Dave Evans reports:

It was decided to alter the more usual format of the relay by placing 3 walkers in a team , not tell them who they were paired with but give each team a time handicap based on the expected 5k walking time of each. On this occasion there were a number of curved balls thrown at the handicapper with several competitors new to walking or no current 5k times available. Foregoing all 3 walking independently, the whole field of 12 aspirants set off together which meant less time taken to do the “relay” and offering all competitors a more intensive environment.

The Fred Pearce relays have been the highlight of the club’s racing calendar and the Pearce family have supported every race in the 30 year series with prizes and refreshments . It was very pleasing to see old faces on parade including Lancashire WC website coordinator extraordinaire Tony Taylor, Helen Elleker, 1990 Commonwealth games representative for England and Steve Uttley who moved away from his “homeland” years ago but is still remembered by older members as a fine competitor.

While most spectators recognise the old guard a new face appeared with no walking experience and what a debut. Sean Goldsmith, at least 40 years younger than most of his fellow competitors , set off with the group and amazed the recorders at the finish with his fluent style . We understand a number of Sean’s relatives have been active on the Isle of Man walking scene in the past and he is himself a former resident of that hotbed of perambulation. Given the super fast time he recorded as a novice it is no surprise to learn that the handicapper got it wrong in a big way.

It was a day of nostalgia with Marion and Peter Fawkes supporting the day and the chance to meet up with old adversaries. Pam Horwill and her daughter were also in attendance , a reminder of Eric Horwill’s contribution to the club’s activities. The Lancashire walking club was founded in 1907 and despite the passage of time it is still promoting a monthly race at venues like Bury, Simister, Chorley and Macclesfield, perhaps hoping that some younger athletes will heel toe with us.

TEAM RESULTS

1. Greg Smith. 33:48
   Tony Taylor. 33:48
   Sean Goldsmith 32:32
2. Helen Elleker 32:53
   Sailash Shah 36:30
   Steve Uttley 31:31
3. Adrian Edwards 31:35
   Joe Hardy 37:03
   Steven Wilde 36:28
4. Tony Bell 31:19
   Pat Evans 38:10
   Glyn Jones 37:25

AGE-GRADED [LWC Members]

1. Tony Taylor 83.83%
2. Glyn Jones 80.71%
3. Joe Hardy 80.16%
4. Pat Evans 78.65%
5. Greg Smith 76.97%
6. Adrian Edwards 73.25%
7. Tony Bell 73.07%
8. Steven Wilde 70.43%
9. Sailash Shah 62.05%

Thanks to Martin Payne and Chris Harvey for the images.