As some might know, it was touch and go as to whether I would make the start of the ever-demanding Alison Trophy at Chorley. My flight from Crete was due to touch down at around 11 o’clock. In the event my dash from the overwhelming hordes at Manchester Airport proved successful.  This said, in the murky gloom embracing the town I turned up first at the Roman Catholic St. Joseph’s before crossing the road to the Anglican St. Peter’s, where a family and friends attending a drizzly baptism were putting on a brave face.  

Running round the back I entered the dimly lit hall of the Community Centre.  Within I found only 5 shadowy figures, four garbed for action.  My surprise at the sparse turnout was the result of not knowing that there had been last minute discussion about whether the race would take place, Dave Evans being trapped in the Lakes.  Whatever the confusion, Martin, John, Phil and Roy were determined to brave the elements.  Given I couldn’t race, courtesy of a hernia, my appearance was timely.  I took on the timekeeping duties and, together with Eric Crompton of local fame sought to keep everyone on track.  Out on the course we were joined in the task by Greg Smith, our by now official photographer, dressed sensibly for the weather.  Somewhat normal for the area, it was freezing cold and the rain was unrelenting.  Not being acclimatised I was bloody cold!

The conditions did not deter our quartet of hardy souls.  In the opening stretch before the infamous lap to be covered thrice, Martin and Roy kept close company as did Phil and John.  As ever the tough and tortuous climb on the opening section of the challenge took its toll with Martin pulling away from Roy, Phil beginning to drop John.  From thence on the four individuals led an isolated existence.  It’s a tribute to their fortitude that they ploughed on regardless.  Although it must be said we had to coax Phil past a now closed public house where he had supped many a pint in its heyday. 

At the finish Martin’s strong performance pulled him well clear, whilst Phil put in a strong third lap to close on Roy.  Finishing fourth John was moved to remark that his resilient effort would enter the ranks of his ten worst athletic performances.  A harsh judgement, in my opinion.

Back in the partial warmth of the centre, Eric true to tradition had brewed a large kettle of milky tea with biscuits to hand.  To everyone’s delight the winner of the Alison Trophy was Phil McCullagh. Of course this feat was the subject of jocular remarks from our resident wit, John Crahan.

In the ensuing post-race conversation we touched on the health of the much-missed Sailash Shah and the great stalwart John Payn.  We hope to see Sailash soon and visits to John are in the pipeline.  Sadly, Adrian Edwards has advised that the Horwich BMAF 5 kilometres will not be held this year.  We explored again whether in the summer we might target a coupe of Park Runs, where we could organise a collective presence. 

The business concluded, we set forth cheerily into the still surly Chorley air, pleased that we had kept the race-walking spirit alive in what was a heartland of our sport. The richness of this history owes much to the endeavours of the Leyland Motors Athletic Club, the story of which deserves a chapter on our club website in the future.

Alison Trophy 15 Kilometres [RWA Permit 24005/1]

SCRATCH

1. Martin Payne 1:42: 23
2. Roy Gunnett 1:54:08
3. Phil McCullagh 1:56:16
4. John Crahan 2:02:52

HANDICAP

1. Phil McCullagh 96:16
2. Roy Gunnett 97:08
3. Martin Payne !02:23
4. John Crahan 104:52

AGE-GRADED

1. Roy Gunnett 75.73%
2. Martin Payne 71.35%
3. 3.John Crahan 68.27%
4. Phil McCullagh 64.98%

Thanks as ever to Greg Smith for the photos and apologies for the delayed report. I remained freezing in England till this last weekend and upon return I find myself booked in for an unexpected hernia operation!