Dave Evans reports:
Some last minute changes to the walking personnel altered the weighting of the handicap on this occasion but despite the disparity all competitors gave it their all on a day when a very warm and close atmosphere enveloped the field of 18 participants.
With fairly large “starts” the outgoing first leg aspirants had to get stuck in lest their apparent lead was absorbed quickly by pursuing teams. The course is an out and back with a turnaround in the middle of Heaton Park so most walkers can establish their lead or deficit around this point.
After leg one Roy Gunnett headed the field with an excellent 34:37 for 5k. Two minutes later Sailash reached the same destination.
As the race completed its second leg the order had changed dramatically as Adrian Edwards cruised into a 7 minute lead.
Across the board the times were very consistent with recent form but the handicapper was a bit too generous with one team doubtless affected by some last minute adjustment. At the finish the overall times were reflective of current state of play but clearly the very warm weather had its part to play.
Nigel Shaw showed what a prospect he is of great things in the future with the second fastest time of the day .
RESULTS
1. Sailash Shah 36:10/Adrian Edwards 34:37/Sailash Shah 36:32.
2. Pat Evans 36:28/Glyn Jones 36:30/ Tony Bell 32:13
3. Roy Gunnett 34:37/A.N.Other 45:37/Greg Smith 37:18
4. Joe Hardy 36:35/John Crahan 38:39/Nigel Shaw 32:35
5. Martin Payne 33:08/Steven Wilde 39:07/Ian Hilditch 38:36
6. Phil McCullagh 35:40/ Martin Fisher 39:44/ Dave Evans 36:04
Chris Pearce provided the race field and supporters with a splendid buffet in memory of the much missed Fred and the nonagenarian Eric Horwill provided the club with his usual detailed breakdown of results and timing on the day.
Thanks were offered to those who have travelled from afar including the Midlands, Bradford and Sheffield . This support has meant a great deal to the club and for which we are truly grateful. Tony Malone, sadly now affected by ill health provided support at the turnaround point allowing other club walkers to compete.
Fred Pearce Relay, Simister, 20 July 2024: Age-graded results
| Leg walked by | Time | Age-graded % | Age graded position |
| Pat Evans (W70) | 36:28:00 | 77.58 | 1 |
| Glyn Jones (M80) | 36:30:00 | 77.37 | 2 |
| Roy Gunnett (M75) | 34:37:00 | 76.42 | 3 |
| Joe Hardy (M80) | 36:35:00 | 75.14 | 4 |
| Ian Hilditch (M80) | 38:36:00 | 74.18 | 5 |
| Dave Evans (M75) | 36:04:00 | 73.35 | 6 |
| Martin Payne (M60) | 33:08:00 | 68.98 | 7 |
| Tony Bell (M60) | 32:13:00 | 68.88 | 8 |
| Nigel Shaw (M60) | 32:35:00 | 68.77 | 9 |
| Greg Smith (M70) | 37:18:00 | 66.79 | 10 |
| John Crahan (M75) | 38:39:00 | 66.77 | 11 |
| Phil McCullagh (M65) | 35:40:00 | 66.1 | 12 |
| Adrian Edwards (M60) | 34:37:00 | 64.73 | 13 |
| Steven Wilde (M70) | 39:07:00 | 62.96 | 14 |
| Sailash Shah (M55) | 36:10:00 | 60.2 | 15 |
| Sailash Shah (M55) | 36:32:00 | 59.6 | 16 |
| Martin Fisher (M60) | 39:44:00 | 56.39 | 17 |
Produced by Greg Smith, 21 July 2024. V2 amended 23 July 2014
The calculations were made using:
https://emlsports.com/tools/masters-athletics-age-grading-calculator/
AND, AS EVER, THANKS TO GREG SMITH FOR THE IMAGES
Lancashire Walking Club : Health The First Wealth 