REMINISCENCES 10: TONY ‘YOU’ll NEVER WALK’ MALONE REFLECTS AND REGRETS

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Our Reminiscences Series returns with this welcome, revealing contribution from Tony Malone. I’ve not deleted his many unnecessary apologies to the reader.

Hi Tony, herewith as requested is my athletics biography. Hope it isn’t too boring for everybody.

A young Tony


I’d always been interested in running especially as I was the 2nd fastest miler in my last year at school and I always ran from the north side of Stockport to watch Stockport County on the south side of the town. I always had to be first through the the turnstiles when they opened. I supposed if I had got there five minutes before the kick off I would still have been first in the queue!

 If you’re already getting bored carry on reading at bed time and I will soon cure your insomnia.

Tony being congratulated by the LWC old guard – from the left Fred Pearce Senior Joe Lambert and Albert Rigby


I was at my local youth club back in 1968 when the club leader asked if I was interested in attending a young athletes’ course at Mellands Fields in Manchester and the club would pay the fees. On the Saturday of the course, I didn’t want to go but my parents insisted as the youth club had already paid. So I went along with my tee shirt, shorts and pumps (yes, pumps!). When I arrived most athletes had clubs vests, track suits and trainers and spikes. I put myself down for middle distance and after a short while threw off my pumps and continued the weekend in my bare feet. The coaches were not amused!


A the end of the weekend three guys came and gave a demonstration of race walking and all the young athletes had to have a go.Then the senior of the three guys gave a little speech and said if you haven’t already got a club then you should join one. I took him at his word, approached him, asking if could I join his walking club. rest they say is history. The three guys were Maurice Ireland, Chris Bolton and Fred Pearce Junior.

So for all those ladies and gents out there, who have had to put up with me for all these years you can blame Maurice, Chris, Fred and my parents.

I went training each Sunday at Stretford track with Maurice. I did two Stretford league races, in which I came 2nd from last in both, just ahead of Dave Grindley of Lancs Walking Club. This isn’t as easy as it looks were my thoughts. [Eds note – Ron Wallwork has dug out one of the results, August 20]

My first road race was the LWC annual 6 mile novice Walk from Mellands Fields, Manchester on the 24th August 1968, finishing 13th in 57m.35 sec. The race was won by Dave Vickers from the home club in 48m.14sec. One thing I’ll always blame Chris Bolton for (my Mum always did!!) is that he never mentioned anything about greasing up prior to a race. I spent the rest of the weekend on the floor with my legs apart resting on a chair! I was just a ‘little sore’.

It was after this I was coached by the late Dick Smith at Leigh on Tuesday evenings and from his chip shop on Thursday and Sundays. I was knocked into shape and slowly started to improve my technique and speed.

Are you still awake?

As always with Lancashire Walking Club there were plenty of events to compete in up and down the country. On many occasions there were enough of us to hire a coach to take us to the various venues. To think at times we could have as many as three teams in a race with eight needed to walk and four to score. On these excursions the club captain Ron Wallwork used to get the bus singing and one of the songs was always ‘You’ll never walk (M)alone’ by Gerry and Pacemakers! Sod!!!

Lancashire Walking Club were lucky enough to have a very good junior section. It took me over twelve months to break into the scoring team when we had such good walkers as Steve Crow, Mick Entwistle, Dave Ward, Mick Fishwick, Marshall Barnard, Keith Bebbington and later on Chris Eyre. Where are they all now?

I was fortunate enough to compete in the 1969 AAA’s Junior Championships at Crystal Palace, going down to make up the numbers with our own Dave Ward, the favourite to win. I admit (and those who know me know how modest I am) I was surprised with myself when I came second, 2/10th of second behind the winner Dennis Holly of Brighton. What was nice was when I returned home I received a call from Ron Wallwork to congratulate me on my performance. That’s something I’ve never forgotten.

Tony in full flow

Over the years I have competed in countless races both walking and running. Some of my favourite events over the years have been the Morecambe (possibly) 20kms, the Metropolitan 7 at Imber Court, theLeicester 7 (I like racing in Leicester), the Dick Hudsons from Bradford. I have always enjoyed in competing the national Championships, no matter what the distance or venue One thing I always wanted to do was to race along Blackpool promenade, the only problem being I had to start at Manchester Town Hall, which I did in 1982. From Horwich I was on my own all the way to the finish and to come 3rd in 8:41:07 wasn’t too bad for me.


