LWC 116th AGM and 5KM, NOVEMBER 5th, 2022

Posted on October 29, 2022 by Tony Taylor

You will find below the invitation to the 116th AGM of our great club, together with the Chairman’s and President’s reports. All other papers pertaining to the AGM have been circulated by Greg Smith, who unfortunately is unable to be with us – sincere thanks to him for his labours. Please send your apologies if you are unable to attend and in the same vein let Dave know if you will be at the race and in what capacity. It helps preparations enormously. It’s important to stress that the AGM is the moment when members renew their annual subscription, which this year stands at twenty pounds. This is a veritable bargain especially as seventeen of these pounds go to England Athletics and the Northern Counties with a mere three going into club funds. All being well I will be at my first AGM since 2019 and look forward to being with everybody in person.

Tony Taylor [ A Lancastrian abroad]

Chairman’s Report November 2022

I am pleased to begin my report by saying that the major issues presented by the Pandemic have largely disappeared so our calendar of events has continued as planned. Two fixtures had to be cancelled through the illness of one venue host and the refurbishment of the Bury track but in the latter case, an alternative venue was found.

Although we are all one year older, it is very pleasing to see that we have generally held together as a group and while times are a little slower, the enthusiasm is still there. At this point, I should add that our youth programme has come to nowt but we have acquired a new member who is improving well and making his presence felt. Steve Wilde is a runner by background and is getting the hang of things in this technical discipline.

Our regular venues continue to be available thanks to the good work of Roy Gunnett. The charges for race venues have remained fairly static and thanks must be given to Eric Crompton for providing an alternative changing area when the St Peters Club was closed.

From a competitive point of view, our race numbers have been encouraging with between 7 and 13 walkers. In the latter part of this year, a couple of our regulars have been side-lined through injury but both have hopes of returning to the fold in the near future.

Few, if any, walking clubs in England, promote monthly club events so we should be proud that we are continuing a tradition established way back in 1907 by our founders.

Most organisations rely on a number of backroom staff and I would like to take this opportunity of giving my thanks to Roy Gunnett, Tony Taylor, Greg Smith, Adrian Edwards, Eric Crompton, Louise Whaite, Pat Evans, Marshall Barnard, Chris Pearce and Ian Hilditch, all of whom have provided logistical support throughout the year. A special mention must be made of Eric Horwill who travels from the Midlands to the vast majority of events to do our timekeeping and Glyn Jones, a fellow Midlander, who has been a regular competitor and a confidant on all matters relating to the sport.

I am sure that colleagues will mention this as well but the highlight of the club’s performances this year has to be in the Centurions 100 mile in Middlesbrough. The bravery and character shown by our representatives were outstanding and we were proud of all of them.

Adrian Edwards became the Club’s newest and 41st centurion, Martin Payne almost walked that magical distance again, Sailash Shah was battered by the wind and rain into submission and Martin Fisher had to cut short his attempt to claim his 29th hundred.

We move into our 116th year with the knowledge that we are continuing to promote our sport and are mindful of the club’s antecedents who laid the foundations of the Lancashire Walking club. Long may we continue.

Dave Evans, Chairman, Lancashire Walking Club, November 2022

President’s Report 2021/22

In the last 12 months, the Lancashire Walking Club has continued to pursue an activity which is now in its 115th year. As Club President I have been very pleased to share the camaraderie and enthusiasm with my fellow walkers and long may it continue.

We are steeped in tradition and still celebrate the achievements of former club members as far back as 1924 when Reg Goodwin took a silver medal in the walk at the 1924 Olympic Games. Most of our club trophies are named after individuals who brought credit to the club and rightly so.

This last season, 2021/22, saw us returning to something like our old timetable at venues in Simister, Bury, Chorley and Macclesfield, all of which have been supported by our regular nucleus in good numbers.

In previous years one notable highlight would have been the British Masters’ championships at Horwich where we collected almost as many medals as we had participants. However, these championships were sadly cancelled when the host town was unable to provide the usual facilities.

Aside from this event, we had no major championships on the calendar, however, hopes were high that we might be fielding a number of individuals in the 2022 Centurions 100-mile race at Middlesbrough.

In August, four of our club members toed the starting line for the country’s longest race-walking challenge in the hope that we could add more names to the Lancashire Walking Club roll of honour, numbering 40 at that point.

Twenty-four hours after the start the Centurions were delighted to receive Adrian Edwards into the Brotherhood after his highly traumatic journey around the 166 circuits of the Middlesbrough cycle track. His journey has already been described on our club website but suffice to say his success was hard-earned and richly deserved.

Martin Payne, already a Centurion, completed the sojourn around the open enclave, failing narrowly to double his tally for the event, as he too suffered trauma on route but regained his composure in the last two hours.

Sailash Shah was walking very well in the first 6 hours but 40-mile-an-hour winds and torrential rain closed in as it was going dark and he was unable to sustain the pace required to make the 100-mile cut-off. He lives to fight another day and he will.

Martin Fisher, our second claim member, succumbed to an underlying health problem and was to step off the circuit at halfway. With 28 previous 100’s to his name, he has nothing to prove.

Former club member, Hazel Fairhurst, completed her second Centurions event with a tremendous display of disciplined walking knocking around an hour off her personal best.

As President, I have been privileged to see the Club continuing to promote its events and aspiring to keep the Club’s name in the headlines. While we owe a vote of thanks to our committee members and helpers on this side of the European continent, may I give a very big thank you to Tony Taylor, our website controller, for his magnificent contribution to the life of the Club. One of these days he may make it over from Crete so we can thank him personally.

