CLUB JANUARY VIRTUAL 5KMS AND SAD NEWS FROM THE CENTURIONS

Posted on February 8, 2024 by Tony Taylor

Roy Gunnett My January virtual 5k time is 35:24.

I set this on a normal route from home, part of which is down Lifeboat Road that leads to the beach.

There used to be a Lifeboat station on the beach  – but it has been washed away by the ever encroaching sea which is eroding  the coastline. It was the oldest lifeboat station in the world  (a fact officially confirmed by the Guiness Book of Records).

Great article you posted about the use of running in training for walking. I have always believed that running is a benefit to race walk training. The Spaniard Alvaro Martin, who won the 20k and 35k at last ‘years’ world championships, apparently does most of his training by running. I think Triathletes have shown how you can mix different disciplines to advantage – rather than detriment. When we were young runners thought that cycling would be harmful.

By the way – I liked your photo of Dave Bedford on route to the 10k world record at Crystal Palace. I was there that night – the crowd was fairly small as it was a Friday night. With about 8 laps to go the crowd was getting very excited as the commentator said over the loudspeaker that if he can keep churning out 67 secs laps the world record would be his.Each time he came round into the home straight the crowd went mad roaring him on.

I, like most, was completely hoarse by the end.!

Nigel Shaw - 5k time 31.23 

First time racing on track and was an exact 5k – found it very bouncy under foot , very different to racing on the road.

Ken Connor – 32:14 I thought I’d send over my only attempt at a quick 5Km walk. January has proved be difficult with back / hip troubles causing some concern.  I play table tennis competitively and have done for best part of 50 years. It seems adding the intense race walking to my training regime  is causing a few niggles and a trip to the physio next hoping will help. Less moaning from me and ack to the virtual, Monday 8th Jan, Weates Close Widnes, 7.45pm bitterly cold, maintained a good rhythm but unable to red line it due to the cold air as I stomped around the block in 32.14. Time to put my feet up, that hurt.

Steven Wilde 38:56 Saturday 20th January 2024, Wigan Lane, Chorley. Just managed to squeeze in this walk through a small window of opportunity, as snow and ice were melting following sub-zero temperatures, but before the battering winds served up by Storm Isha. Roll on Summer. 

Pat Evans – walked the local parkrun 5k  in a very decent 37 mins 19 secs

Tony Bell 32:39 – Saturday 27th January, Millhouses parkrun Sheffield. Time 33.00 357/466, very crowded. It took me 21s to cross the start line so I claim 32.39 for 5km. I caught my wife Shelley (who was running) just after halfway so I had a pacemaker almost all the way from then to the finish!

Greg Smith – On 28 January clocked 34:32 for 5k–six and a half laps of my usual Bury Ground circuit. Late afternoon, starting to get dark so no photos. But at least there was no snow, or ice, or rain–a relatively balmy 9 degrees C! 

Marco Bernatzki – very cold and windy weather. Therefore I can only offer a 35:50 this time. Greetings from Germany

Martin Payne – just back from the track 34:30

Tony Taylor – 17 January 2024 at 17:23 Municipality of Apokoronas, Greece, clocked 29:48 in perfect conditions – lucky bugger! Splits – 6:12; 5:54; 5:58; 5:53; 5:49

January Virtual 5 km SCRATCH

  1. Tony Taylor 29:48
  2. Nigel Shaw 31:23
  3. Ken Connor 32:14
  4. Tony Bell 32:39
  5. John Crahan 33:36
  6. Martin Payne 34:30
  7. Greg Smith 34:32
  8. Roy Gunnett 35:24
  9. Stephen Walker 35:36
  10. Marco Bernatzki 35:50
  11. Pat Evans 37:19
  12. Steven Wilde 38:56

HANDICAP

  1. Roy Gunnett 27:44
  2. Greg Smith 28:32
  3. John Crahan 28:36
  4. Stephen Walker 28:46
  5. Steven Wilde 28:56
  6. Tony Taylor 29:18
  7. Tony Bell 29:39
  8. Pat Evans 29:44
  9. Nigel Shaw 30:03
  10. Martin Payne 31:30
  11. Marco Bernatzki 32:00
  12. Ken Connor 32:14

Given our club’s proud history in the world of those indomitable souls, the Centurions, it is fitting that we acknowledge and respect the passing in the last few weeks of these three stalwarts.

Centurion 726 Basil Gale died, aged 92, on Saturday 27th January. He was a prominent figure with Trowbridge Athletic Club in their heyday.  Basil became a Centurion in the 1982 Leicester 100 Miles on the Congerstone course, when 77 started/55 finished (including 33 new Centurions) – there was 1 d/q.  Basil’s time was 21:32.32.

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Basil Gale (C726) a true stalwart of Trowbridge A. C. Race Walking particularly at the famous Chippenham to Calne Walks. Great days indeed!  May He Rest in Peace. Sincere condolences. Bill Sutherland (C 890)

.Basil qualified in the same 1982 as I did (and Roger Michell too), the event memorably won by Mick Holmes as I said at the AGM.  I was 33, Basil seems to have been 50 and perhaps this was his way of celebrating that milestone. All best Sandra Brown

Another one I knew well in my racing days, especially under Wally Emery’s guidance of the South West scene. February championships races – Salisbury10 miles – my favourite course. Hey ho … Ed Shillabeer

Very sad news about Basil Gale who has been a generous benefactor to The Centurions for many years.  Chris Flint

Really nice chap and a friend to many.  A fine Club walker.  RIP Basil.  Chris Maddocks

Centurion 838 Bob Watts died, aged 74, on Sunday. 28th January.  For the Centurions he served a period as Archivist and as Editor/Compiler/Printer of the 1997 Handbook. He’d qualified as Centurion 838 at Leicester’s Congerstone course in 1988 clocking 21:50.20 in the colours of London Vidarians when 75 started and 47 finished (19 new Centurions).  Bob’s most famous for completing 25 Roubaix 28 Hours races, for which he received a special presentation from the French Athletics Association. Nearer home he was one of just 6 competitors (all Centurions) to have completed 100 Blackheath 9K yacht handicap races – his final total reaching 110.  Before making a name for himself in race walking he was a Long Distance Walkers’ Association active member.  Bob is a race walkers who has competed sub-24 hours 100 miles races on both roads and tracks. Bob gave a much of his time to The Royal British Legion.  He was aged 74 and unfortunately had suffered a lengthy period of poor health, with a number of hospital admissions.

Very sad news.  Condolences to Ken and the rest of the family.  Fond memories of the ubiquitous and never empty teapot at Roubaix, not to mention the inexhaustible memory of facts and anecdotes about walking.  Cath Duhig .

What very sad news.  I’m sure many of us didn’t think this wouldn’t be the outcome despite many health scares Bob has suffered over the last few years.  Bob was certainly a legend in his lifetime.  Kathy Crilley.

 Bless him.  What a stalwart!  RIP Bob.  Ed Shillabeer. 

Sad news indeed.  A stalwart Centurion.  Sincere condolences to Ken.  Thanks.  Alex Ross C854. 

A loss to Centurions and as a person. Bob gave me advice when qualifying in 1994. The hilly course at Hungarton.  He did the same at Roubaix in 95.  25 Roubaix is tremendous!  The brothers kept records.  At Colchester or Newmarket Bob offered to give me my split times as they were very respectable.  Another stalwart gone too early.  Richard Cole.

Very sad news about Bob.  Bob’s life and Ken’s has not been easy for many years since their Kenro printing presses ceased and their health declined.  He and Ken and I formed the most successful 100 miles team in the ’90s and I owe them a lot.  Chris Flint.

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Bob (C838).  We enjoyed some wonderful times in the late 90’s when he attended our home for Centurions Meetings and we went to his printing shop many times when he produced the wonderful 1997 Centurions Handbook and he was a so familiar face at London Postal region  Blackheath Meets.  He was a true Clubman whose long distance record was truly remarkable.  Centurions and UK Race Walking owes him a great deal of gratitude for a lifetime of selfless service.  Sincere condolences to Ken and his family, in particular his wonderful supportive sister.  May he Rest in Peace.  Bill (C890) and Kath Sutherland.

Ken Livermore C836, died, aged 91, on Sunday, 28th January

It is with great sadness that I write to let you know that I had a phone call from Ken Livermore’s daughter Coral, to let me know that her father passed away on Sunday 28th January aged 91.  Condolences to Margaret, Coral and his three grandchildren.  Ron Wallwork

 He was a great chap – John Eddershaw.

