Ron Wallwork recalls 1963 – A Pivotal Year

Len Ruddock interviews Ron in this fascinating and revealing video.

Early comments from club members and fellow travellers

Tony Malone – I thought it was great to watch. Brought back many memories for me also. Ron you were a great influence in my early days of race walking. Len we go back a long way.
We done to both of you for doing this.

Mick Entwistle – Nostalgia at its best – remember lots of info from 66 onwards. Like Tony trained with Ron, happy days.

Dave Ainsworth – A talented athlete met a talented film maker. Great viewing and will be watched again!

Helen Middleton – What a lovely interview. I was so lucky to be an Enfield racewalker and be in team Ron Wallwork xxx

Trevor McDermot – That was a terrific watch. Great recall of a golden period and his part in it by Ron, and well stitched together by Len Ruddock. Top job gents ! 🙂

Tony Taylor – Great stuff, Ron and Len. Proud and privileged to be one of Ron’s training partners back in the day.. i’ll post the video on the LWC website

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LWC Newsletter January and February 1966 – a fresh start

Thanks to Ron Wallwork for retrieving these 1960s newsletters. Apologies for the reproduction of the same. I’m having a few problems with the computer.

Chris Bolton looking immaculate at Nijmegen. Standards have dropped!
Joe Hopkins
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Windswept Sutton sees Nigel defying the conditions

With Dave Evans trapped in the Lakes, Roy Gunnett takes charge, competes and reports.

Roy looking perhaps a bit more stressed than usual

As with the clubs last two races, the Macclesfield Shield 10 mile race on Saturday 6th April 2024 was hit by challenging weather. This time it was strong gusty winds, courtesy of Storm Kathleen.

Despite this there was a good turnout of 9 walkers and 4 helpers.

New judge uses time- honoured tactics of hiding round a corner

The usual 5 lap ‘out and back’ course was used for the 10 miler. 

From the gun Nigel Shaw took the lead, a lead which he maintained to the end of the race.  It was an impressive performance for someone who has only taken up the sport in the last few months. His style is very  safe and solid.

Nigel showing good form

Martin Payne, to halfway,  followed closely behind Nigel. However, from this point on Nigel gradually extended his lead.

Martin in pursuit

Behind the leading pair was Roy Gunnett, who walked in third place throughout.

Joe leads Steve and Ian on the steady return climb from the Garden Centre turn

The remaining male walkers kept close together, until nearing the end when Phil McCullagh pulled away to come in a clear fourth.

Solid straight leg from Phil

Greg Smith retired after 3 laps (6miles) to take up his role as Club photographer. Many thanks.

Andrea, remarkable and gutsy as ever. Sailash can confirm

When taking account of age and sex Andrea Lennon’s performance was probably the best of the day. She maintained an even pace throughout and put in a really gutsy performance in the harsh conditions.

An overweight rabbit doing little running nowadays fascinated by the drama unfolding outside his abode

As well as winning the scratch race Nigel also won the handicap and was presented with the Macclesfield Shield trophy by Marshall Barnard. 

Everyone after the race enjoyed the splendid buffet that Marshall always provides.

As special word of thanks must go to the 4 marshalls, without whom the race would not have been possible.

Eric Horwill was starter and timekeeper, aided by Alf Short, Glyn Jones manned the turnaround point and Sailash Shah marshalled at the crossroads.

Great to see Sailash back with us, posing on the aptly named lane

Scratch Results

10 Miles

1  Nigel Shaw.         1.51.42.  (21.55,44.02,1.06.14,1.28.43)

2. Martin Payne      1.55.19.  (22.03,44.55,1.08.27,1.31.56)

3  Roy Gunnett.       2.06.26.  (23.50,48.55,1.13.37,1.39.32)

4. Phil McCullagh   2.10.28. (26.40,52.36,1.18.06,1.45.00)

5  Joe Hardy.             2.11.47. (26.19, 52.45,1.19.22,1.45.51)

6. Steven Wilde.      2.11.52  (26.14, 52.44,1.19.16,1.45.45)

7. Ian Hilditch.         2.11.57 (26.18, 52.49, 1.19.24, 1.45.52)

8  Andrea Lennon.  2.33.51 (30.13,1.00.45, 1.31.56,2.03.06)

10k.

Greg Smith.               1.23.48

Handicap Results.

1. Nigel Shaw.               1.51.42

2. Roy Gunnett.            1.54.26

3. Martin Payne.           1.55.19

4. Ian Hilditch.              1.55.27

5. Phil McCullagh.       1.56.28

6  Steven Wilde.            1.57.52

7. Joe Hardy.                  2.00.02

8. Andrea Lennon.       2.04.51

Age-graded Results

  1. Andrea Lennon 82.27%
  2. Ian Hilditch 77.45%
  3. Joe Hardy 73.47%
  4. Roy Gunnett 73.18%
  5. Nigel Shaw 68.78%
  6. Martin Payne 68.40%
  7. Steven Wilde 64.28%
  8. Phil McCullagh 61.51%

IMPORTANT

Adrian Edwards informs us that:

Sailash turned up at the last training session; walked with one hand in his pocket due to the shoulder problem; at least he was back out again. We have a little core of regulars and decided on the next future training date; Sunday 14th April, Woodbank Park, Stockport; 12 till 5 if anyone else wanted to come along.

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Macclesfield Shield 10 miles, April 6th at Sutton

Our next club race is the Macclesfield Shield 10 miles, which will take place from the Ex-Service Men’s Club in Sutton on Saturday, April 6th, starting at 1.00 p.m. The venue will be open from noon. As usual, it will be really helpful if you could let Dave Evans at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk know if you are attending and in what capacity. This will also assist Marshall in terms of the catering.

[Apologies for this brief notice and the lack of posts this month. I’m enduring a less than smooth recovery from surgery, which has knocked me off my stride!!]

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Phil calls on all-comers to take his trophy away in 2025!

As some might know, it was touch and go as to whether I would make the start of the ever-demanding Alison Trophy at Chorley. My flight from Crete was due to touch down at around 11 o’clock. In the event my dash from the overwhelming hordes at Manchester Airport proved successful.  This said, in the murky gloom embracing the town I turned up first at the Roman Catholic St. Joseph’s before crossing the road to the Anglican St. Peter’s, where a family and friends attending a drizzly baptism were putting on a brave face.  

Running round the back I entered the dimly lit hall of the Community Centre.  Within I found only 5 shadowy figures, four garbed for action.  My surprise at the sparse turnout was the result of not knowing that there had been last minute discussion about whether the race would take place, Dave Evans being trapped in the Lakes.  Whatever the confusion, Martin, John, Phil and Roy were determined to brave the elements.  Given I couldn’t race, courtesy of a hernia, my appearance was timely.  I took on the timekeeping duties and, together with Eric Crompton of local fame sought to keep everyone on track.  Out on the course we were joined in the task by Greg Smith, our by now official photographer, dressed sensibly for the weather.  Somewhat normal for the area, it was freezing cold and the rain was unrelenting.  Not being acclimatised I was bloody cold!

Martin away and clear

The conditions did not deter our quartet of hardy souls.  In the opening stretch before the infamous lap to be covered thrice, Martin and Roy kept close company as did Phil and John.  As ever the tough and tortuous climb on the opening section of the challenge took its toll with Martin pulling away from Roy, Phil beginning to drop John.  From thence on the four individuals led an isolated existence.  It’s a tribute to their fortitude that they ploughed on regardless.  Although it must be said we had to coax Phil past a now closed public house where he had supped many a pint in its heyday. 

Roy focused and in pursuit
Phil drawing away from John

At the finish Martin’s strong performance pulled him well clear, whilst Phil put in a strong third lap to close on Roy.  Finishing fourth John was moved to remark that his resilient effort would enter the ranks of his ten worst athletic performances.  A harsh judgement, in my opinion.

According to John on his way to one of his worst ever performances. The next day he was doing a parkrun with his grandchildren. Bravo!