Are you still with me? There’s loads to go yet AND it gets worse!!


I’ve had many satisfying races over the years – the above Manchester to Blackpool is just one of them. My GB Junior International at Battersea Park, London in 1970. The National 50km at Milton Keynesin 1977, not my fastest, but it was a multi lap circuit and I was lapped by Brian Adams and John Warhurst, followed by Peter Hodkinson from Cambridge Harriers, who I stuck with for the rest of hisrace and he dragged me though the field. I will always remember passing the late Colin Young, who really encouraged me, thinking I was battling Peter for 3rd place when in fact I was only passing Colin and not lapping him!

Tony wearing proudly his GB Junior vest


These days with not competing as much and there not being the same competition I look forward to competing in the Masters events such as Horwich and recently the Leicester 10km which includes the British Masters championships. Also now that I have switched (at long last) to the Republic of Ireland it iss great to represent and compete for them in Masters championships. The wearing of the Green is something special.

Tony leading Rob Elliott in the York Open 7


For some years I did quite a bit of running. My highs in running have been the Manchester Piccadilly Marathon of 1985 when before the start I met my old friend Roger Michell and we ran together for 22 miles when I think I must have upset him because he raced off and left me! I recorded my best time of 2h.51m.58s. finishing 201st. The 1st 100 finishers received a track suit, the 2nd 100 finishers received a T shirt. No way could I have passed another runner for that T shirt!


I remember running a 6 mile race in Stockport in 1977, when finishing downhill I lost my balance and fell passing two runners in the process I finished in 31:07 and was I believe dragged to the first aid area where I came to. Another satisfying completion was the 1988 Tour of Tameside. This is a double marathon of 6 races in7 days and was the inspiration of the great Ron Hill.


Wake up we’re nearly finished


I do have few regrets from my years in athletics. The first never having won a senior RWA Championship medal at either individual or team level and the  second is having not competed and completed a 100 mile race to become a Centurion.


Well if you’re still awake you need to go and see your doctor!!

PERSONAL BESTS – RACE WALKING

1500m 6.34
1 mile 7.15:7
2000m 8.57
3000m 12.53
2 mile 15.08
5000m 22.16
5 mile 36.56
6 mile 46.09
10km 45.12
7 mile 51.15
8 mile 63.55
15km 70.42
10 mile 75.06
20km 95.57
25km 2.13.20
30km 2.56.57
20 mile 3.00.06
50km 4.48.27
1 hour 12,779 metres
Mcr-B/pool 8.41.07

PERSONAL BESTS – RUNNING

100m 11.8, 800m 2.19:8, 1mile 5.13, 3000m 9.20, 2 mile 9.35, 5000m 16.43, 5 mile 28.15, 6 mile 31.09, 10km 34.07, 7 mile 39.51, 10 mile 59.10, 20km 78.38, 1/2 marathon 77.53 and marathon 2.51.58

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NATIONAL VIRTUAL SERIES 2K – WEEK 10

Posted on June 14, 2020 by Tony Taylor

We continue to be the team to beat in the Age-Graded competition. And, as you can see, we are running out of photos, which always enhance the text. All additions to the library of images, old and new, will be gratefully received.

I can’t be accused of ignoring social distancing in this race at Dalton a few years ago

MENS 2K TEAM


1 Sarnia Walking Club (39)
2 Scotia Race Walking Club (51)
3 Lancashire Walking Club (54)
4 Quickstep Fitness (84)
– AUSTRALIA (94)
5 Ilford AC (142)
– RUSSIA (169)
6 Manx Harriers (185)
7 Surrey Walking Club (193)
8 Enfield & Haringey AC (194)
9 Cardiff AC (195)
10 Steyning AC (212)
– NEW ZEALAND (220)
11 Birchfield Harriers (229)

