Dave Evans as ever reports:

The sun shone brightly and the spirit of Albert Rigby, former stalwart of the Lancashire Walking club , enveloped the field and added yet another successful edition of this challenge.

Although the number of competitors was relatively small through prior engagements and family issues the 7 keen aspirants toed the starting line with 3 out and back sections to negotiate. Like most road events nowadays traffic can be a problem but most of the course can be walked on pavements . Glyn Jones volunteered to man the turnaround junction and fellow Midlander Eric Horwill took the role of chief timekeeper.

Bets were laid(hypothetically) as to who would lead the field to the end of the first circuit and as the first two individuals entered the home straight it was Tony Bell closely followed by Nigel Shaw. No money was won or lost! Roy Gunnett appeared at number 3 employing his fluid technique but maybe suffering a bit from his recent long distance efforts.

At the end of the second circuit both Tony and Nigel were side by side but it looked as though the latter was waiting to go for broke judging by his arm carriage. Roy kept his bronze claiming place with Joe Hardy and Pat Evans vying for fourth, 5 seconds between the latter two.

The third and final circuit saw the most major changes with Nigel going for broke between miles 4 and 5 and putting some fast work in to this section and bringing him home by nearly 3 minutes. Roy, Joe and Pat walked very well with only 56 seconds covering all three.

Results

1. Nigel Shaw [M60] 65:00(21:44,44:17)
2. Tony Bell [M60] 67:52(21:43,44:16)
3. Roy Gunnett [M75] 75:04(24:05,48:58)
4. Joe Hardy [M80] 75:35(25:04,50:18)
5. Pat Evans [W70] 76:00(25:11,50:23)
6. Dave Hoben [M70] 78:38(25:07,51:23)
7. Ian Hilditch [M80] 80:28(26:13,53:12

5.5 kms Greg Smith [M70] 49:47.

Handicap

1. Joe Hardy 63:50
2. Pat Evans 64:00
3. Nigel Shaw 65:00
4. Tony Bell 65:07
5. Dave Hoben 66:08
6. Ian Hilditch 68:43
7. Roy Gunnett 69:04

Age-Graded

1. Pat Evans 81.16%
2. Joe Hardy 78.54%
3. Ian Hilditch 77.63%
4. Roy Gunnett 75.47%
5. Nigel Shaw 72.31%
6. Tony Bell 68.54%

As ever but not taken for granted, thanks to Greg Smith for the excellent images.

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Adrian Edwards informs us of future coaching and training possibilities at Woodbank Park, Stockport

We’ve booked in 3 sessions; Sunday October 20th, Sunday November 24th, and Sunday 12th January.

On 24th November I’m hoping to do a 5 kilometres race walk time trial starting at 1pm; although the track will be available from 12 until 5 as usual.