Lancashire Walking Club : Health The First Wealth

As I post this tribute I see it as a memory in the making. I hope that other members of the race walking community will contribute their stories of a formidable and perhaps half-forgotten great athlete.

Michael Stephen ‘Mike’ HOLMES (GBR) (b. 26 Aug 1951 Shipley, Yorkshire) died on July 1 in Bradford aged 71. He was a junior international in 1969-70 before having eight internationals for Britain 1973-80 from 10,000m to 20 miles walks. Competing for York Postal RWC and Yorkshire RWC, he was 2nd in the UK 10000m walk in 1980 and 3rd in the RWA 50k in his pb 4:19:55 in 1973. He won the CAU 3000m in 1979 and was Northern champion at 10000m in 1979-80 and 20k in 1979. Other walks pbs: 3000m 12:40.56 (1980), 10000m 43:34.55 (1980), 20k 1:31:46 (1980), 30k 2:29:34 (1974), 20M 2:42:01 (1974) and had a great 100 miles debut in 17:21:52 in 1982.

Thanks as ever for the statistics to Peter Matthew. Editor Athletics International & International Athletics Annual.

In beginning this tribute to Mick there is no better place to start than with the memories of his close friend of 55 years, Tony Malone.

I first met Mick in September 1968 at the Morecambe 20km Open. We were both just 17 years old. I was a complete novice, whilst he was steeped in the history of the Yorkshire Race Walking Club, where his grandfather and father were leading figures. As you can see from the result all of the Holmes family competed with Mick showing early signs of his class ahead of his father, Harry Holmes Jnr with Harry Holmes Snr finishing 50th, bringing up the rear. On the minimum of training and experience, I just failed to beat 2 hours.

From then on we competed in junior events against each other. Even as I improved Mick was always better – see the 1970 Junior 5 miles.

We gained our first International vests together in a junior International in June 1970 against Italy and West Germany at Battersea Park. Mick finished one place ahead of me in 73-39. I clocked 74-17.

Over the years we had many a good battle against each other. Mick was always a very tough nut to crack. He was one of the best walkers around when you remember he could do a sub 13 minutes for 3kms and a hundred in 17 hours 21 minutes! All the more so, after having been diagnosed with Type One diabetes, he fought his way back onto the International scene.

One story I remember dates back to 1973 when he was in the Lugano Cup team at 50 kilometres. After the events were over the British lads went out on the town. When they got back Ray Middleton made the remark in his typical Cockney accent, “That’s the last time I’m getting Mick drunk, all he can talk about is bl***ing Bradford City”.

One thing both Mick and I had in common was our love of football, Mick with Bradford City and me with Stockport County. For many years they were in the same divisions. Hence we met up at the games between the two clubs. One thing Mick never wanted me to remind him of was the day when County beat City 7 goals to 1 at Bradford’s Valley Parade in 1965. What to say!!! It always seemed to slip out in our conversations. We were both 14 at the time and attended the game, not knowing each other.

We always met up when the two teams met. Mick would sort out the tickets for the Bradford side of things. At Stockport I happened to work the County including match days so Mick got in at no cost and even had a tour of the ground thrown in. When we met at Bradford it was always fish and chips, then onto the game. It was very gracious of Mick to involve me in the Shipley Bantams match sponsorship the last time they played County – so typical of him. It was touching that Mick’s friends knew me as his Stockport mate.

Sleep well, my friend. You deserve a rest after all your health troubles. You gave your all to the very end. Tough as granite and as gritty as nutty slack. One of my best mates.

Roger Mills – Not much to say I’m afraid, my memory is just a blur, cos known Mick since 1972 after we raced in I think Brighton. Afterwards, I offered him a bed for the night in Ilford. Mick took the trouble to travel down ‘Suff’ regularly. Lifelong comradeship started from then, staying at each other’s homes. Fantastic competitor, despite even in the early days dealing with his diabetes. Remember him experiencing a hypo in Italy with mini Mars bars coming to the rescue! No drama, everyday health difficulties dealt with varying efficiency and his self-medicating record wasn’t great! In fact, it was crap. Ann Holmes to the rescue!