MENS AGE GRADED 2K TEAM


1 Lancashire Walking Club (87.45%)
2 Scotia Race Walking Club (79.08%)
3 Sarnia Walking Club (74.55%)
4 Quickstep Fitness (71.64%)
– AUSTRALIA (66.53%)
5 Ilford AC (61.58%)
– RUSSIA (59.46%)
6 Enfield & Haringey AC (55.32%)
7 Steyning AC (53.67%)
8 Surrey Walking Club (51.06%)
9 Manx Harriers (50.95%)
– NEW ZEALAND (47.31%)
10 Cardiff AC (42.95%)
11 Birchfield Harriers (39.27%)

A young Tony Malone – a taste of his soon-to-be released Reminiscences

Our Team comprised:

Tony Taylor M70: 96.53% : 10:24.5
Stephen Walker M60: 81.26%: 10:53.0
Tony Malone M65: 84.56%: 11:10.9
Tony Bell M55: 57.08%: 14:45.0
Guy Goodair M80 :76.99%: 15:04.0
    

And don’t forget to enter and submit your times for the USA Masters Race Walking Virtual Race Series.

See details at https://lancswalkingclub.com/2020/05/18/the-race-walking-world-goes-virtual-more-results-and-news/

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VIRTUAL LEAGUE SERIES 2K WEEK 9 – THE LANCASHIRE/SCOTIA RIVALRY CONTINUES

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Tony Taylor

John Constandinou and Helen Elleker are pledged to overseeing the continuation of the ‘World’ Virtual Series League, for which we are very grateful. The weekly distance will remain at 2 kilometres. It’s never too late to join in either by visiting the Facebook Race Walking Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/139423539480219/ or if you prefer do so through me on tonymtaylor@gmail.com. Helen needs simply your name, age and club, together with your 2k time for that week and I can act as go-between if you are averse to or don’t use Facebook.

Helen Elleker battles with Denis Jackson and Colin Vesty

For what it’s worth I would recommend being involved in the 2k series .My suspicion is that most of our members don’t do a fast session every week or indeed fast sessions at all. However signing up to the Series does provide an incentive to fit in the 2k bash even as the body suggests otherwise. My feeling is that if we pursue this challenge over the next few months. it will pay handsome dividends when we’re back on the track or road together – hopefully the Lambert Trophy in September.

MENS AGE GRADED 2KM TEAM


1 Lancashire Walking Club (86.05%)
2 Scotia Race Walking Club (76.40%)
3 Sarnia Walking Club (74.73%)
– AUSTRALIA (73.96%)
4 Quickstep Fitness (71.71%)
5 Ilford AC (62.98%)
– RUSSIA (59.00%)
6 Surrey Walking Club (58.08%)
7 Steyning AC (52.80%)
8 Cardiff AC (43.01%)
9 Birchfield Harriers (38.86%)

MENS 2KM TEAM


1 Scotia Race Walking Club (53)
– AUSTRALIA (56)
2 Sarnia Walking Club (58)
3 Lancashire Walking Club (73)
4 Quickstep Fitness (99)
5 Ilford AC (120)
6 Surrey Walking Club (153)
– RUSSIA (163)
7 Cardiff AC (186)
8 Steyning AC (205)
9 Birchfield Harriers (217)

Our team comprised:

Tony Taylor M70 97.94% Lancs WC 00:10:15.2

Tony Malone M65 82.95% Lancs WC 00:11:23.9

Guy Goodair M80 77.25% Lancs WC 00:15:01.0

Results have dominated in the last few weeks but there are more Reminiscences in the pipeline plus what we hope will be the beginning of Ron Wallwork’s Recollections. Watch this space.

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LWC VIRTUAL SERIES : 3 KILOMETRES RESULTS – SCOTIA TO THE FORE

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Tony Taylor
Bill on his way to a victory in the Allen Trophy 15 miles at Chorley

3 KILOMETRES SCRATCH

[G] indicates Guest, who is not counted in the team race.