Joe Hardy, President, Lancashire Walking Club, 2021/22

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RACE WALKING BY JULIAN HOPKINS 1976

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Back at the end of 2021, Tim Erickson posted the following thoughts in the Victorian Race Walking Club Newsletter about the three books on Race Walking published by the governing bodies in the UK since the Second World War. I asked him if I could pinch his musings and in particular the pdf link to the second of these books, which he favoured. He readily agreed. Being slow at times [increasingly so!] it has taken me this long. As you will see I was particularly delighted that he was most impressed by the manual written by my dear friend and training partner Julian Hopkins, who joined Lancashire Walking Club back in 1961. Published in 1976 it is still well worth perusing its contents.

The cover features the ever-stylish Roger Mills, the 1974 European 20km bronze medallist

Click to access Race%20Walking%20By%20Julian%20Hopkins%201976%20Book.pdf

Julian is on the extreme left along with Eric Crompton, Mick Entwistle, Fred Pearce, Ron Wallwork and myself at the 2016 celebration of Ron’s 2 Hour record.

In the report on the 2016 event at Bury, I supplied some comments on those of us, who raced on that rainy day in 1971. In Julian’s case, I noted.

Julian Hopkins, is famously or infamously, remembered as a National Coach way ahead of his time, hounded out of the sport for observing that contact was increasingly impossible as the event developed. In his time he was featured on the cover of Race Walking Record, in July 1967, as a rising star, having finished 10th counter in the National 20k, won by Ron Wallwork, enabling a second place for the club. In 1970 he was integral to the team that placed first, second and third in the four senior championships, alongside Wallwork and Taylor, ensuring that the club won the A.D. McSweeney trophy as the leading club of the year, ahead of 29 teams – with four walkers to count in all championships. The other counters in that notable year were Dave Vickers [10 miles], Chris Eyre [20k[, Don Warren [20 miles] and Mick Entwistle [50k].

There is no doubt that an interview with Julian is called for. I will do my best.

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ALBERT RIGBY TROPHY RESULT AND PHOTOS

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Roy Gunnett reports, whilst Greg Smith and Irene Pike provide an array of great photos, many be saved in the Images archive.

Picturesque Sutton – the scene of many race walks across the years. Ta to Greg

Albert Rigby Shield 10k @ Macclesfield 8th October 2022

A field of 7 walkers took part in the Albert Rigby Trophy 10k race at Macclesfield.

Most of the field in the picture. Ta to Irene.

A number of the walkers and officials only just arrived in time for the race – due to very heavy local traffic. The normal 3-lap ‘out and back’ hilly course was used. On this occasion, there were no guest walkers. Just before the race rain clouds threatened – luckily, however, these soon blew away and the walk took place in mild conditions with sunny spells.

Greg, Roy and Steve in close formation with Sailash hidden. Ta to Irene.
Joe Hardy somewhat isolated. Ta to Irene
A determined Sailash also unaccompanied. Ta to Irene

The walkers were split into 2 groups – Adrian Edwards and Martin Payne being in the fast group and the remainder in the other. Adrian and Martin were started 3 minutes behind the others. This was Adrian’s first race since his heroic walk at Middlesbrough when he succeeded in becoming a Centurion in late August.

Adrian Edwards leads Martin Payne. Ta to Greg

Adrian and Martin walked together for most of the race, with Adrian just pipping Martin at the end to win the scratch race. Both walked extremely well in the aftermath of their epic centurion race only a few weeks earlier.

Locked in combat Adrian holds off Martin. Ta to Greg

The race for third place was contested by Steven Wilde and Roy Gunnett in a final dash for the line – this resulted in a draw between them.

Steve and Roy on their way to a dead heat! Ta to Irene

Huge thanks must go to Eric Horwill, Glyn Jones, Ian Hilditch, Irene Pike and Chris Pearce for their help in Timekeeping, Marshalling etc. 

Ian Hilditch on marshalling duties aided by a local road sign. Ta to Irene

As usual, Marshall and Kath Barnard were wonderful hosts. They put on a magnificent spread of food/ tea and they provided and awarded prizes to the first 3 in the handicap.

Martin Payne won the Albert Rigby Shield for being the first Lancashire walker in the handicap and he was presented with the shield by Marshall. Marshall’s wife Kath is the niece of Albert Rigby – whom the Shield is named after.

Scratch Race

1 Adrian Edwards.  63.36

2 Martin Payne       63.37

3 Stephen Wilde.    71.39

3 Roy Gunnett.       71.39

5.Sailash Shah.      73.49

6 Joe Hardy.           78.59

Greg Smith  2 Laps 6.7km 49.36

Handicap Race

1 Martin Payne.       58.37

2 Roy Gunnett.        60.09

3 Stephen Wilde.     60.39

4 Sailash Shah.       61.49

5 Adrian Edwards.   62.16

6 Joe Hardy.            65.39

Another landmark feature to be found on all the differing courses over the years. Ta to Greg.
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Albert Rigby 10 km on October 8th plus a century-old reminiscence

Posted on October 1, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Sadly today’s Chorley Six Hour Challenge had to be postponed because of one of the key organisers’ serious illness. We wish her a speedy recovery. As it is our next club event, the Albert Rigby 10 kilometres, will take place next Saturday, October 8th from our much-loved venue in the village of Sutton Macclesfield, starting at 1.00 p.m. As ever it would be helpful both to Dave Evans and Marshall Bernard if you could let Dave know of your intended attendance.

A beautiful but testing course

Meanwhile, we are grateful to Guy Goodair for unearthing this fascinating newspaper article from exactly a century ago – September 1922. Doesn’t time pass us by?

Donato Pavesi

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Rugby League and Race Walking – contact sports of a very different kind

Posted on September 23, 2022 by Tony Taylor

I hope you’ll forgive this indulgent post about my grandson’s burgeoning rugby league career but I rather liked my reference to both rugby league and race walking being contact sports.

