Coping with the ups and downs of a race in Chorley

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Tony Taylor

Dave Evans reports:

A smiling Sean out on his own

The second appearance of newcomer Sean Goldsmith , a former resident of the Isle of Man, proved what a very capable and exciting prospect he is. His previous outing at Simister was on a conventional relatively even course but Chorley takes aspirants from the sublime to the ridiculous. How would he cope? With no knowledge of the ups and downs he took them all in his stride and strode past the timekeeper at 1 mile in 10 minutes 27. His nearest pursuer was long distance exponent Martin Payne nearly 50 seconds adrift with Greg Smith 4 seconds further back.

Another cheerful face as Martin pursues
Greg, less cheerful but composed

Course marshalls were positioned at critical junctions so Sean could at least be pointed in the right direction. At halfway the clock registered an impressive 33 minutes 12 and he retraced his steps giving him a negative split at the finish. Martin hung onto runner up spot with a resurgent Greg claiming the bronze position. Glyn Jones posted a very creditable 78 mins 36 on what was not his favourite course.

Glyn just glad to get it over with!

Special mention must be made of Sailash Shah who despite an injury decided to leave the sidelines and pace Andrea Lennon for the whole journey.

Gentleman Sailash accompanies the evergreen Andrea

Thanks to Roy Gunnett, Phil McCullagh and Eric Crompton for manning the “difficult” geography on the ground.


Results

  1. Sean Goldsmith (10:27/33:12)65:07
  2. Martin Payne(11:15/35:31)71:26
  3. Greg Smith(11:19/37:34)74:34
  4. Steven Wilde(11:42/38:05)77:05
  5. Glyn Jones(12:33/40:05)78:36
  6. Joe Hardy(12:37/40:19)79:11
  7. Pat Evans(12:51/40:46)80:52
  8. Andrea Lennon(14:46/48:49)96:11
  9. Sailash Shah(14:46/48:49)96:11
Pat, another one enjoying things too much!?

Handicap

  1. Sean Goldsmith 64:37
  2. Greg Smith 68:04
  3. Joe Hardy 69:56
  4. Pat Evans 70:52
  5. Martin Payne 71:26
  6. Glyn Jones 72:06
  7. Steven Wilde 72:50
  8. Andrea Lennon 77:11
  9. Sailash Shah 89:11
Steven on home territory but looking a touch lost!

Thanks to Phil Mccullagh and Greg Smith for the photos

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Julian Hopkins, National Coach Extraordinaire, RIP

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Tony Taylor
A fresh-faced Julian on the extreme right with Ron Stringfellow, Ron Wallwork, Don Warren and Mick Entwistle – circa 1968

Sadly, our very own Julian Hopkins died yesterday evening. He was a top-class race walker in his own right but is best known as an outstanding, creative and controversial National coach. His 1976 manual is still regarded as one of the best introductions to the intricacies of our event.

In the next week or so we will produce an obituary worthy of Julian’s life and achievements.

10k Goodwin Cup @ Chorley 22nd August 2026

Everything is arranged as normal. Eric Crompton will be opening the church hall at noon. The race will start at 1.00 p.m. As usual, please let Dave Evans know if you are able to attend and in what capacity.

Please note the following changes regarding the next Bury Track race:

The date of the Bury One Hour track race has changed from Saturday September 5th to Saturday September 12th.

More information to follow.

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The new meets the old at the Fred Pearce Relay

Posted on August 3, 2026 by Tony Taylor
A motley crew sets forth!

Dave Evans reports:

It was decided to alter the more usual format of the relay by placing 3 walkers in a team , not tell them who they were paired with but give each team a time handicap based on the expected 5k walking time of each. On this occasion there were a number of curved balls thrown at the handicapper with several competitors new to walking or no current 5k times available. Foregoing all 3 walking independently, the whole field of 12 aspirants set off together which meant less time taken to do the “relay” and offering all competitors a more intensive environment.

Tony Bellon his way to the fastest time

The Fred Pearce relays have been the highlight of the club’s racing calendar and the Pearce family have supported every race in the 30 year series with prizes and refreshments . It was very pleasing to see old faces on parade including Lancashire WC website coordinator extraordinaire Tony Taylor, Helen Elleker, 1990 Commonwealth games representative for England and Steve Uttley who moved away from his “homeland” years ago but is still remembered by older members as a fine competitor.