I was very sad to learn of the passing of Ken Livermore (C386).  He was the ultimate clubman and racer (from 3k to 100 miles) … what an example to the younger generation … he adored his sport and regularly raced.  Thankfully some of what he achieved is recorded.  A member of Enfield Harriers he will be missed.  Adrian James 

Very sad news! Ken was a top race walking coach in the early 60’s. I vividly remember him at Eton Manor on the first occasion I went on a coaching weekend with many stars including Olympic Gold Medallist from Rome, Don Thompson and the likes of GB’s Late Robbie Brightwell and the Late John Cooper were there. He will be so missed by the Race Walking Fraternity as he gave so much in so many ways during his lifetime. May He Rest in Peace. Sincere condolences to Margaret, Coral and his Family. Bill and Kath Sutherland

Very sad. Ken was ever-present, part of the racewalking furniture and a proper grafter.  Cath Duhig 

So sorry to hear this sad news.  Ken was such a lovely man and a good racewalker. Condolence to Margaret and all their family.  Kathy Crilley

Sad news indeed.  Condolences to Margaret and all their family.  Bob Dobson

Another one passes away.  Richard Cole

Such sad news and it’s especially sad we’ve lost three Centurions in the last few days, Bob Watts C838, Basil Gale and now Ken C386.  Chris Flint

That completes the trio… Ed Shillabeer

We are very sorry to hear to hear this sad news.  We remember Ken as both athlete and a dedicated official over many years of great service. Sandra and Richard Brown

Sincere condolences to Ken’s family.  The Leicester to Skegness was the one I competed in with Ken.  I fondly recall a conversation with Ken and admired his quiet determination to become a Centurion.  I regret to this day that I never stayed with him to finish the course.  May he rest in peace having finished the course of life and rise in glory.  Roy Lodge  

Thanks to Dave Ainsworth for the information.

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

Beaten by the Bell!

Posted on February 5, 2024 by Tony Taylor

Great title to the post as Dave Evans reports:

The first live event of the 2024 Lancashire walking club year took place in the leafy suburbs of Simister under a greyish sky accompanied by a coolish wind which appeared to affect the officials more than the heel toeing aspirants. The final race of 2023 was meant to be the Christmas handicap but winter weather forestalled the last race of that year and we had to revert to our old favourite – the virtual alternative.

On our way

Meeting for the first time since November it was encouraging to note that we all looked the same with some fitter than others. 11 walkers addressed the starting line under the watchful eye and watch of Eric Horwill and as they set off downrange the first signs of a personal duel reared its head in the shape of newcomer Nigel Shaw and the “old hand“ Tony Bell.

Tony and Nigel side by side

With Glyn Jones manning the 2500 metres turnaround I understand that Nigel and Tony were weighing each other up and as they cruised towards the end of the first of the two sections it was even steven. Both heard Eric enunciate 32 mins 50 and the gloves were off. Trailing this duo saw Roy Gunnett exhibiting his very efficient style of walking and a trio of Greg Smith, John Crahan and Pat Evans in relatively close proximity to each other.

Roy Gunnett
Greg Smith
John Crahan
John Crahan

As the clock ticked away the small collection of supporters at the finish tried to guess who would show first into the home straight and as the duo came into view it was Tony Bell in the lead with Nigel in his wake. It could have gone either way but Tony’s superior track speed and experience saw him take the win with a very spirited last 600 metres 9 seconds ahead of his younger rival (61) !

Tony outkicks Nigel

Andrea Lennon, a youngster in her 80’s , walked extremely well recording a very satisfying 43 minutes 39 secs , having opted to complete her day with a 5k

Andrea Lennon
Joe Hardy
Ian Hilditch

While we were patting ourselves on the back for a successful day thoughts were turned to Sailash Shah who during the ravages of the recent storms was quite literally swept off his feet as he exited his car and was blown across the road. Fortunately he was not hit by another vehicle but nevertheless had to attend hospital where he left waiting for a considerable time. He is recovering having damaged his rotator cuff This shoulder injury will take a while to heal and we send him our best wishes. John Payn, one of our 90 year old centurions , has had a fall at home and has been moved to a secure care facility to aid his recovery. We hear he is not complaining as he doesn’t need to make his own meals.

Alf Short

Alf Short, another of our centurions, has returned to the fold and walked with some style and will no doubt be back with a vengeance once he repeats more of today’s outings.


Results


1. Tony Bell (32:50)64:08
2. Nigel Shaw (32:50)64:17
3. Roy Gunnett (34:42)69:07
4. John Crahan (37:50)75:00
5. Greg Smith (37:04)75:16
6. Joe Hardy (38:21)75:26
7. Phil McCullagh (38:33)76:40
8. Ian Hilditch (38:43)79:00
9. Alf Short (41:35)84:47
10 Pat Evans 37:57(5k)
11 Andrew Lennon 43:39(5k)

Phil McCullagh

Handicap


1. Phil McCullagh 59:40
2. Tony Bell 59:48
3. Ian Hilditch 61:30
4. Nigel Shaw 61:32
5. Joe Hardy 61:46
6. Roy Gunnett 63:07
7. Greg Smith 63:46
8. Alf Short 64:47
9. John Crahan 65:00
10 Pat Evans
11 Andrea Lennon

Age-graded

  1. Roy Gunnett 81.96%
  2. Ian Hilditch 79.07%
  3. Joe Hardy 78.70%
  4. John Crahan 73.36%
  5. Nigel Shaw 73.11%
  6. Tony Bell 72.53%
  7. Greg Smith 70.15%
  8. Alf Short 70.02%
  9. Phil McCullagh 64.74%

Thanks to Martin Payne, the day’s official photographer.

STOP PRESS

However other photos were being taken. These snapped by Chris Harvey with Greg’s camera, I think?

Tony pulls away in the final few hundred metres
Nigel, a stylish second place
Roy, a solid third but we do need to do something about the splayed left foot. Inches lost on every stride!
Posted in Results | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The History of our Club: July to December, 1958

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Tony Taylor

Ron continues his fascinating and evocative return to the year of his arrival in our sport.

JULY Over the period 18th to 26th July the major sporting focus was was the celebration of the VI Empire Games in Cardiff. I followed the events in the daily papers; Herb Elliott holding off Brian Hewson to take the 880yds gold and particularly the domination of New Zealand runners Murray Halburg (with the withered arm) and Dave Stevens in the 3 and 6 miles races. A proposal to include race walking in future clebrations was submitted to the congress that takes place at each Games.

It was reported in the RWR Overseas News section that

The proposals for the inclusion of Walking in the future programmes of the Empire Games, submitted by the English representatives, did not receive sufficient support from the other member countries. This will be a big disappointment to our readers. The only opportunity for walkers of the Empire to meet in competition therefore will be in the Olympics every four year.

Of course being totally embroiled in the local walking scene, I don’t think the note in the RWR even registered with me.

Ron wins the 1966 ‘Empire’ Games 20 miles [note from TT]

The start of the holiday season and being the the ultra distance month; the Hundred and Nijmegen Marches, it’s not surprising that only ten walkers turned out.

Gomersal Open 15 miles – 12th July The course had the reputation of being the toughest in the country and Albert Johnson, who had been selected for the European championships a month later won with great ease in 1.57.14. His nearest challenger was his twin brother Ernie in 2.10.22. Dick Smith was the first of four clubmen in 7th/2.16.27, the others being Tom Dally10th/2.20.46, Bill Cowley 12th/2.25.58 and Sid Smith 14th 2.27.12.

On the same day Fred Pearce (S) was the lone club walker taking part in the Birmingham Outer Circle 25 miles. Don Thompson won in 3.34.52 and Fred was 44th of the 50 starters in 4.41.39.

Leicester to Skegness 100 – 18/19th JulyForty die-hards started this Leicester WC promotion and it was won by one of its members W.Smith in 18.02.37. The club had three walkers taking part, they were Fred Pearce (S) 17th/22.16.17, John Todd 22nd/23.07.37 who qualified as Centurion 285 becoming the 21st club member to achieve this and John Grocott 24th/23.28.18.

Nijmegen Marches The third week in July is the time slot for the Nijmegen Marches and the RWR reported that: The RWA Team captained by Joe Lambert of Lancashire Walking Club with only a bare compliment of eleven men successfully accomplished their task and were awarded the Team Plaque for doing so, thus maintaining the one hundred per cent record of RWA teams. Other clubmen in the team were Chris Bolton, Tommy Dunn.

AUGUST Three Club races, Two Opens and a Championship race meant plenty of choice for walkers in August and in response thirty Club members put in performances. Chris Bolton and Bob Turnbull toeing the line on three occasions.

Ron Wallwork, Mike Jeffreys, R.Howarth (Ley) and Jack Sankey at Leyland on 30th August

Market Bosworth Open 8 miles – 7th August Seventy-eight year old Jack Tempest was the only club competitor in this event was the last man ton finish in 22nd place clocking 97.23 and receiving a tremendous ovation. The race winner was Ken Matthews in 56.11.

NCAAA 7 mile championship – 16th August The NCAAA 7 miles was held at Rockingham Colliery and with his 11th place in the European championships behind him, Albert Johnson won easily in 52.57. Mike Jeffreys continued his steady form clocking 57.05 in 7th place. There were nine starters.

Burnsall Feast Open 7 miles Handicap – 23rd August

Jim Hackwood reported in the RWR issue 196 September – The annual Burnsall Walk grows in popularity each year and this year received its largest entry. R.Wallwork of Lancs.WC was an easy winner off a middle mark and this followed his success in the Rockingham Colliery race. Wallwork is quite a find for Lancs. Big and strong with a pleasing action, he should have a good chance in next year’s “Junior” 10 miles. Second was C.Norton (LWC) off a big mark followed by Les Radford, Lol Allen and John Proctor. Allen was the fastest actual.

Bolton Abbey

My recollections of this race were the purple coloured heather covered moors, the undulating nature of the course passing by close to Bolton Abbey and the long downhill finish to the little riverside grass track area. The walk course was tough, but probably not as tough as the fell race which was the major attraction of the meeting.

SEPTEMBER On 6th September at the AGM of the Northern Area Race Walking Association held in Sheffield, Joe Lambert was confirmed as the Association’s President.

Bill Jackson, Zena Smith, Harold Wilcox, and Joe Lambert - the club’s organisers and officials

Two Club races to start and finish the month and two opens hundreds of miles apart sandwiched between them, was the September racing calendar and 23 members put in appearances.

33rd London to Brighton – 13th September. Don Thompson 7.49.22 notched up his fourth consecutive win, thus equalling the sequence 1934-37 by Harold Whitlock. ‘Big Ben’s’ 6 am chimes sent ninety walkers on their way among them Dick Smith 31st/9.57.11, Tom Dunn 52nd/10.32.50, Sid Smith 58th/10.51.22 and Bill Cowley 65th/11.24.38. They finished 7th team.

Meanwhile . . . . on the same day the club turned out 11 walkers at the

Bradford Telegraph & Argus33rd “Dick Hudsons” Open 8 miles – 13th September

Organised by the Yorkshire Walking Club, the event started in Bradford Town Centre and finished at the Dick Hudson’s Public House on the edge of Ilkley Moor. The distance is over 8 miles starting with a steady climb out of Bradford and over the last two miles of accent there are stretches of road so steep, that race walking up them is impossible. Other features were the changing facilities at the pub. There were three dolly-tubs in the old inn stables, so the early finishers got the best bath and everybody connected with the event enjoyed a free sit down tea.

Albert Johnson continued to be almost unbeatable in the north winning in 69.04 ahead of club-mates Lol Allen 71.14 and Frank Winter 72.25. In the team race LWC once again couldn’t match Sheffield UH, finishing second, but Sam Shoebottom picked up the Veteran’s handicap prize.

7th Ron Wallwork 74.37 8th Mike Jeffreys 75.07 10th Jack Sankey 77.35 11th Ronnie Marsden 77.36 Johnny Grocott 81.40 Charlie Norton 84.00 Frank O’Neill 86.36 Sam Shoebottom 90.59 Dave Ellison 93.32 Matt Clarke 108.03 Jack Tempest 111.57

OCTOBER Twenty-four members supported three Club fixtures, two Opens and a National Junior (by age) championship.

First up was on 4th October – Leicester Open 7 miles Newly crowned European champions Stan Vickers finished in front of the other 85 competitors in 49.36. Ken Matthews 2nd/50.05 and Albert Johnson 3rd/ 53.18. Ron Wallwork 15th 56.41, Jack Sankey 21st/57.05, Johnny Grocott 49th/62.49, young Fred Pearce 50th/62.49 and his dad 76th/70.10 carried the club colours in this one. Another Claribell excursion with a refreshment stop at Ashbourne.

11th October The following week Ken Harding (Royal Sutton) cruised home in an inter-club race at Sutton Macclesfield with Johnny Grocott 89.55 and Chris Bolton 92.47 in his wake. Bob Turnbull, Frank O’Neill and Jack Tempest took the three handicap prizes, whilst at Preston another week later in a 6 mile handicap, Sam Shoebottom was the race winner, but Joe Barraclough the quickest walker.

18th October Two events on this day. At Preston a dozen turned out for a 6 miles handicap which was won by Sam Shoebottom off 15.00 from Jack Tempest off 26.30 and Dave Ellison off 12.30. The fastest actual was Joe Barraclough off scratch with 52.12.

and at Luton, Bedfordshire

RWA National Junior 5 miles championship – October 18th

Extract from thoughts I expressed at Fred Pearce’s funeral

I have vivid recollections of staying overnight at Fred’s (Pearce) home, which I think was in Higher Openshaw on 17th October that year, because of an early start to a race the following day. His mother and dad ensured that we had a good breakfast before we set off from their house to meet up with fellow teenagers Charlie Norton, Chris Bolton, Bob Towell and chaperone Sam Morgan at Manchester Central station to catch the 07.20 to London. Thanks to Lancashire Walking Club because for the first time ever, they were sending a team to an RWA national junior five miles championship being staged that year at Luton from the Vauxhall Motors Sports Club.

In those days London was a long way off; steam trains hadn’t been totally replaced by diesel and no one had heard of a motorway, let alone been on one, so it was quite an adventure. I can’t remember much about the journey but do recall that as we reconnoitred the three-lap course, we all clued up about one of the turns because it was by a newsagent’s which had a huge spread of ‘girlie’ magazines in the window, which took us boys from the dark satanic mills a bit by surprise.

A field of 52 comprising 9 teams made for furious racing and with lungs bursting and shins screaming for relief, there was no time for ogling at shop windows. The journey was not in vain; we returned home with bronze team medals behind Belgrave H and Steyning AC. The scorers were me 4th/39.42, Charlie Norton 16th/42.41 and Fred 17th/43.19.

25th October – Once again club walkers could be found at two venues hundreds of miles apart.

Terry Hardie 41.44, Ronnie Marsden 42.10 and Ron Wallwork were the first three home in a Club race over 5.25 miles at Urmston. The race was organised from Urmston Baths by Joe Lambert and his family who lived in Urmston. I can’t remember much of the race, but I do recall the buzz of excitement and pride as Charlie, Fred and I produced and allowed our medals (possibly the first ever national team medals won by the club) to be passed around.

Stan Vickers winning the1958 European 20 kilometres

18th Highgate Open 7 – Stan Vickers and Ken Matthews quickly separated themselves from the other 229 walkers in this London 7 classic and over a far from easy course only seven seconds separated them at the finish and it was the Midlander who triumphed in 49.09. A dozen walkers didn’t make the finish line, but two; Tom Daly135th/65.28 and Vic Murray 146th/66.15 did.

NOVEMBER (unable to find full results for last two months of the year)

Activity consisted of three club races and a visit from 1936 Olympic champion Harold Whitlock in his capacity of National Coach and I was among the 30 that attended his coaching sessions.

Jim Hackwood reported in the RWR

The coaching course at Manchester and Sheffield over the weekend of 8th/9th November, arranged by the NARWA in conjunction with National Coach Harold Whitlock proved most successful. Tom Misson accompanied Harold Whitlock as demonstrator and the efforts were highly appreciated by all who attended at both venues. Talks, demonstrations and a practical course on circuit training were part of the proceedings and all proved most interesting although a number of walkers were quite fatigued at the end of the sessions.

Jack Tempest finishes in front of his adoring fans

He reported too that Jack Tempest gave a talk on race walking on the northern radio network on 24th November.

DECEMBER Only one LWC race result in December and that was on the 6th at Frank O’Neill’s house at Swinton. It was a 10 miles handicap which Matt Clarke won off 42.20 in 71.22. Second was Jack Sankey 5.00/74.10, third Bob Turnbull 20/74.47. Scratch result was Ron Wallwork 78.24, Jack Sankey 79.10 and Ted Watkins 89.30.

Many thanks to Ron for his endeavours. Now 1959 looms!