Back in 1947, I was born into the working class world of Rugby League – the Lancashire side of the Pennines. During my teenage years, I lived in a classic two-up, two-down terraced house, only a drop kick away from Hilton Park, the rickety home of Leigh RLFC. My dad, like many a miner, tried his hand, playing a couple of games as a hooker for the ‘A’ team. And, in 1957, I played for Newton West Park against the Twelve Apostles in the Leigh Primary Schools final on the hallowed ground of the town’s professional team. The muddy pitch was so big it was a wonder either team got near the opposition’s try line. It ended 3 points all in a dour draw. I ended up with a bloody nose, which was sorted by my father, running on with the ‘magic sponge’ and the instruction, ‘ger on wi’it’.

Hilton Park. Leigh

Like many a young lad, I dreamed of playing for Leigh. My hero was the rampaging Mick Martyn. However, I was neither tough nor quick enough to emulate his exploits. Never mind that I went to grammar school, where class pretension meant rugby union was the name of a game, where writhing about on the ground was a necessity. kicking obligatory and passing almost unheard of. I became a race walker, where the only necessary contact was with the ground rather than with hurtling bodies – in retrospect far safer. Indeed it used to be a huge compliment to be told post-race by knowledgeable spectators and eagle-eyed judges alike that your style meant you were ‘as safe as houses’.

Roland Hardy – safe as houses

In 1989 I found myself living in a ‘posher’ house close to the middle of Wigan, this time only a spiralling pass from Central Park, the atmospheric home of Wigan RLFC, Leigh’s fiercest rivals. My love for the game was reignited. To the dismay, I’m sure of loyal ‘Leythers’, with my wife being a ‘Wigginer’, I rationalised following both the Leigh and Wigan teams, the latter in its pomp. Ellery Hanley, Shaun Edwards and Andy Farrell were amongst our heroes. It was an exhilarating period of dramatic matches, of incredible skills and courage, interspersed on our part with many a pint of Pendle Witch or Timothy Taylor’s Landlord consumed in characterful pubs across the North-West of England. During a couple of summers, I even found myself playing touch rugby for my local, the Tudor House, the oldest, slowest, but perhaps fittest in the team. On a couple of occasions my daughter’s soon-to-be husband, Bob Astley contributed to our efforts, startling us with his blistering pace.

Central Park, Wigan

Bob’s fast-twitch fibres were to be of more than passing importance. Having emigrated to Crete. Marilyn and I were not present at Logan’s birth so we can’t confirm the rumour that he was born with a rugby ball between his thighs. We can though vouch for the fact that from an early age he went to bed with ball in hand. Indeed when we visited we found the living room had been transformed into a rugby pitch with two couches set at a right angle, comprising the grandstands. From thence on the ruffled carpet was host to passes, short and long, delicate grubber kicks and crunching tackles with Sonny, Logan’s younger brother in the heat of affairs. It’s a wonder the room remains roughly in one piece. Recently, Tubby, the family dog has found himself buffetted in the thick of things and, apprenticeship served, is able now to bark with authority, ‘Grr ’em onside’.

A magical try from Logan in his younger days!

Outside of the Astley’s private training ground, Logan has made his way successfully through the competitive age groups of the local amateur rugby scene, often in the colours of the Wigan St Patrick’s club, earning consistent praise for his talents. Possessed of an exhilarating turn of speed, inherited from his dad and perchance a willingness to do the hard miles reminiscent of my athletic dedication he has stood out from the pack. He’s been on the books of Wigan Warriors [ don’t get me started on the daft, unnecessary brand name!] for the past few years and has made his first team debut. Where it goes from here is not anyone’s guess. He is gifted and committed, telling his mum, ‘how lucky he is to be paid for doing something he loves’ but the sport is cruel. Many an exciting prospect falls by the wayside, sometimes through career-threatening injury, sometimes by losing the plot. In his favour is a laid-back and unpretentious disposition. He’s certainly not too big for his own boots. For now, a proud grandad I’ll wallow in the moment described below and leave tomorrow for another day.

Astley leads the way as Warriors take title


WIGAN WARRIORS 40 WAKEFIELD TRINITY 12

DAVID KUZIO

Robin Park, Sunday, September 18, 2022

BEN O’KEEFE grabbed a hat-trick of tries and kicked four goals as Wigan claimed the second-string crown with a comfortable victory.

The winger completed his treble in the first half as the hosts led 18-6 at the break after bossing the bulk of the action.

The Warriors raced into a 14-0 lead with O’Keefe scoring twice on either side of a Kieran Tyrer try (O’Keefe improved that effort).

But Robbie Butterworth got Wakefield on the board with a try out of nothing, to which he added the two, as the visitors started to grow into the contest.

However, O’Keefe’s score on the hooter settled the home side, who were slowly allowing Trinity to get into the game.

A 51st-minute score from Josh Phillips, also converted by O’Keefe, gave Wakefield fresh hope as the deficit was cut to six points.

But a brace of tries from Sam Halsall and scores by Alex Sutton and Logan Astley, plus three O’Keefe goals, saw Wigan home.

It was not a great start from them as Umlya Hanley put the ball out on the full from the kick-off, and they then conceded a drop-out as Wakefield looked to gain an early advantage.

But Tyrer turned the tide as he found touch from the drop-out and it was Wigan now on the front foot.

They made that count as Astley took the ball left and found Halsall in space to send O’Keefe in at the corner.

Wigan extended their lead in the 15th minute when Tyrer collected a short ball, threw a dummy and went in under the posts unopposed.

Jack Bibby and Tyrer went close before Astley and Halsall combined once again to send O’Keefe in for his second try – and a 14-0 lead.

Great defence from Robbie Mann and Rob Butler prevented Wigan from scoring their fourth try.