Back in the partial warmth of the centre, Eric true to tradition had brewed a large kettle of milky tea with biscuits to hand.  To everyone’s delight the winner of the Alison Trophy was Phil McCullagh. Of course this feat was the subject of jocular remarks from our resident wit, John Crahan.

Phil acknowledging the roars of the crowd

In the ensuing post-race conversation we touched on the health of the much-missed Sailash Shah and the great stalwart John Payn.  We hope to see Sailash soon and visits to John are in the pipeline.  Sadly, Adrian Edwards has advised that the Horwich BMAF 5 kilometres will not be held this year.  We explored again whether in the summer we might target a coupe of Park Runs, where we could organise a collective presence. 

None the worse for wear after defying the elements

The business concluded, we set forth cheerily into the still surly Chorley air, pleased that we had kept the race-walking spirit alive in what was a heartland of our sport. The richness of this history owes much to the endeavours of the Leyland Motors Athletic Club, the story of which deserves a chapter on our club website in the future.

Alison Trophy 15 Kilometres [RWA Permit 24005/1]

SCRATCH

  1. Martin Payne 1:42: 23
  2. Roy Gunnett 1:54:08
  3. Phil McCullagh 1:56:16
  4. John Crahan 2:02:52

HANDICAP

  1. Phil McCullagh 96:16
  2. Roy Gunnett 97:08
  3. Martin Payne !02:23
  4. John Crahan 104:52

AGE-GRADED

  1. Roy Gunnett 75.73%
  2. Martin Payne 71.35%
  3. 3.John Crahan 68.27%
  4. Phil McCullagh 64.98%

Thanks as ever to Greg Smith for the photos and apologies for the delayed report. I remained freezing in England till this last weekend and upon return I find myself booked in for an unexpected hernia operation!

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LWC Newsletter, July 1965 – A sense of frustration

Adrian Edwards advises: The next Sunday afternoon track session, open to any walkers who want to come along will be on Sunday 17th March at Woodbank Park track, Stockport from 12 noon.

Following our posts on the year 1958, Ron is hard at work piecing together the story of 1959. In the meantime we’ll share with you other material we unearth as it’s dug up! Find below a first club newsletter from July 1965, which was the forerunner of the CONTACT magazine. Reading between the lines you can sense a feeling of frustration that the club was not doing itself justice.

I’ve inserted here Guy Goodair’s amusing reminiscence of that Manchester-Blackpool race

1965

Wakefield had a full team this year and a Wakefield runner, Barry Fletcher looked after us – three weeks later I reciprocated by looking after Barry when he won the Liverpool to Blackpool Road Running race. There was a bunch of five early on but after 15 miles Mick Holliman & I drew away with George Barras & John Hampshire not far behind.

goodair65
Inseparable – Mick and Guy passing through Horwich

George Barras had an unsettling moment in Chorley when he was almost knocked over by a car coming out of a side street and had to jump on the car’s front fender to avoid being knocked down!  Once we’d passed Preston we faced a tremendous headwind which made progress hard work. The difficulties increased after St Annes when drifting sand kept blowing across the road into our eyes as well as sticking to the Vaseline we’d put on our nipples and armpits, acting like sandpaper.

goodairholliman65
Mick and Guy still together approaching Blackpool with Mick’s attendant in close proximity

Mick & I were still ‘neck & neck’ after the South Pier then Mick looked round for his attendant – the lady on the bike in the photo. Barry, my attendant, immediately screamed at me “Go, Go – you’ve got him!” I tried to increase my pace and managed to open up a 200-yard gap which I held to the finish. Wakefield packed well with George Barras 4th.

The race report in the Daily Telegraph by Peter Keeling referred to me as ‘Goodair,
bespectacled and slightly built’. For years afterwards every time Chris Bolton rang me he
would enquire if he was speaking to ‘the bespectacled and slightly built Goodair’!

