Barnard Trophy 10k July 1st 2023 at Sutton Macclesfield
Roy Gunnett reports:
Ten Walkers lined up for the start of the Barnard Trophy 10k on July 1st at Sutton Macclesfield. The usual 3-lap course was used. We were not greeted with the very warm sunny weather of the previous few weeks. Instead, it was a somewhat overcast day with temperatures hovering around 16C. Towards the end of the race, there was a slight shower.
Included in the lineup were the Lancashire Walking Club’s 2 new members, namely Olena Walker and her Mum, Tetyana Kryvokhyzha. Both Olena and Tetyana are first-class walkers with a prestigious history in the sport Their achievements include a 4hr 36mins 50k for Olena and a European Masters 20k medal for Tetyana. The club is extremely lucky to have them as members. Olena’s father and son came along to spectate – her father was a Race Walking coach and referee.
With the exception of Adrian Edwards and Tony Bell, all the walkers started together – Adrian and Tony set off 4 minutes later. For the first 2 laps of the race a group comprising Olena, Tetyana and Roy headed the race.
At the start of the 3rd lap, Olena and Tetyana got into their stride and pulled away from Roy. Adrian Edwards walked well, made up his deficit of 4 minutes by the 3rd lap, and passed Olena and Tetyana to be the first walker home. Tony Bell also walked strongly and came second in the scratch race. In general, the whole field performed well. Joe Hardy put in a strong final lap and gained 2 places.
We had one guest walker, David Hoben, who is always very welcome. He has recovered well from his 50k in Holland.
The handicap was won by Ian Hilditch and Marshall presented him with a bottle of wine.
Marshall also presented bottles of wine to the 2nd 3rd and 4th finishers in the handicap. As usual, Marshall and Kath put on an extremely fine buffet and we are indebted to their kindness. A huge thank you is owed to Eric Horwill, Glyn Jones, Irene Pike and Chris Harvey for providing timekeeping and marshalling support for the race.
Scratch Race
1 Adrian Edwards 63:43 (21:17,42:37)
2 Tony Bell. 66:34. (22:42,44:21)
3 Tetyana Kryvokhyzha. 68:17. (23:03,45:49)
4 Olena Walker. 68:17. (23:02,45:49)
5 Roy Gunnett. 69:47. (23:00,45:49)
6 Sailash Shah. 72:54. (23:44,48:02)
7 Ian Hilditch. 74:24. (24:49,49:30)
8 Joe Hardy. 75:26. (25:20,50:52)
9 Phil McCullagh. 75:54. (24:51,50:24)
10 David Hoben. 76:54. (25:05,50:42)
Handicap Result
1 Ian Hilditch. 58:24
2 Roy Gunnett. 59:47
3 Sailash Shah. 60:29
4Tetyana Kryvokhyzha. 62:17
4 Olena Walker. 62:17
6 Tony Bell. 62:49
7 Adrian Edwards. 63:13
8 Joe Hardy. 65:11
9 David Hoben. 65:24
10 Phil McCullagh. 66:44
Many thanks to Chris Harvey and Irene Pike for the excellent photos.
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Late on Saturday night, Tony Malone, his dear friend, got in touch to say the great and much-loved Mick Holmes had died in hospital that very evening.
With all the efforts to alter the character of our sport, we won’t see the like of dear Mick again, competitive at a high standard from 3,000 metres to 100 miles! I have fond memories of our tussles in the early 1970s but Mick went on to another level.
Growing up in the post-1945 world of race-walking in the North of England you knew of the Holmes family. It was the beating heart of the Yorkshire Race Walking Club. And, Chris Bolton points out from his perspective as a Centurion,
Father: Harry Holmes Snr. C104.
21-05-39.
Son: Harry Holmes Jr. C303
19-31-08.
Grandson: Mick Holmes: C717.
17-21-52.
As is now our custom we will endeavour to create a fitting tribute to Mick on the Lancashire WC website and would appreciate memories and photos of this exceptional man’s life.
Send to me at tonymtaylor@gmail.com
MICK HOLMES RIP
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