The Yorkshire side took heart from that, went up the other end, and scored their first.

A towering kick was collected by Hanley, but he was met with a monster hit and spilled possession, leaving Butterworth to pick up and touch down. Wigan were reduced to twelve men with James McDonnell sent to the sin bin for a professional foul, and Wakefield started to cause problems.

Jay Haywood-Scriven came close to grabbing a second, but he was held just short.

Wigan managed to soak up a lot of pressure and O’Keefe crossed for his hat-trick just before the interval following another neat pass from Astley.

Wakefield enjoyed a lot of possession at the start of the second half as they camped on Wigan’s line, and they got their reward with Phillips forcing his way over from close range.

Wigan were now struggling to create chances as Wakefield were taking the game to them, but a poor pass was intercepted by Halsall, who raced 80 metres to help put Wigan twelve points in front with 23 minutes to go.

Halsall then put the game out of Wakefield’s reach with another long range effort. Junior Nsemba – who was brilliant all afternoon – combined with Astley and O’Keefe, with the latter turning it inside for the scorer to race away.

Wigan’s seventh try came from Sutton as he was on the end on another passing move started by Astley, who then capped a marvellous performance with a try of his own.

GAMESTAR: Ben O’Keefe, Sam Halsall and Junior Nsemba were brilliant, but scrum-half Logan Astley was the one pulling the strings.

GAMEBREAKER: Sam Halsall’s 57th-minute interception try pushed Wigan ahead by twelve points and they were never in danger of losing the game after that.

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Lambert Trophy contested on the road rather than the track

Posted on September 5, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Dave Evans reports and reveals hidden talents as a photographer and caption writer!

Having just recovered from the Centurions 100, another 100 raised its head in the form of 10 walkers completing 10k. The original event for this date was a track race at Bury but a refurbishment of the track meant us cancelling our 1-hour outing and replacing it with a road 10k on our regular course at Simister in the same borough. With a number of absentees, we were wary about having sufficient personnel to police the event but long-time member Chris Bolton appeared and we were A-OK to go ahead. Eric Horwill made the journey from the Midlands to secure our timekeeping team so the journey could begin and competition set underway.

The race field. Martin is having a quiet moment while Pat is telling Joe not to pass her en route and his facial expression suggests he might ignore the challenge. Ta to Dave Evans

Tony Bell and Martin Payne, the latter some 4 weeks after walking 94 miles in the Centurions 24-hour enactment, set the pace followed quite closely by 8 other aspirants, all bar one wearing the club colours. Glyn Jones was attired in those of Coventry Godiva. At halfway Tony and Martin clocked a steady 34 mins 20, neither wanting to throw a glove on the floor and go for broke. In the next two minutes or so most of the rest of the field approached the 5k point, all looking fresh and no doubt considering their next move.

Being an out-and-back course offers all participants the chance to assess their tactics mid-race and as the second half unwound several tentative first-halfers chose to press the go button! As the weather was clement and a bit humid conditions were ideal. As the race neared its end Tony pulled away stretching his lead to 7 seconds and great credit to Martin for producing a very decent time after his long walk four weeks earlier. Phil McCullagh picked up two places in the second half employing his usual second-half improvement but in places rather than times.


Results

Scratch

  1. Tony Bell. 66:45(34.20)
  2. Martin Payne 66:52(34.20)
  3. Roy Gunnett 72:08(34.51)
  4. Sailash Shah 72:34(35.54)
  5. Glyn Jones 73:08(36.55)
  6. Phil McCullagh 74:07(36.59)
  7. Joe Hardy 74:23(36.56)
  8. Pat Evans 74:26(36.57)
  9. Ian Hilditch 74:26(37.00)
  10. Greg Smith 77:15(37.02)

Handicap

  1. Roy Gunnett 61:38
  2. Martin Payne 62:22
  3. Pat Evans 62:56
  4. Sailash Shah 63:04
  5. Tony Bell 63:15
  6. Joe Hardy 64:23
  7. Ian Hilditch 65:26
  8. Phil McCullagh 66:07
  9. Glyn Jones 66:23
  10. Greg Smith 66:45

Dave Ainsworth gets in touch with this fascinating tale about Mick Barker from Sheffield, who appeared out of the blue to participate successfully in the BMAF races at Horwich a few years ago. Hopefully Mick is well on the way to recovery.

The previous issue of “Essex Walker” did a write-up on a television programme which featured a Northern Walker (mentioned only as Mick) who was taken to Barnsley Hospital A&E. “Essex Walker” asked if any readers could identify this unfortunate patient? To save you all looking further, he was identified by Sheffield-based Brian Adams. I had, more-or-less, thought along the same lines – but wasn’t sure, hence I asked for him to be properly identified for certain. In any case, I consider myself a bit of a northerner as I resided in Bolton (Sharples Avenue, Astley Bridge) in 1966, the year I took up race walking when my late father was Manager of the Co-op Pharmacy in Bolton Town Centre.

“CASUALTY 24/7: EVERY SECOND COUNTS”

Our previous edition featured this Channel 5 “fly-on-the-wall” programme, filmed at a busy Barnsley Hospital, where into A&E was brought Mick (in Nike racing pumps) – a race walker who’d suffered a heart attack at 16-and-half miles while training. We saw him receive treatment and put on a road to recovery. We added a direct link to Channel 5’s programme “catch-up” service – which is still available for viewing. It’s an hour long, but Mick’s case is fairly early on. We asked if any readers knew this patient’s name and details?