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

Sam Shoebottom 10km, February 3rd and Club Training Day, February 11th

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Tony Taylor

Crossing fingers that the stormy weather will have abated, the 2024 season on the road begins with the Sam Shoebottom Trophy 10 kilometres on Saturday, February 3rd. Roy confirms that the Lady Wilton Hall, Simister Lane, Simister, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 2RX is available and will be open from 11.30 a.m.

The race will start at 1.00 p.m. As usual it would be enormously helpful if you could let Dave Evans at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk know if you are attending and in what capacity.

Nigel at Woodbank

In addition Adrian Edwards will be overseeing the next Club Training Day on Sunday, February 11th at the Stockport Woodbank Park track from 12 noon until 5pm. At the last one earlier this month newcomer Nigel Shaw did a session under Adrian’s watchful eye. In his first ever outing on a synthetic track Nigel clocked 31:23, following it with some sharp intervals. He comments “first time racing on track and was an exact 5k found it very bouncy under foot ,very different to racing on the road”. If possible, try to get over there, it’s an opportunity well worth taking as you work out a session suited to your needs and plans.

Posted in News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The History of our Club – January to June, 1958

Posted on January 21, 2024 by Tony Taylor

For more than a few years Ron Wallwork and I have played in differing ways with the idea of putting together at least a partial history of our great club. Indeed, as you might expect, Fred Pearce and Chris Bolton were also keen on the idea. One enormous frustration was that decades of club minutes, reports and results had been lost. However we felt we had to start somewhere and where better than from our own experience. Thus we are embarking on a journey that begins in 1958 with Ron’s entry into the sport and leans heavily on his exhaustive research into the club’s rise through the 60s and 70s. I am able to muck in from the mid-60s and we’ve received a welcome stimulus from Tony Malone, who has donated his personal recordings from 1968 through to 1983. We hope that other voices will make themselves heard, enriching and extending this history up to the present day.

1958 – Ron begins the story and I’m about to sit the 11-plus!

January Only one Saturday off for walkers and officials in January building up to the first championship of the year, the NRWA ‘Junior’ 10 miles. Twenty different walkers turned out during the month and N.Cotter, was one of five to do all three finished third in all of them.

A note in the Northern News section of Race Walking Record [RWR] publicly thanked Sam Morgan for a donation to cover the cost of a new NARWA championship medal.

February Twenty-two different walkers turned out and ten of them did both fixtures.

The first major race of the year was the NARWA ‘Junior’ 10 miles championships which took place on 1st February at West Didsbury, Manchester. The ‘Junior’ qualification was not by age but as set out in the programme reproduced here.

Lancashire Walking Club made a great start to its Jubilee Year finally winning the ‘Bingley’ Cup and thus ending a remarkable thirteen year run of success by Sheffield UH. Remarkable because under the rules they had to produce a new team every year.

Jim Hackwood reported in the RWR

The race was held in ideal conditions. At the mile mark Winters, Hardie and Sankey of Lancashire and G.Marsland of Wakefield Harriers were in a bunch leading the field. At three miles Marsland was ruled out. By half distance Winters was forcing the pace with Hardie at his shoulder, Sankey having dropped a few yards. Next were Abe Holland (Sheffield) and Mike Jeffreys (Lancs).
The team race was now most interesting and very close. At eight miles Winter and Hardie were still together with Sankey 50 yards adrift. Jeffreys had moved up and passed Holland whilst John Todd of Lancashire had moved up one place on G.Kidd Sheffield’s fourth man. With a mile and a half to go Winters made his effort and drew away from Hardie to finish an easy winner. Lancashire with their splendid packing; 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th won the team event with 16 points to Sheffield’s 20 and Yorkshire Walking Club’s 67.

From L/R Jack Sankey, Frank Winter, Terry Hardie

The LWC performances: (Almost half the field 18 of the 40 who started) see picture on page 5

2nd Terry Hardie 85.39 3rd Jack Sankey 85.41 4th Mike Jeffreys 86.03 7th John Todd 90.56 9th Charlie Norton 92.31 10th Fred Pearce (J) 92.47 13th Sid Smith 94:27 15th Frank O’Neil 95.40 19th Carradus 97.08 21st Bob Towell 98.38 22nd John Grocott 98:47 27th Vic Murray 100.17 28th J.Murphy 100.55 26th Chris Bolton 100:16 27th Vic Murray 100.17 28th J. Murphy 100:55 29th Bill Cowley 101:21 31st Sam Shoebottom 101.50 34th A Crusherier 107.04 35th Fred Pearce (S) 107.04

March A five Saturday month with two major championships within sixteen days, then after a well deserved week off, a tough fifteen miler. Fourteen different walkers turned out during the month, eight of them twice and Jack Sankey took part in all three.

Northern Area Senior 10 miles – 1st March

Jim Hackwood reported in the RWR

New ground was broken by holding the Northern Senior championship at Morecambe, the sponsors being the Morecambe and Heysham Publicity and Attractions Committee. Over 40 competitors lined up at the West End Pier and were set off by the Deputy Mayor, Alderman W.Curwen.

At the end of the first lap Sheffielders Lol Allen the holder and Albert Johnson had broken away from the rest and were shoulder to shoulder with Joe Barraclough of Lancs 50 yards behind. These were the positions at 6 miles,with Allen 45.05 leading Johnson by 2 seconds, Barraclough 46.03, followed by Dick Holland and K.Camp (both Sheffield) 60 yards in the rear.

Allen was walking something like his old self and at the 8 miles point had increased his lead to 20 yards. About here Johnson,who had only just recovered from a dose of flu began feeling the strain and half a mile further on was caught and passed by Barraclough, who was walking better than I have seen for some time. A little later Holland also passed the tiring Johnson and went into third place. Over the last mile Allen incresed his lead considerably and reached the winning post an easy winner in 76.39; with Barraclough second in 78.10 and Holland third in 81.08.

Sheffield “A” won and after an interesting race Shefield “B” beat Lancashire to take second place.

RWA National 10 miles championship – 15th March

Two hundred and thirty walkers toed the line at Victoria Park London on 15th March for the 1958 RWA National 10 miles championship.

Stan Vickers 73.44 retained the title and as in 1957 led his club Belgrave H to a convincing team victory. The runner-up was Eric Hall also of Belgrave who fours later would join LWC as a second claim member and go on to win Cheshire AAA championships.

After his second place in the NARWA 10 it’s not unreasonable to think that Joe Barraclough, had he been able to make the long journey from Lancaster would have finished in the top dozen (Lol Allen the northern ten winner finished 9th) and greatly improved Lancashire’s team position.

Sheffield Open 15 miles – 29th March

On 29th March Sheffield UH held their annual 15 miles open from the Police Athletic Ground at Wadsley Bridge and with a good entry. Lol Allen won the event from Joe Barraclough and Albert Johnson. (full result missing) The promoting club won the team race with Leicester WC second and Lancs WC third. Mike Jeffreys and Jack Sankey won the 1st and 3rd handicap awards

Two notices appeared in the April Race Walking Record informing readers that:

The Manchester to Blackpool race will take place on 7th June, a date rather earlier than usual and for the first time will have no newspaper backing. So that the fixture will not fall through the Lancashire WC are financing the event and the number of awards and prizes will be as in previous years.

The RWA team of eleven walkers has now been got together for the Njmegan Marches in July and will be captained by Joe Lambert who has taken part on six previous occasions. Other club members in the team are Chris Bolton and Tommy Dunn pictured below with Johnny Grocott.

Tommy Dunn and Johnny Grocott
Allen Trophy shortly after start:
L to R
Terry Hardie, Frank O’Neill, ????, Sam Shoebottom, Ted Watkins, ????, Chris Bolton, Jack Sankey, Mike Jeffreys, Johnny Grocott and Joe Barraclough
Photo from ‘A Pictorial History of Leigh Harriers AC’ by JohnTaylor

NARWA 20 miles championship – 26th April

Jim Hackwood reported in the RWR

This championship was staged on new ground in the Gomersal district of the Spenmoor Valley, near Leeds. The course was over two laps of 10 miles and the stiffist in the history of the race.

Sheffield United Harriers scored their 13th successive victory in the team race, although with the exception of Lol Allen and Albert Johnson, fielding a team new to distance walking.

