Ta to Fred Pearce for the photo

Before the start of the Sam Shoebottom races, we made the sign in support of the #SAVETHE WALKING protest against the proposed disappearance of both the 20km and 50km from the Olympics and the problematic introduction of electronic shoe technology.

Thanks to Stefano La Sorda for the logo and his campaigning energy

The chaotic ensemble at the starting line is due partly to a shout from the back to say.’Watch out, there’s a bloody big lorry approaching!’ There is no truth in the rumour that the said vehicle had been hired by someone called Coe to disrupt our protest.

LWC SAM SHOEBOTTOM 10km, February 9, 2019, Simister

Roy Gunnett reports:

There was a good turnout of 16 walkers for the first Lancashire Walking Club race of the year. The weather was kind with a temperature of 10 degrees centigrade and no rain. However, there was a strong wind. The race was held on the normal course at Simister, comprising two out and back 5k laps.

Adrian Edwards

Following the start, the race quickly split into three groups, the first being Adrian Edwards and Tony Taylor battling for the lead, followed by Tony Bell and Tony Malone, who both had their sights set on breaking the hour and then the rest of the field spread out some way behind.

Tony Taylor

Tony Bell and Tony Malone battling it out

As the race progressed Tony gradually drew away from Adrian and put in a very strong performance to finish over 2 minutes clear. Both Tony Bell and Tony Malone achieved their target of a sub one-hour performance with Tony Bell taking the handicap and thus the Sam Shoebottom Trophy.

1. Tony Taylor LWC M70 0:56:21 [H’cap 0:00 H’cap time 56:21 Pos 3 Pts 23] 92.5%
2. Adrian Edwards LWC M55 0:58:48 [0:00; 58:48; 6; 20] 76.86%
3. Tony Bell LWC M55 0:59:41 [5:30; 54:11; 1; 25] 74.81%
4. Tony Malone LWC M65 0:59:43 [3:30; 56:13; 2;24] 83.12%
5. Roy Gunnett LWC M70 1:06:42 [7:45; 58:57; 8; 18] 79.16%
6. Peter Crahan LWC M65 1:07:04 [6:45; 60:19; 11; 15] 73.17%
7. Glyn Jones Cov Godiva M75 1:07:35 [8:30; 59:07; Guest] 83.78%
8. John Crahan LWC M65 1:10:00 [11:15; 58:45; 5; 21] 73.52%
9. Phil McCullagh LWC M60 1:10:38 [11:45; 58:53; 7; 19] 65.86%
10. Ian Hilditch LWC M75 1:12:09 [ 15:00; 57:09; 4; 22] 78.51%
11. Joe Hardy LWC M75 1:13:04 [12:00; 61:04; 12; 14] 76.39%
12. Sailash Shah LWC M50 1:14:11 [14:00; 60:11; 10; 16] 58.79%
13. Ian Vaughan LWC M65 1:18:20 [18:45; 59:35; 9; 17] 62.65%

5km

Pat Evans tucks in behind Joe Hardy and Phil McCullagh

1. Pat Evans LWC W65 0:35:58 [Pts 13] 86.35%
2. John Payn LWC M85 0:42:06 [Pts 12] 74.24%
3. Andrea Lennon LWC W75 0:44:35 [Pts 13] 69.66%

A big thank you to the injured Greg Smith for the race photos. Much appreciated.

————————————————————————————————–

FORTHCOMING RACES

Sunday, March 3 MOLLY BARNETT OPEN AND EAA 10KM CHAMPIONSHIP at COVENTRY

Saturday, March 9 ALISON TROPHY 15KM at CHORLEY

Sunday, March 24 KEN MUNRO TRIANGULAR COMPETITION [LANCASHIRE v. YORKSHIRE v. SCOTLAND] at DALTON, NORTH YORKSHIRE

By twist of fate , all being well, I’ll be back in the UK and can do this race. It would be good to have a strong Lancashire team in the mix.

Saturday, April 9 MACCLESFIELD SHIELD 10 MILES at SUTTON MACCLESFIELD

Club races start at 1.30 p.m.

RIP DOROTHY TAYLOR

Over the last few years, my mother Dorothy Taylor has been suffering from advanced dementia and I’ve often dashed to races after seeing her in the nursing home. Many of you have gone out of your way to be sensitive and supportive. It is with a mixture of relief and grief that I have to report that at the age of 99 years she passed away on Sunday, February 17. As you know the A J Taylor Award for the best performance of the year by a club member honours my father and her dear husband, a staunch supporter of race walking in Lancashire, who died in 1970. Thanks again for your compassionate concern.

—————————————————————————————————————————–