  1. Bill McFadden M55 Scotia RWC 14:32
  2. Tony Taylor LWC M70 15:29.0
  3. Katrina Weldon F55 Scotia RWC 15:53
  4. Stephen Walker M60 LWC 16:25
  5. John Constandinou M45 Birchfield 17:02 [G]
  6. Graham Jackson M50 Quickstep 17:17 [G]
  7. Ray Robinson M45 Redcar 17:23.1 [G]
  8. Tony Malone M65 LWC 17:38.9
  9. Andrew Fraser M50 Scotia RWC 18:26
  10. Colin Simpson M60 Scotia RWC 18:37
  11. Gerard McConnell M60 Scotia RWC 18:42
  12. Dave Evans M70 LWC 18:56.9
  13. Lynette Frame F60 Scotia RWC 19:04
  14. Marco Bernatzki M50 Germany 19:15 [G]
  15. Denis Jackson M70 Quickstep 19:37 [G]
  16. Tony Bell M55 LWC 19:42
  17. Greg Smith M60 LWC 19:56
  18. John Crahan M70 LWC 19:58
  19. Glyn Jones M75 Coventry Godiva 20:08 [G]
  20. Shirley Simpson F60 Scotia RWC 20:10
  21. Ian Hilditch M75 LWC 20:33
  22. Martin Payne M55 LWC 20:45
  23. Joe Hardy M75 LWC 20:54
  24. Rosemary Hill F70 ScotiaRWC 20:55
  25. Linda HinshelwoodF55 Scotia RWC 20:57
  26. Michelle O’Neil F55 Scotia RWC 20:59
  27. Pat Evans F65 LWC 21:03
  28. Roy Gunnett M70 LWC 21:32
  29. Guy Goodair M80 LWC 23:20
  30. Kenny Farmer M55 Scotia RWC 23:30
  31. Ian Vaughan M65 LWC 23:48
  32. Andrea Lennon F75 LWC 24:12

TEAM RACE {MIXED}

Photo of an earlier team triumph fpr Scotia at Dalton
  1. SCOTIA RWC [ 1, 3, 6 and 7] 17 pts
  2. LANCS WC [2, 4, 5 and 9] 20 pts

3 KILOMETRES AGE-GRADED

  1. Tony Taylor M70 LWC 15:29 – 98.72%
  2. Katrina Weldon F55 Scotia 15:53 – 89.53%
  3. Bill McFadden M55 Scotia 14:32 – 89.00%
  4. Dave Evans M70 LWC 18:56 – 80.73%
  5. Stephen Walker M60 LWC 16:25 – 80.33%
  6. Tony Malone M65 LWC 17:38 – 78.79%
  7. Glyn Jones M75 Cov.God 20:08 – 77.97% [G]
  8. Rosemary Hill F70 Scotia 20:55 – 77.80%
  9. Ian Hilditch M75 LWC 20:33 – 76.39%
  10. Lynette Frame F60 Scotia 19:04 – 76.23%
  11. Joe Hardy M75LWC 20:54 – 75.11%
  12. Denis Jackson M70 Quickstep 19:37 – 75.03% [G]
  13. Colin Simpson M60 Scotia 18:37 – 73.82%
  14. John Crahan M70 LWC 19:58 – 73.71%
  15. Andrea Lennon F75 LWC 24:12 – 72.50%
  16. Pat Evans F65 LWC 21:03 – 72.37%
  17. Guy Goodair M80 LWC 23:20 – 72.31%
  18. Shirley Simpson F60 Scotia 20:10 – 71.27%
  19. Gerard McConnell M60 Scotia 18:42 – 70.52%
  20. Graham Jackson M50 Quickstep 17:17 – 69.71% [G]
  21. Roy Gunnett M70 LWC 21:32 – 68.35%
  22. John Constandinou M45 Birch 17:02 – 67.86% [G]
  23. Ray Robinson M45 Redcar 17:23 – 66.49% [G]
  24. Greg Smith M60 LWC 19:56 – 66.16%
  25. Andrew Fraser M50 Scotia 18:26 – 65.36%
  26. Linda Hinshelwood F55 Scotia 20:57 – 65.19%
  27. Michelle O’Neil F55 Scotia 20:59 – 65.08%
  28. Tony Bell M55 LWC 19:42 – 63.87%
  29. Marco Bernatzki M50 Germany 19:15 – 62.59% [G]
  30. Martin Payne M55 LWC 20:45 – 60.64%
  31. Ian Vaughan M65 LWC 23:48 – 58.37%
  32. Kenny Farmer M55 Scotia 23:30 – 53.54%

TEAM RACE [MIXED]

  1. LANCS WC [1, 4, 5 and 6] 16 pts
  2. SCOTIA RWC [2, 3, 7 and 9] 21 pts

3 KILOMETRES HANDICAP

The race within a race based on handicap allowances was a traditional feature of Race Walking events across the decades at a club level, but particularly within Open races. Entry forms would always ask for one’s latest performance to assist the handicapper decide on your allowance based on the fastest prospective competitor starting from scratch i.e. having no handicap allowance. The handicap race was seen as providing motivation for athletes throughout the field – from a younger walker breaking through to a seasoned veteran still striving to do do their best.