Honest to the core, hard, competitive, with a number on his vest he would give any distance 3 km to 24hrs a crack and how! Just check out the stats, People! An unsung giant of the sport. A true Corinthian. None of this North-South bollocks. A comrade to all in Race Walking. Trained hard, reached to test his potential and beyond. He possessed a laconic sense of humour, was self-deprecating, loved his family and was modest to a fault. Only major fault Tony, an obsessional love of Bradford City F.C. Don’t think even a decent Psychologist would get close! Could ‘loose it ‘ at a pinch watching that mob playing! Two things kept him alive to the last, despite his chronic and multiple health issues. His fantastic missus, Ann and his bloody City! Love the manX

Chris Bolton – Very sad news indeed. I remember three generations of great Centurions. They are all sadly missed and are remembered with affection.

Father: Harry Holmes Snr. C104.
21-05-39.

Son: Harry Holmes Jr. C303
19-31-08.

Grandson: Mick Holmes: C717.
17-21-52.

Ron Wallwork – How sad. Mick was the generation after me, but I recall a lovely fluent action and his fabulous 17.21.52 Hundred debut at Leicester in 1982.

Chris Harvey – Mick was a remarkable Race Walker. I got to know him in the late 1970s when we both competed for York Postal. They were great times and Mick always had a great sense of humour and was always ready with a deceptive turn of speed. So you had to look out.

I was competing for York Postal in a National 10 around 1983 and was suffering towards the end. Mick was on the sidelines and shouted “Come on Chris, Rob’s right behind (Rob Elliott ) catching you for a team place”. I wanted a team medal and kicked on, catching an extra five or so walkers in front. I think I was about 10th, 3rd counter for the team, winning the first team. Afterwards, I spoke to Mick and asked, “Where did Rob finish?. The reply was, “He was quite a way off”. I said you claimed he was right behind me. To which Mick said he had to get me going somehow! Well, I laughed and produced some choice language. That was Mick all over.

We stayed with him in Shipley ( me and my wife ) and his wife and attended the Xmas York Postal party which went down a storm. We went training the next day along the towpath and up onto the road and through a village. I said “I know this place. I’m sure I’ve been here before.” Mick replied, “No you haven’t” and we argued. He said it’s the village where Emmerdale is filmed. Oh, what I twit I felt. Mick was laughing all the way back and told his family who were in fits of laughter. That was him a real character, a true gent and a good friend. I’m just sorry and sad I lost contact over the years. God rest his soul, his like will never be seen again.

Rob Elliott – My memory of Mick Holmes was as a teammate at York Postal for a few years. First introduced to him by Denis Jackson in the changing room before the start of a York 7 miles race. I believe it was his first race in York colours, although I may be mistaken. He was much respected by me and he helped me out with training advice a few years after my 1982 Commonwealth appearance when I was going about training at home with no direction. I remember his father being by his side at races with encouragement. Rest in Peace Mick.

I thought of something else after his love of Bradford City was mentioned. I think it was Bob Dobson who told me this many years ago. He had gone to Bradford to race or stay with Mick and Mick mentioned he had tickets for the Big Game that weekend. Bob (if it was him!) was happy and thinking maybe a trip to one of the big top division teams was on the cards, like nearby Leeds. On the day you can guess where the Big Game was held…..Bradford City. Little memories that make me smile.

Bob Dobson – Mick was born to be a Racewalker following in his father’s & grandfather’s footsteps. Despite his Type 1 Diabetes, he excelled at many Racewalk Classics at home and abroad. I particularly remember his performance in Switzerland in 1984. As if the mountains of Switzerland were not tough enough the race was thought to be 3 km over the 100 km advertised distance. Mick won the race & a massive trophy which he had to hold on his lap on the return flight. Included in his many successes are the distinction of Senior Internationals at 20 & 50k. Testament to his popularity is the number of tributes given by all of the Racewalking Community who knew him. Not only was he a great friend but regarded by Olive & I as a part of the family.

Richard Cole, Honorary Treasurer of the Centurions – Overcame diabetes to set about the fastest 100. He walked for York Postal for some time. I did not know him personally. I also started walking in 1982 as he set his very fast 100. I was told he used to train up and down the cycle path from York to Tadcaster (about 13 – 15 miles) – 40-mile sessions sometimes. His dad (also a Centurion) used to do 20 miles on his bike with him, Mick then did 20 miles on his own. (Or vice Versa).

Bill Sutherland – Very sad to hear of the passing of Mick Holmes C717, a distance racer with supreme talent, being one of the special Centurions who truly treated the formidable distance of 100 Miles as a race from start to finish. I watched many Centurion races during the ’60s, 70s and ’80s and each and every one of them produced someone very special in podium positions and are listed in the Centurion Handbook as extraordinary and Mick was truly one of them. He was such a likeable Race Walker in every way – always encouraging others to achieve their best. May he Rest in Peace amongst so many Race Walking Stars of the Past in Heaven. With sincere condolences.