Steve Uttley with Adrian Edwards in close attendance
A determined Helen Elleker reviving memories, despite her Totley vest, of the great Sheffield United Harriers of yesteryear

While most spectators recognise the old guard a new face appeared with no walking experience and what a debut. Sean Goldsmith, at least 40 years younger than most of his fellow competitors , set off with the group and amazed the recorders at the finish with his fluent style . We understand a number of Sean’s relatives have been active on the Isle of Man walking scene in the past and he is himself a former resident of that hotbed of perambulation. Given the super fast time he recorded as a novice it is no surprise to learn that the handicapper got it wrong in a big way.

Debutante Sean Goldsmith showing how it’s done
Greg Smith leads with Tony Taylor hanging on grimly!

It was a day of nostalgia with Marion and Peter Fawkes supporting the day and the chance to meet up with old adversaries. Pam Horwill and her daughter were also in attendance , a reminder of Eric Horwill’s contribution to the club’s activities. The Lancashire walking club was founded in 1907 and despite the passage of time it is still promoting a monthly race at venues like Bury, Simister, Chorley and Macclesfield, perhaps hoping that some younger athletes will heel toe with us.

Joe Hardy, ever leaning forward, looking as strong as ever

TEAM RESULTS

The victorious team of Tony, Sean and Greg with the loyal and amazing Christine Pearce
  1. Greg Smith. 33:48
    Tony Taylor. 33:48
    Sean Goldsmith 32:32
  2. Helen Elleker 32:53
    Sailash Shah 36:30
    Steve Uttley 31:31
  3. Adrian Edwards 31:35
    Joe Hardy 37:03
    Steven Wilde 36:28
  4. Tony Bell 31:19
    Pat Evans 38:10
    Glyn Jones 37:25
Glyn Jones, racing, officiating, doing whatever needs to be done – an inspiration
The remarkable, ever-smiling Pat Evans

AGE-GRADED [LWC Members]

  1. Tony Taylor 83.83%
  2. Glyn Jones 80.71%
  3. Joe Hardy 80.16%
  4. Pat Evans 78.65%
  5. Greg Smith 76.97%
  6. Adrian Edwards 73.25%
  7. Tony Bell 73.07%
  8. Steven Wilde 70.43%
  9. Sailash Shah 62.05%

Thanks to Martin Payne and Chris Harvey for the images.

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Fred Pearce Memorial Relay 1996 – 2026

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Tony Taylor

The name of Pearce is an indelible memory, imprinted deep in the history of our club. Fred Pearce Snr died in 1996 and our immediate response was to hold in his name a Memorial Relay on May 15th of that year. Following Fred Pearce Jnr’s passing in 2019 the event took on an even more profound place in the club’s calendar.

Fred Pearce Snr ready to race
Fred Jnr looking good in 2007

Thus it is that the 30th Fred Pearce Memorial Relay will take place on Saturday, July 25th at the by now traditional venue in Simister, starting at 1.00 p.m.

As ever it would be very helpful if you could let Dave Evans know if you are attending and in what capacity – dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk

I can but endorse the open invitation penned by Roy Gunnett, which our dear friend, Dave Ainsworth did include in the latest ‘ESSEX WALKER’

Brought together by Fred a decade ago to remember both Ron Wallwork and the bonds tying us together

AN INVITATION FOR ALL

At the last Lancashire Walking Club race we had a discussion about the forthcoming Fred Pearce 3x5k relay. We thought it would be a good idea to extend a welcome to everyone across the country who might like to do this event. It would be an opportunity for walkers to meet up and see old friends. The team race is a 3 legged relay, each team comprises 3 members and each member of the team does 5k. To help spread the word about this event would it be possible to include this invite in the next Essex walker? Our club would be very grateful if you could. Event: Fred Pearce 3x5k Relay. Date: Saturday 25th July 2026. Start Time: 13:00hrs. Venue: Lady Wilton Hall, Simister Lane, Simister, Manchester M25 2SB. Anybody who intends to enter should contact Dave Evans, the Lancashire Walking Club Chairman, using this address: Contact Dave at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk

Promising I’ll be there and hoping you might be!