Dave Evans, our diligent club handicapper with much to muse upon as he prepares for the 5k
  1. KatrinaWeldon F55 Scotia Actual 15:53 Allowance 4:35 H’cap time 11:18
  2. Andrew Fraser M50 Scotia 18:26; 6:00; 12:26
  3. Bill McFadden M55 Scotia 14:32; 1:00; 13:32
  4. Stephen Walker M60 LWC 16:25; 2:50; 13:35
  5. Gerard McConnell M60 Scotia 18:42; 4:55; 13:47
  6. Lynette Frame F60 Scotia 19:04; 5:00; 14:04
  7. Graham Jackson M50 Quickstep 17:17; 2:50; 14:27
  8. Tony Taylor M70 LWC 15:29; 1:00; 14:29
  9. John Constandinou M45 Birchfield 17:02; 2:30; 14:32
  10. Tony Malone M65 LWC 17:38; 2:50; 14:48=
  11. Ian Vaughan M65 LWC 23:48; 9:00; 14:48=
  12. Ray Robinson M45 Redcar17:23; 2:20; 15:03
  13. Marco Bernatzki M50 Germany 19:15; 4:10; 15:05=
  14. Rosemary Hill F70 Scotia 20:55; 5:50; 15:05=
  15. Shirley Simpson F60 Scotia 20:10; 5:00; 15:10
  16. John Crahan M70 LWC 19:58; 4:40; 15:18
  17. Colin Simpson M60 Scotia 18:37; 3:10; 15:27
  18. Ian Hilditch M75 LWC 20:33; 5:00; 15:33
  19. Dave Evans M70 LWC 18:56; 3:10; 15:46=
  20. Greg Smith M60 LWC 19:56; 4:10; 15:46=
  21. Denis Jackson M70 Quickstep 19:37; 3:50; 15:47
  22. Linda Hinshelwood F55 Scotia 20:57; 5:00; 15:57
  23. Glyn Jones M75 Cov.God 20:08; 4:00; 16:08
  24. Pat Evans F65 LWC 21:03; 4:45; 16:18
  25. Guy Goodair M80 LWC 23:20; 7:00; 16:20
  26. Tony Bell M55 LWC 19:42; 3:10; 16:32=
  27. Roy Gunnett M70 LWC 21:32; 5:00; 16:32=
  28. Andrea Lennon F75 LWC 24:12; 8:20; 16:32=
  29. Martin Payne M55 LWC20:45; 4:10; 16:35
  30. Joe HardyM75 LWC 20:54; 4:10; 16:44
  31. Michelle O’Neil F55 Scotia 20:59; 4:10; 16:49
  32. Kenny Farmer M55 Scotia 23:30; 6:30; 17:00

Be gentle with me if you find any mistakes. The weekend has been barmy. Our ageing car abandoned in the mountains. A Beaufort 8 gale creating bedlam and the internet connection erratic!

Sincere thanks to everyone for their involvement.

Now for the 5 kilometres challenge in June. Best foot forward to all.

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NATIONAL VIRTUAL SERIES: WE HOLD OUR OWN

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Without exaggerating the significance of self-policed time trials we have been a force to be reckoned with in the National Endurance Virtual Series. For my part I’ve worked hard on the knees with photos to prove it but that feels a self-centred form of special pleading. Clearly I’ve been pretty fit and trying to rediscover a sense of how I used to walk, which puts aside the modern stress on getting the front foot down as quickly as possible – the 30/70% stride equation in favour of a classic 50/50 differential. Sadly there is little chance of my action being put to the test in the near future. A special vote of thanks is due to Tony Malone, Guy Goodair, Stephen Walker and Tony Bell for flying the club’s colours.