We thank Sheffield-based Olympian and Centurion of Leicester Walking Club fame, Brian Adams, for providing us with the answers – he writes :

Mick,, the octogenarian walker from Barnsley is Mick Barker who won the Sheffield Star Walk in 1964 and joined Sheffield United Harriers. He joined us for a short time in January 2019. In 2018 he won the British Masters M75 10,000m & 5km Champs and finished 4th in the World 5,000m champs…. with a broken Arm!! Walk with Jesus Brian

It is Paul Nhill’s birthday today. He would have been 83 years of age. In remembering this great athlete, see this atmospheric early photo of him competing in wintry conditions. It’s tempting to think it’s one of the famous London Seven Mile races.

Important message from Mark Easton, the RWA Treasurer

Athletes, officials and supporters are encouraged to join the RWA 200 Club, which raises much-needed finance for the Association

It is £12 per number per year payable by standing order on the 1st Oct.

If people need more details they can contact me by Email at rwatreasurer@yahoo.co.uk

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Lambert Trophy event now at Simister on September 3

Posted on August 28, 2022 by Tony Taylor

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE FIXTURES CALENDAR

There are some changes to our fixtures for the remaining part of the year, including the cancellation of the Bury track race this coming Saturday, September 3rd due to resurfacing of the track. The Lambert Trophy will now be contested at Simister on the same day and will be a 10k race, starting at 1.00 p.m. As is now usual it would be really helpful to let Dave Evans know in attendance if you are attending. It is much appreciated.

Thanks to Ray Colley foe a great picture of Olly Flynn with Joe Lambert timekeeping and Frank O’Neill recording

The October race, originally scheduled to be held at Macclesfield on the first of the month is moving back a week, to allow club walkers to contest a 6-hour race at Chorley on that date. So amend your diary entries to show October 8th, Albert Rigby 10k, at Macclesfield.

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Heroic Adrian triumphs over adversity to join the Centurions

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Dave Evans [Centurion 998] sends this revealing and emotional report of a dramatic day.

JONATHAN HOBBS MAKES AN IMPRESSIVE WINNING DEBUT

Jonathan Hobbs’ father presents Adrian with the Ken Munro Trophy for the most meritorious performance of the day. Thanks to Dave Appleyard

The weekend of the 20/21st of August was chosen by the Centurions to host their 100-mile walk and on this occasion the venue was a 976 metre-long cycle track at the Middlesbrough sports village. The weather forecast indicated fairly warm conditions with winds of 15 mph or thereabouts on Saturday, a gentler breeze on Sunday, and relatively dry conditions. Bells began to chime as the “team” tent was being erected just before midday on Saturday. Flysheets on some tents were beginning to dance about so it was clear we might encounter some disturbance.

Pat and Dave outside the LWC Race HQ. Ta to Roy Gunnett

Lancashire Walking Club owns 40 Centurions going back to Tommy Payne, numbered 18, who achieved this feat way back in the 1910-20 era. I was the latest centurion from our club just under 20 years ago awarded with number 998, and we have waited with bated breath for another achiever to enhance our chance of becoming the most successful club in the history of the Centurions Organisation. The 2022 celebration brought together walkers from the UK, Australia, USA and Northern Europe numbering just under 40 in total. We had 3 first claim members registered to compete, one second claim member and one former member and of these, 3 had already won their wings at earlier enactments of the race. Martin Payne, Martin Fisher and Hazel Fairhurst formed this last trio while Adrian Edwards and Sailash Shah were looking to add their names to the roll of honour.

Hazel poses before the start!! Ta to Charlotte
And they’re off. Only a hundred miles to go! Ta to Charlotte


Warm sunshine saw the field embark on their task of completing 166 laps of the cycle circuit most of which was flat but with an ‘interesting’ section of an up and a down! Initially, a light breeze accompanied the walkers metamorphosing into a troublesome wind as the marathon journey unfolded.
This year’s entourage of ultra distance enthusiasts included one British international class exponent over much shorter distances and an American whose personal best over 20km, achieved 3 decades ago, would have gained selection for all of the major games. An interesting point to note here is whether this ability over ‘sprint’ distances is of any advantage in the 100. The answer is ‘yes’ and ‘no’ which I will explain in due course! Generally, the experience of the other participants was over traditional ultra mileages.

The diminutive Hazel showing excellent technique. Ta to Charlotte.

After 5 hours positions were beginning to establish but the weather had decided to inflict some havoc on the ‘tent city’. Guy ropes were tensioned but there were always the unpredictable gusts to unsettle those hanging onto tent pegs and the main body of sheeted accommodation. All of the walkers were battle-hardened so normal bad weather is treated as an inconvenience, however, the sheets of driven rain and high winds were beginning to unsettle all walkers intent on centurion ‘ennoblement’. How many stayed upright and tents alike continue to elude me but it cast a shadow over the first part of the challenge. There were moments of calm during the late evening and night but not enough to allow the majority of performers incident-free passage.

Sadly Sailash fell foul of the conditions

The first ‘casualty’ for us was the retirement of Sailash, who at around 6 stone, found the wet driving rain very depressing and movement restricting. Few things bother him normally but the weather and some conditioning issues prompted him to take some time out stepping off the course to weigh up his options. The rain continued to hammer down and surprisingly not all competitors donned wet weather gear. Sailash finally chose to close his challenge after walking extremely well for 33 miles. A further 17 miles later Martin Fisher decided to step away from the ‘race’ after a health check. A veteran of many 100 miles, Martin knows himself best, so to live to fight another day he decided to finish his 2022 challenge at this point.

Not to be this time for Martin. He’ll be back.