Kathy Crilley – Very sad to hear this news. I only met him the once when Mick attended the Centurions dinner at the House of Commons – along with Harry. I do remember him as such a nice gentleman and a formidable Centurion.

Dr Reverend Roy Lodge MBE – Very sad to hear of Mike Holmes’s passing. A true gentleman in every sense of the word. He walked justly and uprightly in sport and life. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Carl Lawton – Sad to hear. Mike was well respected and one of the few families to have grandfather, father and son in walking.

Adrian James – I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Mick Holmes..such a classic racewalker. His Centurion Walk was a brilliant achievement.

David Rosser – I had noted from “Essex Walker” that he was poorly. I did not know him as a member of Southend as my last race was in 1976 but do recall seeing him at races in the 1980s. Unfortunately, we are in the age group where people passing on seems to happen more often than when we were younger.

Peter Marlow – He was always great company. I was privileged to race with him in Germany and I last saw him at the World Championships in London. RIP.

Tony Taylor – Coming from a race-walking family – my dad competed twice in the Blackpool and was a member of the Leigh Harriers Walking section – I was aware at an early age of the formidable pairing of Harry Holmes Senior and Harry Holmes Junior from across the Pennines. I believe my first encounter, aged eleven, with Harry the Elder, was in the act of handing him a sponge at the Bolton Wanderers feeding station during the 1958 Manchester-Blackpool race. Over 20 years later I was to do likewise to his grandson, Mick, who was on his way to winning the 1982 version. By this time I was living almost on the course itself. Hence, for part of the race, I was able to nip back to my house and top up with ice cubes the obligatory water bucket. I caught up with Mick in Chorley, already well ahead, offering him a sponge from the icy receptacle. The look on his face was a picture of joy, his response one of sheer delight. “Tony, you’ve outdone thiself, best bloody sponge ever!” I like to think the shock helped him to beat eight hours! Back in third place that day came his dear friend, Tony Malone, who has never mentioned my breathtaking innovation. I suspect the ice had melted.

I became aware, for the first time of Mick’s talent, during the opening months of 1969, He was 4th in the Northern Junior Ten at Wakefield and 11th in the Senior Ten at Sutton a few weeks later.

Hinting at his later distance exploits, when summer arrived, he came 6th in the tough Gomersal 15 miles but had enough speed in the legs to win the Northern Counties Junior 1500 metres track title, holding off the favoured Lancashire trio of Dave Ward, Steve Crow and Tony Malone. In late September he pressed Ron Wallwork, Jake Warhurst and myself in the Northern 3,000 metres championship. This was the first time I remember racing against Mick toe-to-toe.

The year closed with Mick cementing his place amongst the rising stars of the British walking scene with his fourth place in the National Junior Five,

Mick’s continued rise to prominence in 1970 was not without its controversy. He contested the Isle of Man TT walk following in his father’s footsteps, coming a close second to Eric Lee and ahead of the Manx legend, Derek Harrison, Alan Buchanan, the editor of the Race Walking Record was dismayed, saying, “A boy of his talent needs coaching and nursing if he is to progress as far as he is capable without burning himself out“.

And Alan was not for dropping the issue. In later thoughts, he suggested, “After the disappointment of the Lugano Cup, now is the time to build for the future and a monthly get-together for our junior stars would be a step in the right direction. I would like to make clear that my remarks about Mike Holmes were in no way a criticism of his style but of him competing in long-distance races for which he is too young by the rules when he would have been better off aiming for the European Junior team. His excellent walk at Steyning in the National Junior convinced me that I was right. He is an excellent prospect and must not waste his ability in the long ones.”

In fact Mick had scratched his mark on the junior stage, winning the inaugural Northern Junior title, finishing second in a Trial race, making his junior international debut, before, as Alan mentions above, breasting the tape a fine second to Olly Flynn in the National. Perhaps those miles in the Isle of Man had served him well.

Over the next few years, Mick established himself as one of the sport’s leading athletes, figuring prominently in major events. Amongst the highlights in 1973, together with Olly Flynn, he competed in the famous Terassa- La Mata event.