At the beflagged starting point and to the stirring music of the brass band in attendance, the competitors were first welcomed and then sent on their way by the Mayor of Spennymoor. At the end of the first mile, with Albert Johnson along with Joe Barraclough, Lol Allen, Ken Camp and Brian Marsland were in a bunch setting the pace. At 5 miles and with a steep up-hill climb the latter two fell away and retired at the end of the first lap. The three leaders were still together at halfway and were unseparated up to the 14 mile point. Barraclough then began forcing the pace and Allen dropped a few yards.

At 15 miles Johnson fell away and on the last five miles – the stiffest part of the course Barraclough, walking strongly continued to increase his distance to the finish, an easy winner in 2.46.35. Albert Johnson rallied to finish runner-up in 2.50.30 and Lol Allen in third clocked 2.55.16. On this season’s showing Barraclough’s walking has been perfect and much improved in the past few months. (An interesting comment)

Team result: Sheffield UH 16pts, Lancs WC 23pts, Yorkshire WC 57 pts

The awards were presented by Mr. Harold Abrahams, Olympic 100m champion at the 1924 Games. The course was well marked and a fine reception given to competitors and officials – including a free tea. The Gomersal walk committee was thanked, especially Mr Swallow, the Hon. Secretary.

May As if to make up for April’s blank weekends, the May programme saw LWC walkers competing in what was a heavy mileage racing calendar; A race every weekend, two on a couple of them and involving two twenty milers and a 50km. When taking into consideration the various venues it was also a heavy travel mileage to take part in them. Needless to say no one did them all. A total of twenty-four walkers were in action during the month with Messrs. Barraclough, Bolton and Murray completing three of them.

The 25th Leicester Mercury Open 20 miles – 4th May The club’s leading walkers gave this classic a miss, no doubt saving themselves for the national 20 miles a week later. However in a race that attracted 96 starters and was won by Tom Misson (Metropolitan WC) in a course record of 2.46.30, three club members turned out; they were Chris Bolton 54th/3.27.21, Sid Smith 58th/3.28.37 and Vic Murray 75th/3.35.50. Four other Lancastrians also took part representing Leyland Motors; Dick Ditchfield 36th/3.17.41, Joe Derrick 45th/3.21.45, E.Sharp 81st/3.47.23 and J.Burns 87th/3.56.24.

RWA National 20 miles championship – 10th May LWC walkers were among the 145 that lined up for the start of the 1958 RWA National 20 miles championship in Birmingham. Lol Allen won the race in 2.43.21, but the surprise of the race was Joe Barraclough who finished 3rd in 2.46.22. Tom Misson (Met WC) finishing second in 2.45.18 led his club to the team title and through the efforts of Jack Sankey 27th/3.03.23, Mike Jeffreys 33rd/3.06.07, Chris Bolton 88th/3.24.58, Sid Smith 93rd/3.26.30, Bill Cowley 104th/3.32.24, Fred Pearce (S) 111th/3.36.07, Vic Murray 109th/3.34.55, LWC finished seventh team. Interestingly, the three that competed the week before in Leicester all improved on their times.

The Bray to Dublin 13.75 miles – 10th May Terry Hardie led home the 15 participants in this Irish open race in 1.49.48 and occupying 5th place was Chris Bolton in 2.04.21

Sutton Macclesfield WC annual open 10 miles – 17th May

It says much about the ethos of the era that the champion and third placer from the previous week’s national 20 miles championship turned out for their respective clubs.

This was a memorable day for me. I was nine days short of my 17th birthday and it was my debut with LWC and open race walking competition, so I was understandably a bit on edge. The LWC contingent were travelling by coach, then still often referred to as a charabanc and the meet up place was the Manchester Cathederal, which simplified my travel arrangements, because both Bolton to Manchester buses, the number 8 and number 12 terminated just across the road from the cathederal. it was to be the first of many such a rendezvous with the blue Clarabelle bus over the ensuing years with many of the friends I made on that day.

The race itself over a hilly course was acknowledged as a short ten. It started out with a dogleg section before taking in Macclesfield itself and returning along the Congleton Road. I can still feel the standing heckles on my neck as the leaders came towards me after what had been a ‘bat out of hell’ start that took me completely by surprise. I was ‘eyeballs out’, but the sight of the three leaders, Ken Matthews, Joe Barraclough and Lol Allen (wearing his GB vest), already well ahead of me was inspirational and although I finished quarter of an hour behind Joe, feeling absolutely knackered I experienced a great feeling of satisfaction .

The very butter dish

The presentation by Mr. Bracegirdle took place in the Church House, Sutton and I was so proud to follow these great walkers up to receive a prize; a butter dish for the first Novice. Joe 71.56, Ken Matthews 73.03 and Lol Allen 75.57 was the finishing order of the top three. LWC performances:

1st Joe Barraclough 71.56 9th Jack Sankey 80.50 10th Mike Jeffreys 80.52 15th Ron Wallwork 86.14 17th Johnny Grocott 88.07 19th Frank O’Neill 89.50 20th J.Dawson 90.16 22nd Dick Smith 91.56 26th Joe Lambert 94.17 28th Charlie Norton 95.18 30th Vic Murray 96.25 32nd Bob Turnbull 96.44 33rd Fred Pearce (J) 98.53 41st Matt Clarke 116.01 42nd Jack Tempest 116.29

I wasn’t to know then, that five years later I would have the privilege of being one of Ken’s GB’s victorious ‘Lugano Cup’ team mates.

The Bradford & County Open 50km – 26th May

Ten club members turned out in this northern classic held annually on Whit Monday and this edition of the race was historic in that the winner Albert Johnson 4.26.40 not only lowered his own course record by 10 minutes, but in registering his fifth consecutive victory surpassed the record held by Tommy Payne. Joe Barraclough was runner-up and Albert’s brother Ernie third which made Sheffield virtually unbeatable in the team race in which LWC finished second.

Over the Whitsun weekend the first major track & field championships, the Inter-Counties took place at the then home of British athletics, London’s White City Stadium and there representing Lancashire AAA was Mike Jeffreys.The seven mile walk opened the meeting on the Saturday and the two mile walk was programmed for mid-Monday afternoon. Both races were won by Stan Vickers 51.11/13.48 and although last in both races Mike’s times, 57.30/15.29 were consistent with his early season form.

June Twenty-four different walkers turned out during the month. Joe Barraclough did the three short ones, but worthy of mention is Dick Smith’s taking on the Rockingham Colliery six miles just a week after the Manchester – Blackpool.

The Manchester to Blackpool Open 51.75 miles 7th June

The club’s ‘Blue Riband’ event attracted over fifty participants and eight teams and was won by Frank O’Reilly of the Midland club Lozells Harriers in 8.20.00, ahead of two other midlanders Coventry Godiva’s John Edgington in 8.21.20 and Sutton Coalfield’s Karl Abolins 8.27.41.

The first two would go on to become Olympians; O’Reilly at 50km for Ireland at Rome in 1960 where he finished 20th in 4.54.40 and Edgington six years later at the Tokyo Games where in the 20km he finished 8th in 92.46.

John Edgington

In an extremely close team race there was a Lancashire club victory. However, it was not LWC, but Leyland Motors AC who got within two points of Coventry Godiva AC’s winning total of 42. The club did collect third team prizes with 53 pts and the ‘B’ team finished fourth.

Leyland Motors fielded five walkers; Dick Ditchfield 5th 8.48.45, George Lamb 9th 9.10.30, Joe Derrick 12th 9.12.24, J.Burns 32nd 9.51.19, J.Robinson 48th 10.57.00.

Chris Bolton (12), Frank O’Neill and not far behind them Johnny Grocott on the Blackpool Road, possibly in 1958. The coach/charabanc looks very much like the Claribelle bus

Lancashire AAA County championships – Blackburn 7th June

Bob Towell

Rockingham Colliery 6 miles Handicap – 14th June – There were 39 entries

This race was won by Ron Wallwork off a 7.30 start on the back markers Joe Barraclough and Lol Allen (both 00.35). Lol got through to take second place. Other Club members who made the trip to Barnsley were Jack Sankey, Charlie Norton, Dick Smith and Jack Tempest.

RWA National 50km championship – Wimbledon 21st June

Ninety-six walkers started in this championship on the same day as the NCAAA championhips and Don Thompson recorded his third consecutive victory in 4.21.50. Alas no LWC members made the trip, the ‘Big One’ for them had taken place two weeks previously.

Joe Barraclough shaking hands with Jack Sankey after the 1957 November club race at Hindley Green. Looking on is Brian Whitefield and behind Joe is Frank O’Neill and Charlie Norton.