It seemed like a long night and our supporters were intent on encouraging their colleagues to stick with the task despite the miserable conditions. Up to 12 hours or thereabouts our squad were showing no signs of being distressed and while we were busy nipping in and out of cover they were chasing the dream. Early morning and the first signs of the sun rising and a positive improvement in mood. Adrian and Martin were walking well and sensibly. I make this comment after watching the USA, former international, Ray Sharp, circumnavigating the 1000-metre loop, with a very clean and super race walking technique, almost oblivious of the fact that this was a 100 mile race and not the much shorter events where he was an exceptional performer. He was making attempt number 5 or 6 at the 100 and yet to succeed. Ray was seconded by a young lady who he coaches and despite her comments that he should slow down and not burn out he continued to crack on. Ray retired during the night and flew back to the States a day later with another DNF, very sad for his pupil and the Centurions’ fraternity who wanted him to succeed.

Hazel Fairhurst finishing in style – twenty years on from her last Hundred and forty minutes faster! Ta to Roy Gunnett
Prior to the race Hazel tells her dad, ” I’ll give it a go, then stop and give a hand to others”. Ta to Roy Gunnett.

Hazel was truly amazing. She has apparently been doing some ultra-running events but no walking. She smiled throughout the race and was the epitome of efficiency in her walking style and was supported by one of her daughters who probably hadn’t signed up for this task on the basis that she would have to get out of her tent so regularly! She did very well for a youngster. Hazel’s reward was second place in the ladies category a mere 7 minutes behind the winner who we understand has walked in most of the major Centurion races on the world stage.

Martin looking worse for wear but hanging on. Ta to Roy Gunnett


We were greatly heartened by the sight of our club colleagues walking with good style and comfort but over the weekend there was a time early morning when both Martin and Adrian started to show the first signs of ‘weakness’ Martin is already a Centurion so has this accolade up his sleeve, however, every 100 is different and there was a time mid-morning when he faltered and possibly wondered if he should press on. He is made of stern stuff and with the vocal encouragement of us lot he regained his composure and even regained some of his normal walking posture, lost sometimes when the body starts to weaken and the mental control goes out of the window.

Adrian gritting his teeth as he gets ever nearer, Ta to Roy Gunnett

I believe the most memorable part of our weekend was the heroic performance by Adrian who began to show the signs of possible collapse with about 25 miles to go. Normally a very upright and textbook style performer he was losing his posture and beginning to adopt a completely different stance. His head was down and he was leaning forward. It transpires that he was partly protecting his feet which were worrying him. Visiting the team tent for a sit-down and a foot examination Adrian unrolled his socks and exposed what was concerning him. A flap of skin covering his heel and part of his arch had almost detached itself. How on earth he had got this far suffering such pain and discomfort is a real tribute to this fortitude. What did he do? He changed his socks! Moving off we wished him the best and he rejoined the circuit very gingerly. Time has a horrible way of being lost so Roy and I were trying to work out how far he had left to walk and what timescale was available. As Adrian made his way off onto the next lap we established that he had a cushion of some 30-45 minutes as long as he could maintain a reasonable loop time of around 10 minutes for the roughly 1k circuit. The very painful feet were clearly troubling Adrian as he almost tiptoed down the tarmac at one point. He eventually seems to control the pain but his head was still down and he was trying to support his back with his hands as he walked with a forward lean. With about 3 hours to go the target of 100 miles in 24 hours was looking a bit blurry. Adrian was stopping at intervals on the roadside and while we thought he was perhaps being ill it transpires he was stretching his back. In the last couple of hours, there were moments when he nearly collapsed onto the grass verge alongside the roadway. By this time everyone was becoming very concerned. Even the officials were doing what they could to encourage and help him. Just like the 1908 Olympic Marathon where personnel helped Dorando Pietri over the finishing line we knew he mustn’t get physical help if he fell. He did tumble and with supporters around to comfort him, he got up and walked on.

A poignant post-race photo of Adrian under a blanket and the club colours. Ta to Roy Gunnett
Adrian proudly shows his medal, Ta to Dave Appleyard

I can’t remember a more emotional two hours for me in sport. One of your club colleagues in obvious distress and all you could do was say a few kind words and try to inspire that part of the brain that prompts a positive reaction. Everyone in the club at Middlesbrough and other watchers wanted Adrian to make it. They all tried to protect him and to watch someone on each circuit struggling to move forward without falling drained the emotions of us all. We all wanted the final handful of laps to arrive so we could endeavour to get him home safely. Martin caught him up on some of the latter circuits and will have given him a psychological lift and even a walking “partner”. Two laps to go and he was if anything raising his game with the Centurions’ victory in his sight. Another bit of a falter and a fall into the grass verge a short distance after the lap end. Quite a number of folk raced down to make sure he was ok. He mustn’t be helped up but slowly he managed to get onto his knees and regained his upright stance. He was off again with maybe a mile and a bit to go. Positioned around the course his club friends and others shouted encouragement so when he reached the bell for his final lap we all kept our fingers crossed that he would get round safely. I know a number of officials were particularly helpful and they too encouraged him although not normally “allowed” to do this . With 400 metres to go we could all see Adrian controlling his forward lean on the opposite side of the grassy area where we were camped and as long as he stayed upright he would achieve his ambition. He turned the final bend of the loop and the well-wishers were gathered ready to cheer him home. He crossed the line and collapsed into the arms of one of the helpers. He had made it and I can’t think of any other occasion when we were so delighted to see someone surmount so many problems and succeed. The icing on the cake was not only Adrian winning his Centurions’ badge, number 1216 (he was actually wearing number 216 for the race) but the awarding by the Centurions of the special Ken Munro trophy for the most meritorious competitor on the day.


Our primary focus was Adrian for obvious reasons but Martin was a hero in his own right. He could have stepped off the circuit late in the day after he started to lose speed and be outside the schedule to do the 100 miles. He walked on, helped Adrian and managed to cover 95 miles.

Adrian – magnificent in adversity


We must offer a very big thank you to all of our walkers, our supporters, and the officials, notably Sue Clements for a great weekend and particularly Adrian for his tenacity and pure guts in achieving his Centurion status under such adversity.