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Sailash bounces back from injury

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Tony Taylor

The Barnard Trophy took place in the picturesque village of Sutton, a suburb of Macclesfield.
The course for this 10k event comprises 3 ‘out and back’ laps. After the recent hot weather conditions for the race were relatively good – 19C, fairly breezy and an overcast sky. The rain held off for the race apart from a little drizzle in the last few minutes.

Joe Hardy sees the lighter side


For a variety of reasons, the numbers taking part in the race were low…..6 walkers lined up for the start.
From the gun Roy Gunnett took the lead, followed by Sailash Shah and Greg Smith.
At the end of the first lap Roy clocked 24mins 24secs and he was 14 secs up on Sailash (24 mins 38secs) who in turn was 13 secs up on Greg (24mins 51secs).
On the second lap Sailash steadily pulled back his deficit on Roy and by the end of the lap took a one second lead over him. Sailash 49mins 10 secs and Roy 49mins 11secs.
At this point, namely 6.66k, Greg retired.

Roy Gunnett heading home
With Sailash Shah in hot pursuit


Over the final lap Roy retook the lead over Sailash and won the Scratch race.

With ony 700 metres to go, Roy has a sufficient lead


Sailash Shah had an excellent race considering his recent injuries and the lack of training this has resulted in. He easily won the handicap by a large margin and was awarded the Barnard Trophy.

Our great benefactor Marshall presents Sailash with the Barnard Trophy


A vote of thanks must go to Glyn Jones who marshalled the turnaround point and Chris Harvey who did the timekeeping. As ever Marshall Barnard and his wife Kath put on a magnificent spread afterwards of tea, sandwiches, cakes etc. Plus, they awarded prizes to the first 3 handicap winners.

Results
Scratch Race.

10k
1 Roy Gunnett 74 mins 11secs (24:24,49:11)
2 Sailash Shah. 74 mins 18secs (24:38,49:10)
3 Steven Wilde. 78 mins 29secs (25:44,51:44)
4 Joe Hardy. 79 mins 48secs (26:48,53:53)
5 Phil McCullagh 81mins 12secs (27:42,54:32)

6.66k
Greg Smith. 51mins 59secs (24:59)

Handicap

1 Sailash Shah 62:33
2 Roy Gunnett. 68:11
3 Joe Hardy. 68:18
4 Steve Wilde. 68:59
5 Phil McCullagh 69:12

Age-Related

  1. Roy Gunnett 77.53%
  2. Joe Hardy 76.92%
  3. Steven Wilde 67.28%
  4. Sailash Shah 62.61%
  5. Phil McCullagh 61.86%

Thanks as ever to Greg Smith for the photos.

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Summer Snippets- Macclesfield, Shillabeer, Parish Walk and Sutherland

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Tony Taylor

TRAINING AND JUDGING

Adrian informs:

There will be Sunday training in Stockport. Sunday 28th June 2 till 5; and hopefully Sunday 2nd August (just waiting on track availability).

Level 1 judges course, online for anyone interested:-

https://www.athleticshub.co.uk/course-list/eng?what=Level%201%20Race%20Walking%20Official

Would be great if we could get more qualified judges!

NEXT RACE – MACCLESFIELD SHIELD 10 Kilometres, July 4th

Roy informs:

Marshall has confirmed that all is okay for us to use the clubhouse for the Macclesfield Shield 10k on Saturday July 4th 2026. He will open up at 11:30 am. As ever, if possible, let Dave Evans know if you are attending and in what capacity.

Contact Dave at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk

ED SHILLABEER – MBE

Dave Ainsworth informs:

Ilford AC’s still active octogenarian race walker Ed Shillabeer has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).  Ed’s still our UK 100 Kilometres’ Walk record holder, set as far back as September 14th 1985 on Colchester’s Garrison track when clocking 9 hours 41 minutes and 50 seconds.  Ed has represented London Vidarians, Dawlish& South Devon, Plymouth City Walkers and currently Ilford AC.

Congratulations to Ed Shillabeer BEM.  A worthy honour for a true “good-un”. 

See our earlier 2025 post featuring the brillant tribute penned by Chris Maddocks.

 https://lancswalkingclub.com/2025/11/27/ed-shillabeer-c590-still-going-strong/

His sentiments are echoed by everyone at Lancashire Walking Club.