The versatile Joe Barraclough with performances such as 2 mls 14.13 – 5 mls 37.08 – 20 mls 2.46.22 – 50km 4.37.53 – 100 mls 18.26.12. is one of several outstanding walkers who because of limited opportunities prior to 1970, were never awarded a much merited international vest.

TO BE CONTINUED FROM JULY TO DECEMBER 1958 – enormous thanks to Ron for launching this project.

Forgive some inconsistency in the size of the fonts – Tony

Posted in History | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

AGE-GRADED PERFORMANCES FOR YOUR INTEREST AND MOTIVATION

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Tony Taylor

Back at the Club AGM in November it was suggested that for each of our races we work out each participant’s age-graded performance. The idea was partly inspired by the fact that Ian Hilditch took the AJ Taylor Award for the Best Performance in 2022/2023 for his age-graded effort in the BMAF 5 kilometres championship at Horwich. Forgive me I’ve been a bit slow on the uptake but find below the AGM 5k and the December Virtual 5k Age-Gradings. I hope you find them interesting and motivating.

Ian Hilditch receives the AJ Taylor Award for the year’s outstanding performance from Tony Taylor

What is Age-Grading? The British Masters Federation Explanation

Age-Grading is a way of measuring your athletics performance taking into account your age and sex.  It enables you to produce a percentage score for each run or other athletics event based on how old you were when you did the competition and the comparative performance of world record holders taking into account their age and event itself.

Why is Age Grading useful?

As we get older it is reasonable to expect that we won’t be able to run/walk at the speeds we achieved when we were young. This can be demotivating for runners/walkers who are ‘past their peak’ even if they are competing well for their age. So, rather than focusing solely on how fast you are running/walking, it can be more motivating to focus on your Age-Graded performance.

AGM 5 Kilometres; Simister, November

Roy Gunnett acheved an excellent 82.90% grading in the AGM 5k
  1. Ken Connor 27:28 81.13%
  2. Tony Taylor 29:05 93.24%
  3. Adrian Edwards 30:40 73.86%
  4. Tony Bell 31:54 71.32%
  5. Martin Payne 32:05 72.10%
  6. Nigel Shaw 32:06 70.56%
  7. Roy Gunnett 33:02 82.09%
  8. John Crahan 34:47 75.80%
  9. Greg Smith 35:32 71.39%
  10. Sailash Shah 36:15 61.29%
  11. Joe Hardy 36:33 78.70%
  12. Dan Maskell 37:14 72.83%
  13. Pat Evans 37:17 77.92%
  14. Phil McCullagh 38:16 68.46%
  15. Ian Hilditch 38:32 77.08%
  16. Steven Wilde 39:31 63.39%
  17. Andrea Lennon 43:12 82.45%

VIRTUAL DECEMBER 5 kilometres

Andrea Lennon continues her 2023 form with 83.90% grading in the December Virtual 5k
  1. Ken Connor 29:44 76.16%
  2. Tony Taylor 30:15 89.64%
  3. Nigel Shaw 31:03 72.95%
  4. Tony Bell 32:40 68.67%
  5. Martin Payne 32:41 70.78%
  6. John Crahan 34:23 76.68%
  7. Greg Smith 35:42 70.92%
  8. Stephen Walker 36:34 64.43%
  9. Joe Hardy 37:04 77.61%
  10. Pat Evans 37:21 77.78%
  11. Phil McCullagh 38:18 62.40%
  12. Steven Wilde 39:50 62.89%
  13. Andrea Lennon 42:27 83.90%

A REMINDER TO SUBMIT YOUR JANUARY VIRTUAL 5K CLOCKINGS, ANECDOTES AND PHOTOS TO TONY BY JANUARY 31st

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

Running: a desirable addition – thoughts from 1970

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Tony Taylor

Back in 1970, Julian Hopkins and I, encouraged by Ron Wallwork, pondered the idea of putting together an annual review of race walking. It was to include commentary on tthe national and international scene, together with articles on technique and training, not forgetting a statistical section. It was an ambitious undertaking, which depended on others joining in if it was to prosper. In the end we produced only one edition, ‘Race Walking ’71’.

Looking back through its contents made me think that some of the material therein might still be of some interest. Hence you will find below a piece I scribbled on the subject of RUNNING! The next article, I’ll post, penned by Julian addressed the question, ‘Is Walking Enough?’

RUNNING: A DESIRABLE ADDITION?

There has been much controversy in recent years about the role that running can play in the training regime of a race walker.  Several recognised authorities, notably Lloyd Johnson, have condemned the practice in forthright terms, basing their views not only on theory, but on their own practical experience.  In the case of ‘Tebbs’ Johnson there is no doubt that this great walker found the inclusion of running unsatisfactory, but to allege that this proves that it is useless for all is misguided logic.  Every athlete remains an individual with his own peculiar emotional and physiological anomalies.

An image close to the time of this article showing Dave Bedford in full flight on his way to a world record 27:30 at 10,000 metres

It is argued that the difference between running and walking precludes the intermarriage of the two movements.  The supposition is made that the strengthened quadriceps derived from running have the effect of causing a bending of the knee while walking.  This tenuous statement fails to recognise that running is not practised  in isolation from the essential walking action.  The muscles involved in the latter are consistently being used.  Running merely exercises dormant sets of muscles and obviates any likelihood of over-exaggerated muscular usage in other areas.  Perhaps it even contributes to exercising the leg through a wider range of movement.

And from the same era Paul Nihill, who broke the 20km world record in 1972, clocking 84:50

It seems quite unfair to lay the blame for bent-knee walking at the door of running.  How many walkers with this problem actually utilise running in their training?  This fault seems to be more closely linked with the innate physical difficulties, mental fatigue or a lack of the necessary fitness desired in our event.  The critics also feel that some walkers might use running as a means of quickening up their action.  Such a belief is rather porous in that the free, striding motion of running affords a sensation far removed from the disciplined rhythm of fast walking.

Yet there are certain disadvantages in using running in one’s schedule.  In the  early days calf stiffness may be irritating, but this should pass quite quickly as the athlete’s legs accustom themselves to the new load.  Also the flexibility of the hamstring may be affected by the springing action demanded in running and since a mobile hamstring is essential to the maximum extension of stride, running should not be practised at the expense of walking.  Mobility exercises are a great help in retaining and furthering flexibility and thus are an important aid to successfully linking successfully the diverse elements of ‘bounding’ and ‘driving’.

Undoubtedly running is of important cardio-vascular value, but perhaps its chief benefit derives from the variety it affords to the athlete’s training schedule.  Walking is the first love, but the freedom experienced in running, for example, over the country is a great elixir.  Certainly it is invaluable in maintaining the psychological equilibrium essential to good performance.  There are also practical advantages in the sense that running, because of its very nature, allows sessions to be fitted in during restricted time periods e.g. in the early morning or at dinnertime.  Indeed it is probably in this type of session that the best rewards can be reaped with the main effort of the day being devoted to the primary mode of progression.  The truth is that race walking demands the endurance qualities of distance running combined with the technical accomplishments of a field event.  The necessary concentration is not always available and at such times running is of much more value physically and mentally than no effort at all.  During the winter conditioning period, long runs at the weekends of the L.S.D. variety could be extremely rewarding, especially if combined with a re-emphasised training programme centred on strengthening the weaknesses of the individual athlete.  Jogging on grass can also be of benefit during recovery from injury, dissipating the tension felt by an athlete whilst inactive and maintaining a level of bodily fitness.

In conclusion there is no intention in this article to attract converts to a particular training method.  Athletics is too complex a subject and the athlete too much an individual to allow dogmatic views of this evangelistic kind.  Running may be totally alien to many walkers, who will continue to achieve high standards without its help.  The final decision lies with the individual, but at least let it be said that running could be a desirable element in some walkers’ schedules and should be given proper consideration in the preparation of training programmes.

Tony Taylor

NOTES [2024]

Lloyd Johnson finishing third in the 1948 Olympics 50 kilometres

‘Tebbs’ Lloyd Johnson was a remarkable competitor who remained in the top flight for 25 years. After placing third in the RWA 20 miles walk in 1923, he won the title in 1927, 1931, and 1934, and was the 50K champion in 1931, 1934, and 1949. At the 1948 Olympics he won a bronze medal and, at 48 years, 115 days, he became the oldest Olympic medalist in an athletics event. His best performance came in the 1936 RWA 50K when he crossed the line 4 seconds ahead of future Olympic champion Harold Whitlock, but was disqualified for lifting in the closing stages of a dramatic finish. His time was not bettered by a British walker for 20 years. He succeeded Whitlock as National Coach and served as RWA President 1970-71 . Lloyd was much respected and is  remembered with affection by young walkers of the late 60s and early 70s such as Tony Malone and myself for his fatherly and supportive advice.

