Category Archives: News

Urgent News: D&Z Smith Track Races postponed to June 11th

As a significant number of people are unavailable this coming Saturday, the Dick and Zena Smith races will now be held a week later on June 11th. Thanks to Roy’s good offices, the Bury Athletic Club has been understanding and … Continue reading

Posted in History, News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Dick and Zena Smith 10k and 5k Track Races, June 4 at Bury

Our next races will see us contesting the Dick and Zena Smith trophies at the Bury AC Track on Saturday, June 4th, starting at 1.00 p.m. As Dave and Pat Evans are unable to attend it would be really helpful … Continue reading

Posted in News | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Dave Crompton Memorial Trophy 7 miles, Chorley on May 7

All being well we will be in Chorley on Saturday, May 7 racing our hearts out and remembering with great affection, Dave Crompton in the Memorial Trophy event named after him. Our new changing facility is to be found at … Continue reading

Posted in News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

MACCLESFIELD SHIELD RACE ON APRIL 2 CANCELLED

Unfortunately, we have to inform you that Saturday’s 10 miles race at Sutton has had to be cancelled due to COVID striking the Barnard household. We hope Marshall and Kath are feeling better soon. The next club race will be … Continue reading

Posted in News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Macclesfield Shield  10 miles, April 2nd 

Our next club race in the beautiful surroundings of Sutton will soon be upon us. Unusually, given their dedication to the cause, Dave and Pat Evans will not be able to attend. Never fear Roy Gunnett will have everything under … Continue reading

Posted in News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

ALISON TROPHY 15K, MARCH 5 – another race tinged with sadness

Our club races at Chorley are indelibly associated with the Crompton family, staunch supporters of our sport across the decades. Sadly we lost the much-loved Dave back in 2018 and now Marion, Eric’s wife has passed away unexpectedly. I have … Continue reading

Posted in News | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

John Dowling RIP – Ireland and Sheffield’s Legendary Race Walker

The year was 1963. My first encounter with John came, sponge and drink in hand, at the Halfway House, Chorley, living up to its name on the road from Manchester to Blackpool. ‘Paddy’, as he was affectionately but problematically labelled … Continue reading

Posted in History, News | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sam Shoebottom results plus Captain’s honour for Greg

Dave Evans reports: Wet, wet, wet. Another race with no respite and rain throughout. The Lancashire walking club aquanauts are now used to this weather so did what they always do and that’s get stuck in and race. Quite a … Continue reading

Posted in News, Results | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Looking Back’ards and For’ards with Sadness and Optimism

There are two elements to this post. The first part looks to the past in remembering one of the great characters of Northern race walking and athletics. Guy Goodair takes up the story. Ken Bingley passed away last Thursday after … Continue reading

Posted in History, News | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering stalwarts of our sport, the latest is the compassionate Geoff Hunwicks

Just over a year ago we were mourning the loss of Paul Nihill, a giant of our sport. In 2021 we witnessed the deaths of other major figures, Bernard Kannenberg and Gerhard Weidner from West Germany, Vladimir Golubnichy and, easily … Continue reading

Posted in History, News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment