An Apology – I’d more or less finished this post last Sunday but on the Monday had another eye operation, which has not settled down. Hence I’ve not been able to add footnotes to the great photos or include the Age-Graded results. I’ll sort these omissions as soon as possible. This note, courtesy of a voice recorder!!

Dave Evans reports:

With temperatures creeping up into the low 20’s all heel toe aspirants in this year’s Dave Crompton 7 were glad to be able to dowse themselves with a sponge at half way and water. Unbeknown to them Sailash Shah, currently recovering from injury, had lined up a treat at the finish with every competitor able to savour the delights of an orange and ice cream surprise as they crossed the line.

The race itself was a tad faster than 2024 with most walkers bettering their times from last year and recording negative splits across the board. At the 1 mile point Nigel and Tony were locked together with both passing in 10:09.

This out and back course is very demanding with long climbs and descents both ways with little time to settle into a rhythm . Nigel Shaw confirmed his dominance with text book style breaking away from close adversary Tony Bell in the second half of the race with Adrian Edwards making a very welcome appearance finishing third.

Very few of the regular walkers were missing so a great tribute to Dave Crompton who is very fondly remembered by his team mates.

Results
1. Nigel Shaw (10:09 at 1 mile)/38:25)76:12
2. Tony Bell(10:09/38:25)77:31
3. Adrian Edwards(10:53/40:56)81:10
4.Roy Gunnett(11:23/41:21)85:21
5. Steve Wilde(11:44/43:35)87:32
6. Phil McCullagh(12:28/44:58)88:08
7. Joe Hardy(12:12/44:57)89:13
8. Pat Evans(12:28/45:01)89:31
9. Ian Hilditch(12:49/47:14)94:48
10. Andrea Lennon(14:18/53:47)108:20

8 km

Greg Smith ( 63:40) in between taking photographs and ‘safeguarding’ Andrea on her final mile to the finish. Respect and thanks.

Handicap
1. Steve Wilde 74:02
2. Pat Evans 74:31
3. Tony Bell 75:01
4. Roy Gunnett 75:06
5. Joe Hardy 75:13
6. Nigel Shaw 75:42
7. Andrea Lennon 77:50
8. Phil McCullagh 79:08
9. Adrian Edwards 80:10
10. Ian Hilditch 80:48

Adrian Edwards informs that training sessions on the track in Stockport are planned for Sunday 18th May and Sunday 22nd June. Unfortunately, due to track usage and two weekend races in July it might not be possible to find a July date.