Certainly there is no doubt that the Virtual Series has been a success, attracting the involvment of as many as 120 athletes each week. Hence Helen Elleker and John Constandinou, who deserve our sincere thanks, are going to keep alive the 2 kilometres challenge every week until normal service is resumed. On whether normal is possible see a future post on England Athletics proposals for recommencing live racing. It’s never too late to join this weekly 2 kilometres series and if you wish to, get in touch with me about sending in your times etc. The more the merrier and committing yoursel to a fast session of 2 kilometres each week acoss the summer will pay rich dividends on the roads of Simister or Sutton. Promise!

Look out for the results of our very first Club Virtual series in the next few days. Meanwhile the June challenge is 5 kilometres and I’ve already received a couple of times to get things going.

Virtual League Racing Series – National Centre for Race Walking – Race 8  

Two of our trio of Tonys involved in the Virtual Series

2 KILOMETRES

Mens Team


1 Surrey Walking Club (60)
2 Manx Harriers (68)
3 Lancashire Walking Club (75)
4 Scotia Race Walking Club (86)
5 Sarnia Walking Club (94)
6 Quickstep Fitness (147)
7 Birchfield Harriers (157)
– AUSTRALIA (169)
– RUSSIA (175)
– NEW ZEALAND (195)
8 Enfield & Haringey AC (213)
9 Cardiff AC (213)
10 Winchester AC (241)
– GERMANY (250)
– USA (259)
11 Ilford AC (288)

Mens Age Graded Team


1 Lancashire Walking Club (85.10%)
2 Surrey Walking Club (82.00%)
3 Manx Harriers (75.59%)
4 Scotia Race Walking Club (75.32%)
5 Sarnia Walking Club (73.31%)
6 Quickstep Fitness (71.26%)
7 Birchfield Harriers (62.08%)
– RUSSIA (59.26%)
– AUSTRALIA (52.87%)
– NEW ZEALAND (52.56%)
8 Enfield & Haringey AC (51.42%)
9 Winchester AC (47.19%)
– GERMANY (44.09%)
10 Cardiff AC (41.52%)
– USA (40.89%)
11 Ilford AC (36.72%)

Team members:

Tony Taylor M70 95.46% Lancs WC 00:10:23.0 Tony Malone M65 82.59% Lancs WC 00:11:26.6 Tony Bell M55 64.19% Lancs WC 00:13:07.0 Guy Goodair M80 77.25% Lancs WC 00:15:01.0

Stephen Walker in jovial mood and pleasing form

Virtual League Racing Series – National Centre for Race Walking – Race 8

5 KILOMETRES: LAST OF THE NATIONAL CENTRE SERIES  

Mens Team


1 Surrey Walking Club (56)
2 Scotia Race Walking Club (87)
3 Lancashire Walking Club (94)
4 Birchfield Harriers (131)
5 Manx Harriers (167)
– RUSSIA (177)
– NEW ZEALAND (188)
6 Sarnia Walking Club (196)
7 Winchester AC (202)
8 Enfield & Haringey AC (203)
9 Quickstep Fitness (217)
– GERMANY (231)

Team Members:

Tony Taylor M70 97.11% Lancs WC 00:26:27.5 Stephen Walker M60 79.48% Lancs WC 00:28:48.0 Guy Goodair M80 76.47% Lancs WC 00:39:29.0

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THE BRADFORD 50 KILOMETRES REMEMBERED

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Yesterday, in times past Whit Monday, was the traditional date for the Bradford 50 kilometres organised by the Yorkshire Walking Club. John Cannell has sent me kindly the above YouTube recording of a Yorkshire TV [?] newspiece. I’m not sure of the year.It features the late Geoff Dowling, the historian and committed lover of the sport, the wonderful Jake Warhurst, asked what part of the tough course was the most difficult he replies, ‘none on it’, together with the ever stylish John Paddick. Our local interest is to be found in footage of Dave Crompton and Joe Hardy plus our good friends from across the Pennines, Graham Jackson and Martin Fisher.

I’ll do some more digging as to the overall result and any other gossip/information. Help gratefully received – perhaps from archivist and tireless devotee, John Constandinou, who can be seen finishing.

