ALISON TROPHY 15 KILOMETRES, MARCH 1st, CHORLEY

Dave Evans reports and supplies the photos – a veritable and vital jack of all trades

Relative newcomer Nigel Shaw threw caution to the wind and jumped the field in this year’s Alison trophy 15k at Chorley. Having not raced on this course at all it was a brave decision to employ kamikaze tactics but it worked. Passing the 1 mile point in 10 mins 37 secs the leader met the first of the 3 circuits completely out of sight of his pursuers but his proficient style provided a sound platform for the ensuing helterskelter experience. Martin Payne and Tony Bell were walking neck and neck with endurance challenging innate speed.

As the 9 regulars completed the first lap it was clear that Nigel had seized the initiative leaving Tony and Martin fighting for the two runner up spots. This has to be one of the toughest racewalk courses on the calendar and despite the cold conditions, all completed their targeted distances.

Results (1 Mile/3.4 miles/5.8 miles/8.2 miles/15k

1. Nigel Shaw 94:38(10:37/35:36/59:54/84:38)
2. Tony Bell 104:14(11:12/38:09/65.02/92:55)
3. Martin Payne 108:47(11:13/38:09/66:10/96:20)
4. Phil McCullagh 112:38(12:32/41:28/70:23/100:05)
5. Roy Gunnett 115:01(11:38/41:35/72:12/102:30)
6. Glyn Jones 116:21(12:14/42:28/72:35/103:39)
7. Joe Hardy 118:38(12:21/43:26/74:26/105:40)

Results (1 mile/3.4 miles/5.8 miles/6.8 miles

1. Pat Evans 85:25(12:31/42:37/72:54)
2. Andrea Lennon 106:30(14:47/52:18/90:50)

Handicap

1. Nigel Shaw 83:38
2. Phil McCullagh 92:38
3. Tony Bell 93:14
4. Glyn Jones 96:21
5. Roy Gunnett 98:01
6. Joe Hardy 101:38
7. Martin Payne 108:47
8. Pat Evans
9. Andrea Lennon

Age-graded

1. Glyn Jones 80.73%
2. Joe Hardy 77.80%
3. Nigel Shaw 75.59%
4. Roy Gunnett 75.15%
5. Tony Bell 67.94%
6. Martin Payne 67.15%
7. Phil McCullagh 67.08%

Many thanks to Ian Hilditch, Irene Pike, Sailash Shah, Steve Wilde and Eric Crompton for providing logistical support and general encouragement.

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DON’T FORGET – Adrian Edwards is organising another training session at Woodbank Park, Stockport on Sunday, March 16th. The track is available from noon till 5 o’clock. These sessions are well worth supporting.

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Meanwhile on Sunday, March 2nd our very own Greg Smith was completing the Brighton Half-Marathon in 2:57:32.