Category Archives: History

THE BRADFORD 50 KILOMETRES REMEMBERED

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Yesterday, in times past Whit Monday, was the traditional date for the Bradford 50 kilometres organised by the Yorkshire Walking Club. John Cannell has sent me kindly the above YouTube recording of a Yorkshire TV [?] newspiece. I’m not sure … Continue reading →

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REMINISCENCES 9: JOHN CANNELL ON MANY A MILE UNDERTAKEN, OFTEN AGAINST THE ODDS

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Tony Taylor

The Isle of Man remains a stronghold of race walking. One ot its outstanding competitors across the years has been John Cannell, the victor at the inaugural RWA 100 miles championships in 1987. We are delighted to host his Race … Continue reading →

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REMEMBERING DAVE CROMPTON DURING THE LOCKDOWN – A WAVE OF AFFECTION

Posted on May 11, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Saturday, May 9 should have witnessed the very first Dave Crompton Memorial Trophy event to be held on his home patch in Chorley. Sadly it had fallen foul of the virus-induced lockdown on public sporting activity. Dave is held in … Continue reading →

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REMINISCENCES 8 – DENIS JACKSON LOOKS BACK OVER AN OUTSTANDING CAREER

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Over recent years, when back for the occasional Northern event, I’ve often wondered if the people present knew that the the softly-spoken, unassuming bloke sat quietly in the corner is one of the great all-rounders in British Race Walking. His … Continue reading →

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REMINISCENCES 7 – Roy Gunnett remembers Harold Whitlock, Don Thompson, Phil Embleton and much more

Posted on April 26, 2020 by Tony Taylor

What prompted you to take up race walking?  When and where was your first race? The main prompt for me to take up race walking was watching some walking races at Crystal Palace in the late 60’s and early 1970’s … Continue reading →

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REMINISCENCES 6 – John Crahan observes ‘Le Temps Perdu’

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Tony Taylor

How it all began. Stephen Hawking and “Scoop” Crahan At a Blackpool and Fylde A.C social function,w hich to my disgust was held in a pub. I proclaimed that I had done every track and field event.”What about race walking?”I … Continue reading →

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RIP – Ann Sayer, Long Distance Walker Supreme and the first pioneering female Centurion

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Given our club’s proud history of long distance walking it seems fitting and appropriate to post this tribute to the remarkable Ann Sayer, the first female Centurion, written by Gail Elrick of the Long Distance Walkers Association. Thanks to Chris … Continue reading →

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REMINISCENCES 5 – MARION FAWKES, A LEGEND AND PETER, HER HUSBAND, NOT HALF BAD HIMSELF!

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Pleased and privileged to post these reminiscences from the greatest female race walker these islands have produced and her talented spouse. If you venture across the Pennines to race in the Northern Walking League of Trevor McDermot’s imagination you will … Continue reading →

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REMINISCENCES 4: MARTIN PAYNE WALKS IN CIRCLES

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Whilst Martin doesn’t respond to our set questions specifically, he rewards us with a delightfully written account of his journey to becoming a Centurion. As something of a lightweight I remain in awe of all those who’ve cracked the 100 … Continue reading →

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REMINISCENCES 3 ; Tony Bell looks back

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Many thanks to Tony for the third in our series of reminiscences. What prompted you to take up race walking? When and where was your first race? I have been a runner since 1983, my running “style” has always been … Continue reading →

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