With Dave Evans trapped in the Lakes, Roy Gunnett takes charge, competes and reports.

As with the clubs last two races, the Macclesfield Shield 10 mile race on Saturday 6^th April 2024 was hit by challenging weather. This time it was strong gusty winds, courtesy of Storm Kathleen.

Despite this there was a good turnout of 9 walkers and 4 helpers.

The usual 5 lap ‘out and back’ course was used for the 10 miler. 

From the gun Nigel Shaw took the lead, a lead which he maintained to the end of the race.  It was an impressive performance for someone who has only taken up the sport in the last few months. His style is very  safe and solid.

Martin Payne, to halfway,  followed closely behind Nigel. However, from this point on Nigel gradually extended his lead.

Behind the leading pair was Roy Gunnett, who walked in third place throughout.

The remaining male walkers kept close together, until nearing the end when Phil McCullagh pulled away to come in a clear fourth.

Greg Smith retired after 3 laps (6miles) to take up his role as Club photographer. Many thanks.

When taking account of age and sex Andrea Lennon’s performance was probably the best of the day. She maintained an even pace throughout and put in a really gutsy performance in the harsh conditions.

As well as winning the scratch race Nigel also won the handicap and was presented with the Macclesfield Shield trophy by Marshall Barnard. 

Everyone after the race enjoyed the splendid buffet that Marshall always provides.

As special word of thanks must go to the 4 marshalls, without whom the race would not have been possible.

Eric Horwill was starter and timekeeper, aided by Alf Short, Glyn Jones manned the turnaround point and Sailash Shah marshalled at the crossroads.

Scratch Results

10 Miles

1  Nigel Shaw.         1.51.42.  (21.55,44.02,1.06.14,1.28.43)

2. Martin Payne      1.55.19.  (22.03,44.55,1.08.27,1.31.56)

3  Roy Gunnett.       2.06.26.  (23.50,48.55,1.13.37,1.39.32)

4. Phil McCullagh   2.10.28. (26.40,52.36,1.18.06,1.45.00)

5  Joe Hardy.             2.11.47. (26.19, 52.45,1.19.22,1.45.51)

6. Steven Wilde.      2.11.52  (26.14, 52.44,1.19.16,1.45.45)

7. Ian Hilditch.         2.11.57 (26.18, 52.49, 1.19.24, 1.45.52)

8  Andrea Lennon.  2.33.51 (30.13,1.00.45, 1.31.56,2.03.06)

10k.

Greg Smith.               1.23.48

Handicap Results.

1. Nigel Shaw.               1.51.42

2. Roy Gunnett.            1.54.26

3. Martin Payne.           1.55.19

4. Ian Hilditch.              1.55.27

5. Phil McCullagh.       1.56.28

6  Steven Wilde.            1.57.52

7. Joe Hardy.                  2.00.02

8. Andrea Lennon.       2.04.51

Age-graded Results

1. Andrea Lennon 82.27%
2. Ian Hilditch 77.45%
3. Joe Hardy 73.47%
4. Roy Gunnett 73.18%
5. Nigel Shaw 68.78%
6. Martin Payne 68.40%
7. Steven Wilde 64.28%
8. Phil McCullagh 61.51%

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IMPORTANT

Adrian Edwards informs us that:

Sailash turned up at the last training session; walked with one hand in his pocket due to the shoulder problem; at least he was back out again. We have a little core of regulars and decided on the next future training date; Sunday 14th April, Woodbank Park, Stockport; 12 till 5 if anyone else wanted to come along.