PARISH WALK IN THE ISLE OF MAN 2026

Thanks to parishwalk.com and Talking Race walking at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553349728764

CONVERSATION WITH BILL SUTHERLAND

Via Dave Ainsworth, Len Ruddock informs us of his latest invaluable venture.

Conversation with Bill Sutherland – Race Walking Extra, YouTube channel. Have a look at the description, as I have listed 36 chapters which you can click on and that’ll take you to that particular part of the conversation.

It’s been quite an effort bringing all this together, especially the editing – I feel that Bill has been living with me these last three months. But all good fun as it’s been a pleasure to allow Bill to speak from his heart on a number of issues. A humble man and as the chant at Spurs used to be when Harry Kane played for Tottenham, ‘One of Us’.

All good wishes,

Len

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Bell wins without a ding-dong

Posted on June 9, 2026 by Tony Taylor

Dave Evans reports:

Conditions for the Dick and Zena races were better than expected with no rain and fairly high humidity. Some late withdrawals through illness and clashing events left a small field to circumnavigate either 25 or 12 1/2 laps of this quiet Bury track which has in recent times seen quite a number of sub 4 minute miles.

The assembled stalwarts and aspirants

With 5 aspirants tackling the longer race and 3 the lesser 5k distance, the opening 3 or 4 laps meant close observation by the lap counters. From the gun(make that a whistle!) it was clear that Tony Bell would have to make this a time trial and he showed some patience gradually reaching a point where he was beginning to lap colleagues. His opening 6 laps were timed at 2:46, 2:46, 2:40, 2:42, 2:44 and 2:45.

Tony Bell, along with Ian Hilditch , awaits his pursuers

Roy Gunnett and Greg Smith were in tandem with each other with neither giving best to the other. Their respective opening salvos were 3:00, 2:50,2:53, 2:52, 2:48 and 2:46. This duo were locked together till about 6k when Greg had to leave the track for a domestic assignment leaving Roy to escape his clutches.

Steven Wilde under much scrutiny

The 5k race was less dramatic with Pat Evans leading the cortège from the outset awaiting the arrival of the 10k field who were in hot pursuit.

Joe Hardy, determined as ever, approaches Saliash’s poised pen

I should mention that travelling to Bury on the motorway can be very stressful with delays waiting to happen. Joe Hardy and Andrea Lennon were in the thick of it and arrived at the track as the race was about to get underway. Neither had time to warm up but both walked extremely well . Tony dominated the 10k and recorded a very solid 67:01 with the nearest followers 4 minutes behind. Pat posted a very respectable 39:36 for her 5k a minute ahead of Phil McCullagh who is currently carrying a leg “injury”.

Great photo of Steven recovered from his marathon endeavours


SCRATCH 10 KILOMETRES
1. Tony Bell 67:01
2. Roy Gunnett 71:43
3. Greg Smith 72:54
4. Steven Wilde 78:16
5. Joe Hardy 79:46

SCRATCH 5 KILOMETRES
1. Pat Evans 39:36
2. Phil McCullagh 40:36
3. Andrea Lennon 44:23

Greg Smith in sombre dress!

HANDICAP 10 KILOMETRES
1. Greg Smith 65:24
2. Roy Gunnett 65:43
3. Tony Bell 67:01
4. Joe Hardy 69:46
5. Steven Wilde 71:31

By now, a cheerful Greg receives the Dick Smith Trophy

AGE-GRADED RESULTS

  1. Andrea Lennon 82.01%
  2. Roy Gunnett 81.45%
  3. Joe Hardy 76.95%
  4. Pat Evans 75.80%
  5. Greg Smith 73.41%
  6. Tony Bell 70.13%
  7. Steven Wilde 66.59%
  8. Phil McCullagh 60.22%

Thanks to Phil McCullagh and Greg Smith for the images.

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DICK AND ZENA SMITH TROPHY 10 AND 5 KILOMETRES at Bury, SATURDAY, JUNE 6th

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Tony Taylor
Zena Smith in the middle

DICK AND ZENA SMITH TROPHY 10 AND 5 KILOMETRES – Bury Athletics Club, Market St, Bury BL9 9FX

These races commemorate the remarkable contribution to the life of our club made by the husband and wife couple, Dick and Zena Smith. The event will take place at the Bury AC track, starting at 1.00 pm on Saturday, June 6th. As usual, please let Dave Evans know if you are able to attend and in what capacity, especially as lap scorers will be needed. The facilities will be open from noon.

