I must first apologise for the lack of an inspiring New Year’s message. A combination of serious family illness and severe issues with our internet connection have meant a topsy-turvy opening to 2020. And as a committed European citizen living in Greece, yet deeply critical of the European Union, I can but be dismayed by Brexit. Hence I will not be dancing in the streets next Friday, along with Boris Johnson and less than half of a disUnited Kingdom.

Politics aside it’s been also a sad period for British race walking. We’ve lost stalwarts of our sport, Colin Young, Edwin Grocott, Jill Langford and John Creo in the last few weeks. So too Eric and Pam Horwill, the epitome of selfless support to our sport in general and to Lancashire Walking Club itself despite their proud Midlands heritage, are coping with the tragic illness of their eldest daughter, Jennifer. I know that all of us at the club hold them dearly in our thoughts.

All of the above would be among the first to say that life must go on. Thus the first of the New Year’s fixtures took place today at Drighlington today, January 26 and I’m grateful as ever to Trevor McDermot for this prompt report and photos. As this year’s President I am really chuffed that we supported the race and for our efforts won the first trophy of 2020.

Yorkshire RWC Club 10km Road – Drighlington, 26th Jan

Natalie Myers was away sharply from the start and, moving very well in the rain, led the field home by a good margin.

Lancashire WC won the team race from the host club. Thank you all who supported this morning.

1 – Natalie Myers (2DASH) – 55.05

2 – Adrian Edwards (Lancs WC) – 59.42

3 – Dave Walsh (Redhill RR) – 59.54

4 – Colin Scott (Yorks RWC) – 61.01

5 – Tony Malone (Lancs WC) – 61.01

6 – Tony Bell (Lancs WC) – 65.54

7 – Graham Jackson (Northern M) – 66.13

8 – Dennis Jackson (Yorkshire RWC) – 66.14

9 – Neil Armitage (Yorkshire RWC) – 71.07

10 – Phil McCullagh (Lancs WC) – 71.16

11 – Mark Byrne (Redcar RWC) – 76.06

5km – Richard Cole (Yorkshire RWC) 37.40

Team (4 to score)

1 – Lancashire WC – 23 pts

2 – Yorkshire RWC – 33 pts

This was the initial event for a new Northern Race Walking League that will run annually from this year. Next will be the Area 20km Champs at Douglas, IoM, on Feb 22nd (closing date for entries Feb 18th), followed by the Ken Munro Trophy 10 Miles (Scotland v Lancashire v Yorkshire) + 3km races, Guests allowed, at Dalton, North Yorks on 29th March.

A detailed League programme and fixture list will be finalised and circulated in three weeks.

Thanks to Linda McDermot for the photos

Looking forward to the first club race of the season, the Sam Shoebottom 10k at Simister on February 8th. Very much hoping to see you there.