harked back to the day when the Three Towers race was a significant part of the fell running calendar. All of which sent me running to find my 1970 Training diary. I’d completed the event that year, finishing 25th in Leigh Harriers colours just ahead of Dave Vickers and amazingly only two minutes behind the redoubtable Jeff Norman! He was generous in his praise as I finished but he’d endured a miserable race. I think you can see that I was little known in those circles – no initial and a misspelt name.
The bearded Colin Robinson, who died only this year, was an unsung, legendary fell and cross-country runner
There is an interesting, what they would call today, a backstory to this result. In a direct relationship to the Three Towers race, across the two months from the end of August to the close of October, I spent nine Sunday mornings running on the moors for 2-3 hours in the company of Dave Vickers and Julian Hopkins. Ron wasn’t with us on the fells as he was preparing for the Lugano Trophy 20 kilometres in Eschborn.
In unearthing the diary and looking up some results. I found myself realising that the period from late August to the end of October, 1970 was packed with individual and team success for our club, locally, nationally and internationally. When time and circumstance allow, I might well sketch the scenario of what was going on. It will be a mite indulgent but, I think, readers will find it interesting and revealing.
To give you a flavour, one race in the midst of these months stood out, the Leicester Open 7 miles on October 3rd. Yes, Ron Wallwork proved to be in great shape and I was chuffed to finish third but all was overshadowed by the appearance of the sublime Ken Matthews, six years after his Olympic gold in Tokyo. I’ve included the full result as it conveys a sense of how popular and competitive these Open Sevens were. In addition Tony Malone and Mick Entwistle were to have their day of glory a fortnight later in the National Junior Championships and you will see that Eric Crompton was second in the individual handicap.
I couldn’t resist this photo of a debonair, somewhat serious Albert Rigby, pipe in mouth as ever, with friends in what I think is the Ex Servicemens Club in Sutton. I recognise some faces but not the names of the other beer drinkers.A shadowy start
The club’s most southerly race walking venue brought with it the best weather of the year but being nearer the equator it’s hardly surprising. Quite a number of our usual heel toers were unavailable with health issues, holidays and a clash of events. While the walkers always do their thing thanks must be given to Glyn Jones, Chris Bolton and Chris Harvey for marshalling, recording and photography.
Evergreen Joe, first in the Age-graded resultAdrian strolling
Sean Goldsmith has recovered completely from his recent Manx End to End experience so much so that after trailing Tony Bell to the first leg turnaround point at roughly 1 mile he took off and retraced his steps having not previously seen the course. At a third distance he clocked a solid 20 mins 29 some 79 seconds ahead of initial race leader Tony Bell. Adrian Edwards our most recent centurion arrived in third place at this point after “strolling” the first section with Sailash Shah on his tail.
Sailash finishing, recorded by Chris Bolton and supported by Pat and Roy
At roughly 4 miles our newest club member was accelerating and clearly prepared to put more distance behind him and his pursuers. At this juncture Sean had a lead of 4 mins 32 secs. While we had 6 aspirants doing the full 10k two club members Pat Evans and Roy Gunnett were on the course to assess their current condition with a number of issues under enquiry. Both completed 2 of the 3 “laps”. With the sun still very much in evidence the field arrived at the finish with Sean racing into the finish in a fine 62 mins 28. Tony hung onto his second place with a decent 69 mins 28 and Adrian claimed third spot.
Sean with the Albert Rigby Trophy
SCRATCH
Sean Goldsmith 62:28(20:29/41:28)
Tony Bell 69:28(21:48/46:00)
Adrian Edwards 71:27(23:55/47:50)
Sailash Shah 74:02(24:09/48:47)
Steven Wilde 78:44(25:34/5:54)
Joe Hardy 81:46(26:18/53:45)
Pat Evans 56:00(28:12)
Roy Gunnett 64:43(32:25)
HANDICAP
Sean Goldsmith 62:28
Sailash Shah 63:02
Tony Bell 66:58
Steven Wilde 68:44
Adrian Edwards 68:57
Joe Hardy 70:46
Pat Evans
Roy Gunnett
AGE-GRADED
Joe Hardy 75.07%
Tony Bell 68.35%
Adrian Edwards 67.18%
Steven Wilde 67.06%
Sailash Shah 62.85%
Sean Goldsmith 59.53%
TRAINING DAYS
Adrian Edwards will be organising the next Club Training Days on Sunday October 18th and November 15th, at the Stockport Woodbank Park track from 12 noon until 5pm.New faces verywelcome.
ON THE WAY TO RECOVERY
Adrian informs us that one of our newer members, Nigel Shaw, had his triple bypass heart surgery last week. He’s back home, looking good, and doing plenty of walking to build his fitness back up again.
Best Wishes to Nigel from everyone at the club. We hope to see him on the road in the near future.
RACING ELSEWHERE
Greg Smith reports:
Sean receiving the Albert Rigby Trophy from our generous host and supporter, Marshall Barnard
Sean Goldsmith finished 138th in the IoM End to End Walk. He got as far as Peel (22.16 miles) in 4:33:13, which puts him in the frame as one contender for the Cliff Royle award.