Back in Crete, I followed the last few hours on a live stream with sparse information. The timings board was not keeping up-to-date. However, it was increasingly clear that Adrian was suffering badly. I doubted whether he would make it. It is deeply humbling to know that he did so and very much against the odds. Bravo, Adrian. grit personified, Martin, loyal to the end and Hazel, a picture of style and aplomb, together with all the LWC entourage. Adrian and Fred Pearce travelled together to so many races across the years. Fred would have been so proud.

And a closing word from Ron Wallwork [Centurion 893]

Dear Adrian,

Just a line to say Congratulations on joining the brotherhood.

I think you are the 41st LWC member to do it.

Savour the moment and I hope your recovery is swift.

Best wishes Brother – Ron

THE MIDDLESBROUGH HUNDRED CHALLENGE RESULTS

[Thanks to John Constandinou]

MENS TEAM
1st – Rotterdamse Wandelsport 482,802m (Van Der Gulik, Meints, Leijtens)
2nd – Lancashire Walking Club 364,651m (Edwards, Payne, Shah)
3rd – Everbeekse Wandeltochten 244,728m (Van Nieuwenhove, Vankerkhove)
4th – IOMVAC 226,176m (Titley, Moore)

MENS INTER-NATIONS TEAM
1st – BELGIUM 482,802m (Asselman, Van Nieuwenhove, Janssens)
2nd – NETHERLANDS 482,802m (Van der Gulik, Meints, Leijtens
3rd – ENGLAND 471,957m (Hobbs, Edwards, Payne)
4th – ISLE OF MAN 273,282m (Titley, Moore, Kenna)

WOMENS INTER-NATIONS TEAM
1st – ENGLAND 265,294m (Fairhurst, Middleton)

WOMEN’S RACE

  1. Sharon Scholz W45 Australia 160934 metres 22:42:43 7.086 km
  2. Hazel Fairhurst W55 Lancs WC 160934 metres 22:50:28 7.046 km/h
  3. Jacqueline Van Drongelen W50 Netherlands 160934 metres 23:35:38 6.821 km/h
  4. Helen Middleton W55 E&H 104300 metres 14:42:47 7.089 km/h

MEN’S RACE

1 Jonathan Hobbs SM Ashf 160934 metres 18:44:32 8.587 km/h
2 Peter Asselman M40 Belgium 160934 metres 19:57:43 8.062 km/h
3 Diederik Van Nieuwenhove M50 Belgium 160934 metres 20:18:47 7.923 km/h
4 Kim Janssens M45 Belgium 160934 metres 21:45:14 7.398 km/h
5 Andrew Titley M55 IOMVAC 160934 metres 21:45:15 7.398 km/h
6 Frank van der Gulik M40 Netherlands 160934 metres 22:16:30 7.225 km/h
7 Justin Scholz M45 Australia 160934 metres 22:42:43 7.086 km/h
8 Gunter Luypaerts M45 Belgium 160934 metres 22:44:33 7.076 km/h
9 Johan Stesmans M40 Belgium 160934 metres 22:54:55 7.023 km/h
10 Jantinus Meints M60 Netherlands 160934 metres 23:19:38 6.899 km/h
11 Frans Leijtens M45 Netherlands 160934 metres 23:22:45 6.884 km/h
12 Adrian Edwards M60 Lancs WC 160934 metres 23:29:28 6.851 km/h
13 Boetje Huliselan M65 Netherlands 160934 metres 23:34:39 6.826 km/h
14 Richard McChesney M50 New Zealand 160934 metres 23:45:21 6.775 km/h
15 Martin Payne M60 Lancs WC 151169 metres 23:51:40 6.335 km/h
16 Philip Wilson M70 unatt 148240 metres 23:45:34 6.239 km/h
17 Kevin Marshall M60 Ilf 133593 metres 19:15:16 6.938 km/h
18 Arjan Bogerd M50 Netherlands 132617 metres 22:07:21 5.995 km/h
19 Bob Thomas M70 unatt 111135 metres 23:45:34 4.678 km/h
20 Ray Sharp M60 USA 107229 metres 14:28:18 7.410 km/h
21 Mike Vankerkhove M35 Belgium 83794 metres 11:50:21 7.078 km/h
22 Graham Jackson M50 N Vets 80865 metres 10:43:16 7.543 km/h
23 Martin Fisher M55 Redcar 79888 metres 11:59:21 6.663 km/h
24 John Borgars M75 Phoe 74030 metres 10:00:19 7.399 km/h
25 John Constandinou M50 Bir 73053 metres 12:12:14 5.986 km/h
26 Colin Moore M60 IOMVAC 65242 metres 10:19:48 6.316 km/h
27 Arjan Lukken M55 Netherlands 54501 metres 08:21:29 6.521 km/h
28 Chris Flint M75 Sy WC 53524 metres 09:14:36 5.791 km/h
29 Sailash Shah M55 Lancs WC 52548 metres 08:51:34 5.931 km/h
30 Haydn Mark Kenna M60 unatt 47666 metres 09:58:59 4.775 km/h

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Best Wishes to All for the Hundred from Dave Ainsworth and LIVE info from Sue Clements

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Dave, Centurion 540 writes:

I extend my best wishes to all involved, for an enjoyable and successful meeting on the occasion of our 100 Miles – which is being held in tribute to Centurion 370 Ken Munro, a giant in the world of race walking officiating and “behind the scenes” work, who among many positions held in the sport, served as The Centurions’ Honorary Secretary and also as Honorary Merchandising Officer.