1 G Goodair (Wakefield) 8.29.07 2 M Holliman (Highgate) 8.30.05 3 K Abolins (Royal Sutton Coldfield) 8.43.11
Team Wakefield 17 pts, 44 finished

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Hilly Chorley awaits – Alison Trophy 15k, Saturday, March 2nd

Whenever I think about Chorley and our Sunday morning strolls [as they used to be called] I remember with fondness being out on the road with Eric Crompton. By chance this photo of the start of the 1975 10 miles championships held in Brighton has just appeared on Facebook. It shows Eric leading out the field with Roger Mills and Bob Dobson in close order. Eric’s 11th position was his best ever placing in a National, illustrating the great shape he was in. Coming through the ranks was a youthful Chris Harvey with Tony Malone in the first fifty. If the rift in our club, which saw the loss of Ron Wallwork, Julian and myself, had not occurred it looks as if we would have been battling for team medals.

Eric LA 155

Hopefully we will see Eric on Saturday, March 2nd when the Alison Trophy 15 kilometres is contested – starting at 1.00 p.m. from the St Peter’s Church Hall, Harpers Lane, PR6 0HP. As is usual it would be really helpful if you could let Dave Evans at dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk know if you are attending and in what capacity.

Map of Venue

A taste of what is to come!

Thanks to Dave Ainsworth for another photo of the 1975 National 10 Miles start at Southwick. Image supplied by Alan Buchanan.

A spread of the great and good with Shaun Lightman leading. Can you spot Tony Malone?
This photo is related to Ilford AC winning a first National walking title at Southwick in 1975 over 10 miles with a scoring 4 of Roger Mills 3rd, Steve Gower 9th, Lew Mockett 16th & Geoff Hunwicks 26th. Sadly only Roger, finger on the cork of bubbly, is still with us.
Photographer : Mike Street RIP.
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Age-grading results, Helen in the mud and Steve Arnold RIP winning the Bradford

John Crahan getting close to an 80% age grading

VIRTUAL JANUARY 5 kilometresAGE-GRADED

  1. Tony Taylor 29:48 91.05%
  2. Nigel Shaw 31:23 72.17%
  3. Ken Connor 32:14 68.92%
  4. Tony Bell 32:39 68.71%
  5. John Crahan 33:36 78.47%
  6. Martin Payne 34:30 67.05%
  7. Greg Smith 34:32 73.46%
  8. Roy Gunnett 35:24 76.61%
  9. Stephen Walker 35:36 66.39%
  10. Pat Evans 37:19 77.85%
  11. Steven Wilde 38:56 64.34%

Given the sad news this last week, the deaths of three outstanding Centurions it’s good to sound a lighter note. Hazel Fairhurst, who became Centurion 983 wearing the colours of our club in 2002 on the track in Blackpool and who returned successfully to the 100 miles event in Middlesbrough last year, continues to race up and down dale.

Hazel with Tony and Graham

She comments: Pendle Way in a day 45 miles event done. Best result ever too. We’re going on a bear hunt came to mind a lot…. thick oozy mud….. a river, oh no we’ve got to go through it! I did the stepping stones like a ninja and didn’t fall once. Great navigation from my partners in crime Tony and Graham. Lovely support on the route too. Colin Vesty, the Race Walking Association General Secretary, was also competing.


Just as I was going to send this post on its way this message arrived from Dave Ainsworth.

Sadly much talented ex-International Steve Arnold of Nuneaton Harriers has passed on.  Always a strong competitor, particularly in 50k races, Steve put much back into race walking with his commitment as a respected coach.  He leaves behind many good memories of his time in athletics.  Our condolences to his family members.  Steve Arnold R.I.P.

Roy Gunnett advises that Steve won at Blackpool in July 2008 the BMAF 50k championships in 5 hrs 4 mins 54 secs. and that in July 2006 he won at Simister the Dick Smith 20k memorial race in 1hrs 52 mind 00 secs.

And here’s a touching and nostalgic video of Steve winning the 100th Bradford 50 kilometres in 2003.

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CLUB JANUARY VIRTUAL 5KMS AND SAD NEWS FROM THE CENTURIONS

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.

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Beaten by the Bell!

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!
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