These notes have been circulated with the permission of Peter Marlow in the UK and appear also in the VRWC Heel & Toe Online 2026 Number 37 – 22 Sept 2026, where Tim Erickson ponders:
The following working paper, put together by a number of insiders, digs under the covers and raises a very worrying question – Is the IOC vision for athletics one that is restricted to the track? If so, what is the likelihood that the roadwalk and marathon will get a guerneys in 2032. With this in mind, I have agreed to include the discussion paper in this week’s newsletter. I am not instituting a campaign but simply passing on a message of concern from those who are in better positions than us to see what lies under the covers here.
For my part I share his anxiety and support the call to action, even if I remain less than convinced that technology is even part of the solution.
Roy Gunnett informs that our great friend, Marshall has confirmed all is in place to hold the Albert Rigby 10 kilometres race on Saturday October 3rd from the Sutton Ex Servicemen’s Club, Hollin Lane, Sutton, Macclesfield SK11 0HL. The event will start at 1.00 a.m.
As many of you will know Marshall and Kath always put on an excellent post-race buffet. Thus if possible, let Dave at dave.evans80@hotmail.co.uk know asap if you are attending and in what capacity. This will help enormously the organisation of the event and the task of gauging how many butties, pies and cakes to prepare. Mouth-watering, Thanks for your cooperation.
One of Albert’s proudest moments was winning the Open Handicap in the 1953 Coronation Year Manchester-Blackpool event . In the photo below provided by Marshall, Albert is the handsome lad with the fashionable central parting.
There are familiar names to be found in the results.
The winning team LWC ‘A’ was led home by David’s father, the formidable George Lamb with the brothers, Joe and Dick Smith and George Birchall in tow. The ‘B’ team contains Joe Lambert and Jim O’Neill but not Frank!? As you can see Jim and Frank finished together in 9:38:15 just ahead of Albert Rigby himself. Further down the field you will find Sam Shoebottom and the novice, Fred Pearce Senior! So too a certain AJ Taylor finished in just over 11 hours. My dad was always proud of the Coronation plaque and certificate he received along with all the other finishers. Indeed he had it framed.
Quite a number of the usual club and guest walkers were absent from today’s event with injury, holidays and family concerns. The rain held off and the seven aspirants face the starter with an hour of racewalking ahead of them. Newcomer Ian Corless, a respondee to Greg’s “Come and join” us poster lined up with regulars and given he has no experience in the sport walked extremely well displaying good discipline throughout save for some over enthusiasm in the final laps. Martin Payne showed how his underlying long distance stamina proved beneficial on this occasion with Greg Smith taking “time out” on route, losing him half a lap or more. A review of the lap times proved how consistent everyone was with very little variation in their lap times.
Results(400 metre times on each lap)
Martin Payne (2:56,2:56,2:54,2:55,2:54,2:54,2:56,2:53,2:57,2:55,2:54,2:48,2:50,2:51,2:49,2:44,2:49,2:52,2:44,2:47,2:42). 8404 metres
Greg Smith (2:57,2:56,2:54,2:55,2:54,2:54,2:55,2:54,2:56,2:56,2:54,2:48,3:43,2:53,2:55,2:56,2:53,2:57,2:57,2:54). 8141 metres
Joe Hardy (3:03,3:11,3:11,3:11,3:11,3:13,3:10,3:13,3:14,3:14,3:13,3:16,3:16,3:18,3:19,3:19,3:19,3:18) 7828 metres
Dave Hoben (3:12,3:13,3:12,3:12,3:12,3:11,3:11,3:14,3:11,3:12,3:13,3:14,3:11,3:09,3:13,3:13,3:12,3:17) 7487 metres
Pat Evans (3:17,3:16,3:16, 3:15, 3:16,3:19,3:17,3:16,3:15,3:18,3:16,3:17,3:16,3:16,3:16,3:15,3:13,3:11) 7350 metres
Ian Corless (3:28,3:28,3:28,3:22,3:21,3:20,3:18,3:22,3:23,3:22,3:19,3:18,3:20,3:19,3:22,3:12,3:11) 7208 metres
Andrea Lennon (3:37,3:37,3:39,3:36,3:34,3:36,3:39,3:39,3:42,3:41,3:41,3:39,3:41,3:40,3:37,3:48) 6755 metres
Greg Smith, the photographer, would like to thank everyone who helped on the day.
Julian’s funeral was a moving and revealing experience. He was a much-loved, respected and many-sided character as illustrated by the diversity of those in attendance – from primary school and university friends to Liverpool Harriers to a band of lounging physicists. Last but not least representation from our club and beyond was witness to his standing in the world of race walking, a former National Events coach and formidable competitor in his own right. Dave Evans, Roy Gunnett, Greg Smith, Chris Harvey, Tony Malone and myself formed a Lancashire contingent, whilst renowned GB internationals Roger Mills and Mark Easton marked his impact on our sport across borders.
Hopefully, in the coming months I will trace in more detail Julian’s career in our sport and revisit afresh his pioneering and oft controversial perspective.
Our club is very conscious that we need new blood if we are to stay alive as a bastion of our sport. To our credit we continue to organise a varied programme of races throughout the year. However, none of us are getting any younger. With this in mind we are hoping to attract fresh faces to our next event, a One Hour Walk, which will be held at the Bury Track on Saturday, September 12th.
See the poster below and spread the word!
In terms of our own members, please let Dave Evans know if you are coming and in what capacity. Assistance will needed at the side of the track, especially lap scorers.