Result at http://racewalkingassociation.com/EventDetails.asp?id=598

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Back On Top of the World Virtual Series as our Club Series hopefully begins

Posted on May 23, 2020 by Tony Taylor
Made it Ma! Top of the World!

I must confess we were taken aback to find ourselves back on top of the Age-Graded Team competition and third in the Open, but very satisfied.

MENS AGE GRADED 2KM TEAM

1 Lancashire Walking Club (86.20%)2 Manx Harriers (77.04%)3 Sarnia Walking Club (74.33%)- AUSTRALIA (73.51%)4 Quickstep Fitness (70.67%)5 Scotia Race Walking Club (70.09%)6 Birchfield Harriers (57.14%)7 Surrey Walking Club (56.19%)8 Steyning AC (54.80%)9 Enfield & Haringey AC (51.79%))- NEW ZEALAND (51.04%)10 Winchester AC (47.42%)11 Cardiff AC (42.76%)12 Ilford AC (37.18%)

MENS 2KM TEAM

AUSTRALIA (50)1 Manx Harriers (54)2 Sarnia WC (79)3 Lancashire WC (86)4 Scotia RWC (110)5 Quickstep Fitness (145)6 Surrey WC (163)7 Birchfield Harriers (196)- NEW ZEALAND (201)8 Cardiff AC (203)9 Winchester AC (210)10 Steyning AC (214)11 Enfield & Haringey AC (216)12 Ilford AC (276)

Tony Taylor M70  95.31%    Lancs WC    00:10:24.0+  
 Tony Malone M65  84.56%    Lancs WC    00:11:10.1  
 Guy Goodair M80  78.73%    Lancs WC    00:14:44.0 
Tony Bell M55  63.30%    Lancs WC    00:13:18.0 

And to add to our laurels and total surprise we were first team in the Mens 5k Team, pipping our friends at Scotia.

MENS 5KM TEAM

AUSTRALIA (75)1 Lancashire WC (98)2 Scotia RWC (102)3 Birchfield Harriers (156)4 Manx Harriers (163)5 Surrey WC (163)6 Sarnia WC (189)- NEW ZEALAND (191)7 Winchester AC (194)8 Enfield & Haringey AC (203)9 Quickstep Fitness (210)10 Ilford AC (253)

 Tony Taylor M70  98.03%    Lancs WC    00:26:12.2   
Stephen Walker M60  71.39%    Lancs WC    00:31:44.0  
Guy Goodair M80  77.02%    Lancs WC    00:39:12.0 

AND IT’S ONLY JUST OVER A WEEK TO THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING YOUR 3 KILOMETRE TIMES FOR INCLUSION IN OUR VERY OWN PIONEERING VIRTUAL SERIES, WHERE WE ARE INCREASING THE DISTANCES GRADUALLY OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

As things stand I’ve received only three submissions plus Dave Evans has produced a carefully assembled handicap sheet.

Crossing fingers you are lining up a big performance this next week!!

Submissions to Tony at tonymtaylor@gmail.com by midnight, Sunday, May

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REMINISCENCES 9: JOHN CANNELL ON MANY A MILE UNDERTAKEN, OFTEN AGAINST THE ODDS

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Tony Taylor

The Isle of Man remains a stronghold of race walking. One ot its outstanding competitors across the years has been John Cannell, the victor at the inaugural RWA 100 miles championships in 1987. We are delighted to host his Race Walking Reminiscence, a story of overcoming all manner of handicaps. When asked , ‘what kept him going when the odds were against him?’ John’s simple reply was ‘stubborness’.

What prompted you to take up race walking?  When and where was your first race?

John in the 1984 Leicester 100

In 1960 the Isle of Man 85 miles Parish walk was revived. Walkers had to touch the gates of our 17 parishes. It was won by postman Stan Cleator in 19.50.30. That was achieved in ordinary trousers and working shoes. The following year it was decided to hold a relay around the course involving our youth clubs. It would be split up into 4 sections – some walking a little more or less than the other. Graham Young and myself were still at school, but our PE teachers said we could walk rather than play cricket or football, which neither of us had any interest in then or now. My team finished 3rd in the junior section in 17.39.33. We still didn’t know anything about race walking styles or the clothing involved. I think that race was my first and I went on to do other races.