L.S.D wasn’t a performance-enhancing hallucinatory drug! Less excitingly it was an acronym of the time, standing for Long Slow Distance. It was the mantra underpinning the emphasis during this period on high mileage as the key to success.

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

Best Wishes for 2024 and December’s Virtual 5km results

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Tony Taylor

STOP PRESS: Adrian Edwards informs us that our next training day will take place at the Stockport Woodbank Park track from 12 noon until 5pm on Sunday 14th January. There is also a development race taking place in the Sale Harriers indoor open meeting. A 1km race walk starting at 1:30pm on Sunday 28th January. Unfortunately entry is by invitation only.

The Botanic Gardens – an optimistic painting for the year ahead by Marilyn Taylor

In a world beset by crisis, carnage and contradiction we can but hope upon hope that peace and humanity will prevail. Against this global backcloth in our small corner of shared passion and camaraderie, I wish all our members and friends the very best for 2024. I’m not sure how many of us can aspire to setting personal bests. Time is not on our side but we can dream!

Some anecdotes and photos from December – all much appreciated

John Gordon – Venue; Cardiff Airport : 11:00am – 5K Time: 32min 49 secs. Although conditions were frosty, the roads were surprisingly good. Bit of Sun starting now. Needed a warm-up and tights were on. Early flights had gone so I got roads to myself.

David Lamb – This morning at 0920 I set off to try and get a 5k under my belt and I succeeded, in a time of 52.55. I don’t know whether you want to include me in the club virtual 5k or not, as I am not a member. I will of course continue to walk the prom at a similar pace and hopefully do the January virtual 5k. There was a cold N.E wind blowing but the sun was beginning to appear, it was good to see the other side of the bay, which we haven’t seen since Saturday morning.

Steven Wilde – Dec 9 Euxton Lane,Chorley Windy and wet 5k time 39’50”

I often see runners,joggers and walkers with listening devices, presumably enjoying music of their choice.
It occurred to me that it would be quite easy to put together a playlist of songs which refer to our specific sporting discipline.
For instance, in training sessions, whilst endeavouring to achieve an unwavering straight direction of movement,I WALK THE LINE(Johnny Cash) would be apt.
If a pyramid session were required, effecting a North African/Middle Eastern cadence might be appropriate to accompany WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN (The Bangles). I don’t suppose you could say Pharaoh than that.
An English obsession with weather conditions might find us occasionally WALKING ON SUNSHINE (Katrina & The Waves), or more often JUST WALKING IN THE RAIN (Johnnie Ray).
Self-indulgently, I would include WALK ON THE WILD SIDE(Lou Reed) in my own list, whilst the sentiments evinced by Rodgers and Hammerstein’s anthemic YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE might give fitting expression to the collective spirit and camaraderie of our club.
Compliments of the season to everyone.

Stephen Walker – 36: 34 in sunny Portugal!

Tony Bell – Virtual 5km today by Racewalking the Millhouses parkrun. A slow start as usual, 18s to get to the start line. 1st lap of 3 rather crowded but then I got going. Lap splits 11.55 10.52 10.34 – but see below.

Tony at the turn in the park run

Greg Smith – My time for the virtual 5k for this month is 35:42, done on 11 December on the 750 metres lap I use in an old industrial area called Bury Ground. There’s a little industry still there and now a police station at one side and a fire station at the other. It’s the only bit of flat ground hereabouts. Local runners often use it for fast intervals. Once I saw a big mixed group from the local TA doing a 10k time trial there in their boots and fatigues. It was a long way for many.

Bury Fire Station – what a beautiful surface!!

Tony Bell and Martin Payne – Monday night is training night in Sheffield with Coach Helen Elleker. Tonight we were at Woodbourn Road track. Martin Payne and I did a 5km race together as part of the virtual 5km. I did 32.40 and Martin was just behind in 32.41.

Tony beating Martin in a dip-finish

Marco Bernatzki – I have been busy this weekend and I finished my virtual race with a time of 33:39. Due to the cold and windy weather conditions a more than acceptable time. Wish you happy and peaceful Xmas days.

Ken Connor – On the same same day as our cancelled walk I walked Warrington parkrun in 31.29  about 32.10 official on a slightly long course but tweaked my hamstring in the process. Probably due to the cold and not warming up. So with some ice and rest the following Saturday I walked really well,  with a Widnes Parkrun in 30.03 only to discover a large bruise at the back of the knee. More ice and it’s seems ok now. As promised 29.44 recorded today, December 30. Bitterly cold, well wrapped up. That was punishing!

Nigel Shaw – Apologies for the late details ,we were away on holiday for the first two weeks in December went on December 04. Then straight back to work. Did 5k this morning 30/12/24 in a very cold Cheadle. Venue Cheadle Hulme to Cheadle village.

Pat Evans – time at our local parkrun this morning was 37:21. A fair amount of it was on soft grass and shaley paths so it was very good in the circumstances.

John Crahan – I did 34min 23 sec for my 5k. Despite a period or more niggles than pints I am reasonably fit.

Tony Taylor – Beautiful weather conditions, managed 30:15 [6:03; 5:59; 6:05; 6:05; 6:03]

DECEMBER VIRTUAL 5 KILOMETRES SCRATCH

  1. Ken Connor 29:44
  2. Tony Taylor 30:15
  3. Nigel Shaw 31:03
  4. Tony Bell 32:40
  5. Martin Payne 32:41
  6. John Gordon 32:49
  7. Marco Bernatzki 33:39
  8. John Crahan 34:23
  9. Greg Smith 35:42
  10. Stephen Walker 36:34
  11. Joe Hardy 37:04
  12. Pat Evans 37:21
  13. Roy Gunnett 37:23
  14. Phil McCullagh 38:18
  15. Steven Wilde 39:50
  16. Andrea Lennon 42:27
  17. Chris Harvey 48:46
  18. David Lamb 52:55

DECEMBER VIRTUAL 5 KILOMETRES HANDICAP

  1. John Gordon 25:09
  2. John Crahan 27:28
  3. Martin Payne 28:01
  4. Marco Bernatzki 28:37
  5. Nigel Shaw 28:38
  6. Stephen Walker 28:39
  7. Phil McCullagh 28:53
  8. Ken Connor 29:19
  9. Pat Evans 29:41
  10. Tony Bell 30:00
  11. Tony Taylor 30:15
  12. Greg Smith 30:17
  13. Steve Wilde 30:54
  14. David Lamb 30:55
  15. Roy Gunnett 31:13
  16. Andrea Lennon 32:02
  17. Joe Hardy 32:24
  18. Chris Harvey 38:21

CLOCKINGS FOR THE JANUARY VIRTUAL 5 KILOMETRES TO BE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 31st. ANECDOTES AND PHOTOS ONCE AGAIN WELCOMED.

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

John O’Groats to Lands End: Guy Goodair’s fascinating reminiscence

Posted on December 30, 2023 by Tony Taylor

Enormous praise is due to Guy Goodair for providing this end-of-year treat- a fascinating insider insight into the 1960 John O’Groats to Lands End race, which we alluded to in our tribute to Beryl Randle.

Guy begins the wonderful tale. 

Imagine being offered the chance to run or walk from John O’Groats to Lands End with a first prize, which would enable you to buy a modest house in many parts of the country – would you have a go? The snags – you’ve less than 3 weeks to prepare, and you must make all your own arrangements for feeding, accommodation en route, spare clothing etc.

Sixty-four years ago ‘would be’ competitors were thinking of heading for Scotland to take part in Billy Butlin’s challenge race from John O’Groats to Lands End which was scheduled to start at dawn on Saturday 27th February, later rescheduled to start on the Friday at 5pm because the large entry could not be accommodated in John O’Groats overnight. Remember this was in the days before the running boom, there were no specialised running shoes, and most runners used Dunlop Green Flashes, There was a lot of local opposition to the race taking place – The Chief Constable of Caithness asked for it to be cancelled in view of the bad weather conditions in the county and the county police and medical services would be unable to deal with the expected number of casualties – most roads were affected by hard-packed snow. In fact, the road between Bonar Bridge and Dingwall was blocked meaning a 14 miles detour via Tain. The main prizes were equally divided between Men and Women with £1000 to the winner, £500 for 2nd and £250 for 3rd with awards to the oldest and youngest competitors to finish. Competitors had to make their own arrangements for resting feeding and transporting of their spare clothing, and the race had only been announced two weeks previously.

