Dave Evans reports:

Weatherwise a good day for racing with the threat of rain impending but not released until much later in the evening.

Several regulars were missing through transport difficulties, injury and other calls on their time, however, those who did toe the starting line were keen to contest the last race of the calendar year.  Martin Fisher, one of our regular visitors from Yorkshire, set the standard for the competition and quickly established a minute plus lead as the field rounded the halfway point with 5k to go. Posting a midway time of 29 minutes 47 Martin was set for sub 60 time with Tony Bell some 82 seconds adrift. Sailash Shah, as keen as ever, tracked Tony and set off for the second half hard on his heels. Further down the field Joe Hardy was slip streaming Pat Evans with both arriving at the turnaround at about 35 minutes. Phil McCullagh cruised through the same point over a minute later with Roy Gunnett carrying a thigh strain and clearly walking in a very controlled manner.

Andrea Lennon and John Payn opted for the shorter 5k alternative on the day and both were rewarded with decent times. As Pat was handling the catering for the race day she also went for Option B leaving the final 5k lap to 6 others.

Martin picked up some time on the second section of the course and pulled even further away from Tony but both walked well technically . Sailash was unable to maintain his very fast early pace and left Tony to gain second place ahead of him. Joe walked consistently whilst Phil McCullagh did a negative split. Roy was told by his physio to go easy on his injured thigh so his time reflects his deference rather than his true fitness.

Final results:-

10k
1. Martin Fisher    59:30
2. Tony Bell            61:44
3. Sailash Shah     62:01
4. Joe Hardy          70:48
5. Phil McCullagh  71:40
6. Roy Gunnett      77 :27

5k
1. Pat Evans            35:03
2. Andrea Lennon 42:28
3. John Payn           48:08

 After recovering from their efforts the 9 walkers and helpers (marshals, timekeepers and recorders) retired to the school premises and feasted on a selection of hot pies and sweet sundries including a very tasty M & S Christmas cake supplied by our president Tony Taylor who whilst not in the UK on the day, promised to match our walkers with a 10k fast walk in his Cretan retreat. Another club walk in the bank and everyone will look forward to the Sam Shoebottom 10k next year on 8th February.

A Happy Christmas to all club members and their families and Good Health, the first Wealth.

Thanks to Greg Smith for the revealing photos. Much appreciated.

Roy Gunnett’s report and detailed results.

Nine walkers lined up for the start of the Dick Maxwell Trophy at Sinister. Six elected to walk the full 10K whilst three opted for the 5k.
The weather was good for December, mild with little wind.
Guest walker Martin Fisher led from the gun to the finish, walking strongly throughout, achieving a Sub-Hour result.
Behind Martin, Tony Bell and Sailash fought closely for the majority of the race with Tony pulling away towards the end.
Phil McCullagh adopted his normal tactic of negative splits, gaining time in the second half on the third placed Joe Hardy.
After the race Pat Evans served the traditional pie and mushy peas-greatly appreciated by all. The traditional appearance of the Secret Santa concluded the day.

10k

Information in the bracket indicates h’cap allowance; h’cap time; h’cap position; h’cap points and age-graded performance.

• 1. Martin Fisher M55 Redcar RWC 59: 30 (1:30; 58:00; Guest; 75.26%
• 2. Tony Bell M55 LWC 61: 44 (6:30; 55:14; 2; 24; 71.88%)
• 3. Sailash Shah M55 LWC 62: 01 (14:00; 48:0l; l; 25; 70.93%)
• 4. Joe Hardy M75 LWC 70:48 (12:15; 58: 33; 3; 23; 77.71%)
• 5. Phil McCullagh LWC M60 71:40 (12:15; 59: 25; 4; 22; 65.58%)
• 6. Roy Gannett M70 LWC 77: 27 (8:45; 68:42; 5; 21; 68.18%)

5k

Information in the bracket indicates h’cap points and age-graded performance.

• 1. Pat Evans W65 LWC 35;03 (20; 75.98%)
• 2. Andrea Lennon W75 LWC 42:28 (19; 74.44%)
• 3. John Payn M85 LWC 48:08 [18: 79.24%)

PS Tony Taylor failed to live up to his pledge suffering, he claims. from a bad cold and cough. He’s always been a bit of a hypochondriac! He now promises to do his parallel 10k on December 21st.