These words were prescient. This full-length picture of Mick is of him finishing third in the National 50k at Redditch on 4th August 1973 in 4hrs 19mins 55secs. First was Bob Dobson in 4hrs 14mins 29secs, second Shaun Lightman in 4hrs 17mins 45secs. Thus Mick was selected for the Lugano Cup Final squad at 50km, along with Bob, Shaun and Ray Middleton. The prestigious event, the Sixth IAAF World Cup took place on October 12th in Switzerland, Reminiscing later Mick told me it was perhaps the toughest four and half hours he’d experienced on the road as he fell below his own expectations. Mick finished 30th in 4hrs 37mins 54secs

Whilst in the same year he managed to get caught up in controversy as a judge sought to disqualify him for being on the wrong side of the road!!

Thinking of my relationship with Mick means that the year 1974 was very special. On the basis of my 7th place in the National 20 kilometres, I was fortunate enough to be picked as the fourth string in the 20 km team for the match against West Germany in Hamburg. Mick was selected for the 20 miles event.

Thus I found myself on the track in Hamburg with Roger Mills, Olly Flynn, Peter Marlow, John Warhurst, Roy Thorpe, Amos Seddon and Mick – in very good company if not their equal. All of them went on to greater things, not least in this particular year Roger’s European bronze. As it was the evening of the 25th of May was never to be forgotten by those present. Bernd Kannnenberg broke the 20km World Record recording 1:24:45.0, whilst Gerhard Weidner did likewise in the 20 miles clocking 2:30:38.6. Mick and I were left shaking our heads in disbelief.

Mick was back competing in the Lugano Trophy when the final was held at Milton Keynes in 1977. On another sobering day in the wake of the Mexican wave, Mick was perhaps surprisingly the first of our quartet in the 20 kilometres, finishing in 30th position.

In the ensuing years, as I drifted in and out of race walking, Mick was always encouraging me to pull my finger out. I remember him walking superbly to win the 1979 Northern 20 km championship as I languished far behind. In the dressing room, he chided me gently in his soft Bradford voice for disappearing from the sport we loved. In a way, this friendly exchange expressed the character of our later meetings, the last of which as I remember was on the roads between Manchester and Blackpool. In 1982, learning I had run a decent marathon, he declared that this was proof I could still hack it. Coming from someone, who was to make an incredible debut at 100 miles, I should perhaps have taken his words more seriously. I carried on being something of a dilettante making guest appearances from time to time. Sadly, in my ignorance, I didn’t realise for a long time how ill-health began to affect Mick’s life.

My memories are partial and strewn with gaps. For example, Mick was a founder member of the British Race Walkers Club, the history of which seems to be lost. It is my hope that other folk will fill in some of the silences.

The title of this post, ‘Race walker extraordinaire, the like of whom we will never see again’, smacks of hyperbole. I don’t think so. As our discipline’s history is undermined, exemplified by the dropping of the 50 kilometres from the Olympics, and the inclusion of 10-kilometre team relays, within which adherence to the rules is abandoned, it is almost impossible to imagine the existence of a race walker, competitive at a national and international level from two to one hundred miles, from three to one hundred and sixty kilometres. In this context and I do not use the term lightly, Mick Holmes is a legendary figure. I feel proud and privileged to have known him.

Dave Ainsworth and Essex Walker – thanks to Dave for permission to use this Southern perspective, which will appear in August’s Essex Walker newsletter.

FORMER SOUTHEND WALKER MICK HOLMES R.I.P.
Sadly July opened with news of Mick’s death, after lengthy ill health. His impressive statistical record speaks for itself, with one performance standing out a proverbial mile. In August 1982 at Leicester Walking Club’s 100 Miles race, held on their Congerstone course, Mick was in imperious form as he dominated a large 77 strong field to break the tape in 17:21.52 to claim Centurion No.717 racing for York Postal Walking Club (who had 5 other new Centurions in the race). It was the 2nd fastest Centurion qualifying time, headed only by 1970/74 Commonwealth Games 20 Miles’ representative – Belgravian John Moullin RIP, who’d clocked 16:55.44 at Ewhurst in 1971. In 1982, 55 finished (1dq) of whom 33 became new Centurions. That race also saw a fastest lady’s qualifying time : Irene Corlett from the Isle of Man who was 3rd overall in 18:54.05. Other qualifiers that day included Bob Porter, Roger Michell (now Centurions Captain), now nonagenarian Basil Gale, recently departed John Dunsford and a debut making Sandra Brown, 3rd lady, who’d go on to become a key player in ultra-distance race walking. The Eddie McNeir Trophy, in memory of a Cambridge Harriers stalwart who completed 10 successive 100s all after passing 65 years of age, was placed on the prize table for a first time by Eddie’s daughter – it was presented to 68 year old Jac Heidendaal as the first over-65 home. Mick performance was our top distance achievement of the year and is still talked about to this day.