John’s letter of acceptance

A training partner of mine John Grundy of Wakefield Harriers decided to have a go. John was a good distance runner who’d had an excellent result in the 1959 London to Brighton race and won the Liverpool to Blackpool 58 miles race the year before. John was a delivery driver for British Rail and he would deliver goods from Kirkgate Station all over the Wakefield District – including a well-known local firm, ‘Clegg and Huntingdon’. When Mr Huntingdon heard of John’s intentions he offered to sponsor him by paying for John’s expenses in the race. John’s brother-in-law would follow John in his van carrying food, spare clothing etc

Over 700 runners set off and John immediately went into the lead covering the first twenty miles in 2 hours and 20 minutes which he kept until he stopped for the night at Dunbeath (39 miles from the start). Many retired after just one night realising the immensity of the task involved. After the second night a Bermudan, David Robinson had taken the lead from John and held it throughout Scotland, only losing it at Penrith. Back in Wakefield, we used to get a phone call giving us details of John’s progress. We decided to give him some support at the weekend. Bob Walker and I set off after work on Friday to drive up to meet John (no motorways then!)

Meeting John at Ecclefechan

Up the A1 to Scotch Corner then over Bowes Moor, pick the A6 to Carlisle. We reckoned we’d see John somewhere between Carlisle and Gretna Green – got to Gretna Green and no sign of him. We eventually found John on the outskirts of Ecclefechan about 10 miles further into Scotland – a weary figure bundled up against the cold. His knee was giving him a lot of trouble. He settled in the back of the car for a few hours of sleep (about 4 before we bundled him out) and we slowly ran down to Carlisle Hospital where they bandaged his knee.

On our way to Carlisle Hospital

Then changing into running gear we set off southwards. Bob and I alternated pacing John throughout the day before we headed home. On the following Monday after work, I drove over to Cheshire and met up with him again and together with Ken Gates, one of John’s old rivals from Liverpool, paced him for a long time into the night.

John catching Alf Rozental
John and Alf shake hands as he takes the lead

John kept in touch with us by phone and eventually went into the lead passing Alf Rozental, a race walker from Newark and by Thursday he had a 3-hour lead but his knee was still troubling him.

His sponsors decided to go down to the southwest to see the finish and asked me if I’d like to go – my boss kindly gave me the day off and on the journey down for the first time I was in a car (a Jaguar) which went over 100 mph (before the days of speed limits) and we met up with John in Crediton Devon (approx 115 miles from Land’s End) he had dropped to second place behind Jim Musgrave of Doncaster. I started to run with him and did a 20-mile stint before getting in the car for a thirty-minute rest then out again for another 20 miles before another half-hour’s break followed by a 15-miler and another rest. My sessions grew ever shorter and the rests longer.

John and Guy somewhere in Devon

Chris Brasher and Clement (Clay) Freud were covering the race for the Observer newspaper and when Brasher found out John was a proper club runner he wholeheartedly threw his weight behind John’s effort. Word filtered back that Musgrave had stopped for a meal in the next town about 3 miles ahead, Brasher exhorted John to pick up the pace and pass him – ‘It’ll demoralise him’ Brasher said but John was desperately tired now and hungry too so when we reached the town’s outskirts John spotted this pub and wanted to stop – he was still behind where Musgrave was dining. Brasher wanted him to go on but John refused. It was a busy Saturday night in the pub but Brasher went straight up to the Landlord and explained the situation and told him to get a hot bath run immediately. He then asked which local lived nearest and told him to go home and get a meal prepared straight away. After the bath, John went to the local’s house where the meal was duly ready.

John’s welcome Saturday night meal

Of course, by this time Musgrave was back on the road. John was down to a steady shuffle now and although we kept telling him he could win £1000 he kept replying (rightly) ‘But I’m going to get £500 –there’s no one near me behind’. Eventually, we were reduced to a walk

John with eventual winner, Jim Musgrave

Musgrave finally reached the finish at 7.32am on Sunday morning whilst John came in a weary second around 90 minutes later (8.55am) and race walker Alf Rozentals third at 1.20pm. 113 men completed the course. the last finishing on Friday 25th at 5pm and 25 Women, the last finishing on Thursday 24th at 6.45pm

Wendy Lewis
Beryl Randle takes it easy after finishing 2nd

For much of the race, Beryl Randle was in the lead but was outpaced over the later stages by Wendy Lewis who finished on Tuesday 15th at 12.30am followed by Beryl the same day at 8.30am

According to my diary, I did 84 miles on the last two days and I slept for most of the journey back to Yorkshire. The AAA immediately banned John from amateur races but he did the same as John Tarrant – became a ‘ghost runner’ joining in just after the start, without a number, then swerving around the recorders at the finish without actually going over the official finish line

If you want a fuller picture of the race see if you can get a copy of the book “The Big Walk” by A Walker published by Prentice-Hall International Inc. (there’s at least one copy on Amazon and several on ABE Books).

Once again thanks to Guy for a ‘beltin’ read. There’ll be a New Year post next week with the results of the December Virtual 5 kilometres. For now our very best wishes for 2024 to all our readers!

Posted in History | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Beryl Randle RIP – one of our sport’s great characters

Posted on December 17, 2023 by Tony Taylor

Beryl Randle, born on the 16th of December 1928, was one of our sport’s great characters and a pioneer in terms of women’s race walking. The following tribute is based on a touching post from Birchfield Harriers, the athletics club to which she was devoted. It incorporates as well information from other sources, including that of our dear friend, Glyn Jones, who has known Beryl across the decades. Beryl died on the 28th of November, a few days short of her 95th birthday.

Beryl

Beryl began her athletics career as a young girl where, as a member of the Girls’ Training Corps, Beryl volunteered to compete in a 100m novice race at Cadbury Sports in 1946. Though this wasn’t her true calling, she was scouted by a gentleman who invited her to “Come and get fit like my girls”.

Sure enough, she joined Birmingham Atalanta, training at Salford Park and discovering a skill and a passion for race walking that would define her career. She took up competitive walking, after coming last in that 100-metre sprint, and was coached by Doris Nelson Neal. To train, she would walk from her home in Walsall to her workplace in Digbeth, Birmingham, and back – 18 miles (29 km) each day. She moved to Birchfield in 1953.

Racing victories and World Records have studded Beryl’s career. On 29 May 1954, she broke the world record for the one-mile walk, with a time of 7 minutes 49 seconds. On 19 June 1954, she shaved over ten seconds from her own record, at the White City Stadium, with a time of 7 minutes 38.4 seconds. In doing so, she became the Women’s Amateur Athletic Association Champion. She was honoured for this achievement with a brooch depicting the stag logo of Birchfield Harriers in solid gold, commissioned by G.H. Alexander, then president of the club.

Beryl recalled – I remember finishing the walk with a last gasp of supreme effort. I had no idea I was going to break the world record because Nelson our coach was the sort of person who would not give away any time in training which meant that I had no idea what sort of shape that I was in that day… I just went for it from the start.

In addition, she was a six-time Midland mile track champion, four-time British mile track champion, and three-time Midland road-walking champion.

1960 witnessed one of Beryl’s most iconic moments – her performance in the race walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End, a challenge that had caught the country’s imagination. Despite leading the winner, Wendy Lewis for the majority of the route, a sprained ankle meant she finished in second place. Nevertheless, Billy Butlin of holiday camp fame, the chief sponsor, was so impressed with Bery’s fighting spirit that he presented her with a cheque for £1000 – the same as the overall winner! Due to the rules at the time, by accepting the price Beryl forfeited her amateur status.

Beryl and Wendy ‘relaxing’ at Lands End p photo from the Picture Post of the day

Years later. the decision reversed, Beryl secured a World Veterans Gold Medal in the 5000m Race Walk at Gateshead in 1999 after breaking the over-70s world best for the 3,000 metres track walk.

Beryl still going for it in 1999 and looking majestic nigh on fifty years earlier Thanks to alchetron.com

Off the road and track Beryl played an active role locally and nationally. A life member of Birchfield, Harriers amongst many other roles, she was a coach and a team manager In 2009, she was elected President of the Midland Counties Athletics Association.

She was the Honorary General Secretary of the Race Walking Association from 1988 to 1991, and its President from 1996 to 1998. Beryl was a highly respected Race Walking Judge and officiated at several RWA Championships. She was subsequently made an Honorary Life Member and was given their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.

.

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