My personal best wishes are offered to :

. A hard-working Organising Committee.
. All Officials in whatever capacities their duties are during this event.
. All helpers, no matter what their work entails.
. All competitors, some of whom will have travelled from afar.
. For Centurions, may their efforts see them adding another completion to their tally.
. Those aspiring to join “The Centurions”, may all successfully achieve their aim.
. To all supporters who come to urge on competitors; as such course-side assistance so often provides an extra fillip when most needed.

This race is also our Race Walking Association’s official Long Distance Championship, with individual and team awards to be competed for.

Venue: Middlesbrough Sports Village in Alan Peacock Way, Middlesbrough. TS4 3AE. (Note: Alan Peacock Way is named in honour of a now octogenarian legendary Middlesbrough & England International footballer, who for many years was Brian Clough’s Middlesbrough strike partner). It has a car park. There’s an on-site cafe; if more is required, a short distance away is a Shell Filling Station (with shop) and a Sainsburys “Local”.

I hope the weather over the weekend will be conducive to ultra-distance race walking, so benefiting all present, in whatever capacity. As race walking fields continually see fewer participants, all who organise, officiate, compete and support the Middlesbrough 100 Miles are to be congratulated for keeping our tradition of frequent ultra-distance races going.

My profound thanks and best wishes to one-and-all.

Clare Bass 2019 Hundred in IOM

Sue Clements advises us on how to follow the Middlesbrough 100 Miles :

ELITE FIELD LINES UP FOR EPIC ENDURANCE CHALLENGE in Middlesbrough on Saturday

For more information visit http://www.centurions1911.org.uk.

For live results on the day visit

http://www.arrowliveresults.com/TheMiddlesbrough100mileChallenge 

Sue Clements :  01223 292 155 home or 07940 524 716 mobile.

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Cooler in Crete than Chorley – Goodwin Cup 10k

Posted on August 14, 2022 by Tony Taylor

Yesterday afternoon I climbed off my bike tired after the inevitably hilly ride round our way And as cyclists are fond of saying, ‘I didn’t have the legs’. However the last hour witnessed the arrival of bubbling clouds from the mountains. My Garmin watch as usual provided far too much information but I noticed the temperature was down to 26 degrees – cool for August. Little did I know that the Goodwin Cup was taking place in a baking Chorley and I’d been blessed with cover and a gentle breeze.

Dave Evans reports.

Roy leads the way ahead of Steven

Although the current heatwave is due to dissolve in the next couple of days it was still in place as 7 club members set out on their 10k on one of the country’s hilliest courses.  While the group negotiated the first of the hills 3 separate teams of helpers drove off to the marshalling points on the route with buckets of water and sponges. At the 1 mile point, Roy Gunnett headed the field passing this marker in 11 mins 32 with Steven Wilde and Glyn Jones just 8 seconds adrift. The remaining walkers were fairly close at hand but obviously wary of walking too quickly under the mid-afternoon sun. The course followed the same route as the Dave Crompton event but being a bit shorter at 10k meant an earlier turnaround.

Glyn surviving the elements

As the walkers emerged from the leafy lanes, high above Chorley, Steven had closed on Roy and both passed the halfway marker in 35 mins 22. Glyn Jones was the next to show at 35 53 and it was another minute and a half before the “really careful” trio arrived for their well-earned water station refreshments. The first 5k involves rather more ups than downs so as athletes headed back to the finish thoughts may well have turned to a less arduous second half. This might have been a logical conclusion except the thermometer was registering around 29 degrees and shade was at a premium.

Joe leads Ian and Pat through a dappled section of the course

As the officials were topping up water for the finishers the first walker came in sight and it was Steven who was recording his first ever win in the club outside of the handicap. His 70 mins 59 was excellent in the circumstances.  Roy Gunnett had raised his game in the hot sunshine and was only 28 seconds adrift. In third place and almost out on his feet was Glyn Jones, proving that octogenarians are still capable of posting great results. Glyn ducked under 72 minutes but suffered quite badly with the extremely warm temperatures. He gradually recovered after quite a few dunkings of cold water and sponges but might initially have given a lobster a run for its money. Everyone else arrived safely and after some refreshments were able to behave normally!

Steven strides to his first win

Thanks to the club members and supporters who manned the sponge stations and the two Eric’s, Horwill and Crompton, who provided accurate timings and a very comfortable venue for the changing and post-race presentation. Louise Whaite, Dave Crompton’s partner, provided her usual excellent support in a variety of ways, particularly with the provision of mid-race watering facilities and post-race refreshments. Eric Horwill continues to be a real asset to our club despite having to journey from the Midlands on many occasions, usually by public transport. On this occasion, Glyn very kindly brought him by car and we are very grateful for their goodwill towards the Lancashire Walking club.

Pat pleased to finish
Ian closes in
Greg eases home

One of the final agenda issues at Chorley was the Centurions 100 at Middlesbrough in which we have 4 current club walkers and a former member in the guise of Hazel Fairhurst. We offer our best wishes to Adrian Edwards,  Martin Payne, Sailash Shah, Martin Fisher and Hazel .


Results
1. Steven Wilde (11 40/35 22) 70 59
2. Roy Gunnett(11 32/35 22) 71 27
3. Glyn Jones(11 40/35 53) 71 51
4. Joe Hardy(12 09/37 27) 74 12
5. Ian Hilditch(12 29/37 43) 74 39
6. Pat Evans(12 29/37 51) 75 13
7. Greg Smith(12 29/39 05) 78 23

Handicap
1. Steven Wilde 63 24
2. Roy Gunnett 63 37
3. Glyn Jones 64 46
4. Joe Hardy 67 37
5. Pat Evans 68 08
6. Ian Hilditch 70 19
7. Greg Smith 70 33

Sailash with one eye on the Hundred


I should add that Sailash walked on the Chorley course today to complete his training for the Centurions 100 but was wise not to have got involved in the race proper.

Thanks to Martin Payne for the photos.

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