Mick’s best known for his 1982 100 miles, but was truly talented at all distances from a short sprints to ultra-distance. When GB staged a Lugano Cup Final for a first time at Milton Keynes in 1977, Mick led home our 20K British quartet in 30th position clocking 1:33.06, with Mick Greasley, Roger Mills & Amos Seddon respectively in close order. In this issue we’ve published his impressive statistical record. A diabetic, Mick spoke in public about how he’d overcame his condition, so inspiring other sufferers. This included an appearance on Blue Peter in GB kit. Many Essex Walker readers can recall his brief time as a 1st Claim member at Southend-on-Sea AC (now Southend City AC), at a South Essex based Estuary resort being 237 miles (474 miles round trip) from his Shipley front door. His move wasn’t commented upon favourably in Yorkshire and proved controversial as views in Race Walking Record highlighted; one such remark asked “Does walking now have an open transfer market?”. With such distance, Mick couldn’t be expected to turnout in local races, nor Area & County races – had he been eligible in any case? He’d signed up for the “big time” – Nationals & major Opens – where he’d be an asset. Already Southend’s squad were a “Who’s Who?” of top British names, where making a scoring 4 (in such times all team races were in 4s) was difficult. As it happened Mick’s Southend time was brief as their Walking Section “exploded” after a “behind the scenes row” which saw most big names leaving to join other Clubs or retiring. The local Southend “Evening Echo” had a headline “Walkers Walk Out” and likened it to a Roman Candle shooting its stars in all directions. When reporter Dick Marshall, one of walking best friends who’d been at the “Echo” for 40 years before dying aged 63 in 2010, walkers attended his funeral. That wasn’t the end of Southend’s time as a force, as many years’ later they rose to prominence with new members including the talented O’Rawe family and captained by enthusiastic Val Mountfield. Both “bust-up” and later revival were fully covered in Essex Walker’s past editions

Mick was a committed Bradford City supporter, through times good or otherwise, often the latter. One year he was their “Supporter-of-Year”. A few years ago Mick was a hospital patient when his beloved team’s promotion charge was dented by a 0-6 home defeat. Good job he wasn’t there that day, as that would have done his health no good! Mick hasn’t competed for a long time, yet his best efforts are so well remembered by so many – and that’s the true test of a great athlete. To his family, we extend our heartfelt condolences. Mick Holmes R.I.P.

Ed Shillabeer by way of Dave Ainsworth – a touching anecdote to close for now.

Some years ago Bradford City were playing away at Plymouth Argyle. Centurion Ed Shillabeer (winner of a 1989 100 Miles race at Hendon) and a Plymouth season ticket holder was driving to the match. A few miles from Plymouth he spotted a broken down minibus with supporters in Bradford colours standing around waiting for a rescue service. It was getting close to kick off, so Ed stopped to ask if any wanted a lift to the match? As many as could be accommodated got into Ed’s car and arrived in good time. One asked for Ed’s address so he could write a letter of thanks. Ed, a vet by profession, gave him his business card. The recipient looked at the name on this card and said, “You’re not Ed Shillabeer the walker are you?” When the car driver said he was, Mick Holmes introduced himself. Both had known each other, but having not met for decades, hadn’t been recognised. Mick won a 100 miles walk at Leicester. What are the odds of 2 top 100 miles’ winners and GB Internationals having a chance meeting in such circumstances. Both are equally keen on their football clubs!

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It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you of the death of our friend, Mick Holmes, who passed away on Saturday 1st July 23 @ 18-38hrs.

Mick was a member of Shipley Bantams since 2004 and loved his trips to watch his beloved Bradford City rarely missing a game home and away.

Our thoughts are with Mick’s wife and family at this sad time.

RIP Mick

If you wish to attend it is at Nab Wood Crematorium on WEDNESDAY 19th JULY @ 10:50 hours.
Anne, Mick’s wife would welcome seeing Claret and Amber.

The funeral cortège will also visit Valley Parade at around 10:20 hours passing the 1911/Reception on the North West Corner.

https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/crematoriums/nab-wood-crematorium

If I’m not mistaken the crematorium is situated directly on the road, which hosted Yorkshire Walking Club’s classic Dick Hudson’s eight and half miles race.

Given my lack of access to historical sources – Race Walking Records, Athletic Weeklies and Scrapbooks lost – a special thanks to Roy Gunnett, secretary of the Lancashire Walking Club for helping me track down some of the material.