Contact Dave at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk

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A Long Weekend of Distance Walking

Posted on May 23, 2026 by Tony Taylor

Many thanks to Frans Leijtens for this information on a formidable weekend of challenges across Europe.

This weekend will be filled with some of the most famous walking events in Europe. Friday, walkers started the first of four stages from Paris to the Belgian town of Tubize: they walk 80, 75, 78 and 59 kilometers and finish Monday afternoon. Tomorrow two events will start. In Britain, the Long Distance Walking Association will host it’s annual 100 miles walk, where walkers have untill Monday to finish their trail walk through the North Downs. And in the Netherlands, the Continental Centurion 100 miles race walking event will start at noon in Schiedam. It will have supporting events of 100K, 50 miles and 50K, all on a 4K lap through the local Beatrix Park. We wish all participants the best of luck and we will post some additional footages of each event from previous years.

Best Wishes and respect from everyone at Lancashire Walking Club.

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An unlikely changing room in Chorley: Dave Crompton Memorial Trophy

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Tony Taylor

Word has it that our gallant competitors found themselves in church on their return from their endeavours on Chorley’s roads. Photographic evidence seems to support the tale. Things do move in mysterious ways. We are intrigued and hope to learn more!

Meanwhile Dave Evans reports:

Close rivals Nigel Shaw and Tony Bell were slightly below their previous opening mile times in this event passing the timekeeper in 10:18 and 10:32.  Adrian Edwards kept Tony close company as the whole field tackled the long climb to the head of the course before a long fast descent.

A determined Tony Bell

This out and back course offers competitors some respite on the journey home and it was with some surprise that we saw Tony in the lead at halfway. His 38:06 was over a minute faster than his clocking at this point last year but Nigel was on his heels some 9 seconds adrift.

The two Daves, Lamb and Evans man the turning point – another church!

Further back in the field Roy Gunnett and Steve Wilde were dualling for fourth and fifth spot reaching 3 1/2 miles in 42:22 with Adrian in the middle recording 39:48.

Good to see Adrian out on the road
Roy chasing Steven gives a sense of the ascent

The second half of the race was likely to be a battle of minds with Tony endeavouring to secure his lead and Nigel hoping the final mile or so would play to his strengths. As the first two crested the final climb it was Nigel who seized the initiative and he repeated his victory in this event.

Nigel grits his teeth

The handicap was close with Steve Wilde claiming a second handicap success just 6 seconds ahead of Tony. On this occasion most participants walked up to their known level of fitness and there were no shocks.

Pat warming up for her Sunday fifteen miler

Pat Evans walked well but as a walk leader for Long distance events she was mindful of having to lead a 15 miler the day after hence the decision to call it a day at halfway.

Ian and Eric prepare post-race refreshments in a stained-glass setting
Roy and Nigel can’t quite believe it!


SCRATCH
1. Nigel Shaw 75:34
2. Tony Bell 75:49
3. Adrian Edwards 80:14
4. Roy Gunnett 85:13
5. Steve Wilde 85:13
6. Greg Smith 86:56
7. Phil McCullagh 89:33
8. Joe Hardy 91:26

3 1/2 miles
Pat Evans 45:56

As always it is moving to see Louise and Eric at the presentation of the trophy

HANDICAP
1. Steve Wilde 73:13 – winner of the Dave Crompton Memorial Trophy
2. Tony Bell 73:19
3. Nigel Shaw 74:34
4. Roy Gunnett 75:13
5. Greg Smith 75:56
6. Phil McCullagh 76:48
7. Joe Hardy 77:26
8. Adrian Edwards 79:14
9. Pat Evans 45:56

Thanks as ever to Greg Smith for the splendid photos and the evidence of strange things afoot.

DON’T FORGET – TAKE ADVANTAGE

The next Lancashire WC track session at Stockport organised by Adrian Edwards will take place on Sunday 17th May. As usual the track is available for our use from noon through till 5. As ever our thanks to Adrian for continuing to organise this monthly gathering.

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