The 39 miles End to End walk on the island was first held in 1961 and was won by Stan Cleator in 7:19:08. I was 17th and last in 9:29:22. Yet in 1962 I was to finish 2nd in 7.13.25. Stan was 4th in 7.19.18, 10 seconds slower than his win in 1961.

My first race off island was the Northern Junior 10 miles in Sheffield. Because of heavy snow the course had to be altered. It was won by Mal Tolley. I retired. However in the same race in 1964 in Wakefield I came 3rd in 84.47.

I think my first attempt at the Parish walk saw me get to 45 miles. My first finish was in 1967 when I came 2nd to Albert Johnson. He did 15.54.51, I clocked 17.42.36. Around this time I was having a lot of problems in and out of hospital, having tests and the like. It was the stomach, colitis.Things cleared up however and I was picked to walk in the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. I finished 15th in the 20 miles walk.

Later that year I was taking part in a Postmans walk at Crystal Palace but had to go to hospital after the race. They told me to go to my hospital when I got back, which I did I was told I had to have an ileostomy. My world fell apart. But they said if I didn’t have it I would die. At this very time Lillian Board [ the outstanding 400/800 metres runner of the late 1960s] had similiar problems and sadly did die.

Lillian Board, the ‘Golden Girl’ of British Athletics in full flight

As it was I spent Christmas in hospital. After recovering from my operation my first race was our 10 miles champs. in which I finished 7th in 106 mins. I was on the way back. I won my first Parish walk in 1976 in 17.28.12. My Parish stats are 1979 2nd 16.22.03; 1981 first in 16.15.11; 1982 first in under 16 hoursm 15.59.33; 1983 first in16.31 38. Two more wins in 1993 and 1994 with 16.11.11 and 16.13.46. [Editor’s note – remember the Parish Walk is 85 miles long.]

Which performance has given you the greatest satisfaction?

THE HUNDRED MILES EXPLOITS

I became a Centurion in 1966 on the Leicester to Skegness course on my first attempt with Graham Young. I was 14th in 21.45.21. After that I had a break as far as hundreds went and came back in 1984 to Leicester, now on a lap course. Brian Adams won in 17.39.28 and I was 2nd with17.53.29 – with a little help from the sponges offered by one Tony Taylor and his son, John.

John at Leicester in 1984

The next one was the first 100 to be held as a National Championships in 1987, which I won in 17.55.10, held at Ewhurst, Surrey.

John with the coveted Sword after his 1987 triumph

Back to Leicester again in 1988, Richard Brown won with 17.00.35 with me 2nd in 17.10.15. My last one was at Hendon. Ed Shilabeer won in 18.11.08. Although 4th I was actually 3rd Brit to finish, Henri Legrand being French. I recorded 19.28.05. The night time was very wet with parts of the course waterlogged. It was over 100 laps around a circuit at the Hendon Police training grounds. [Eds note – the mind boggles!]

What’s your favourite race and why?

John nearing the finish of the 1984 Leicester 100

My favourite courses in the UK were the Bradford where I did my p.b and the Morecambe 20kms. Although I have only done 2 Manchester to Blackpool races I have a best time of 8.34.01 in 1987. I went off course near the end when leading and Dave Turner passed me on Blackpool promenade. I had a lot of long races in my legs by this time so I could not respond.The only other one I did was back in 1967, finishing 11th. My best time for our TT walk is 6.01.00, coming second to John Warhurst. My personal best of 4.36.40 on the Bradford was very pleasing as it was a tough course. Favourite courses on the Isle of Man are the Parish walk and the End to End on the old course. I have had a great time in almost 60 years in the sport and met some great people to numerous to mention here. One thing missing that I just can’t achieve and, please don’t take this the wrong way, is a recognition on the Sports Hall of Fame at our Sports Centre. The reason for my absence is I have not represented the island at the Island Games. Only one man is blocking this. In other words I have not done enough. Yet other people in the hall have not done anywhere near what I have done.

John’s personal bests:

10 miles – 79 mins

20 kms – 99 mins

50 kms – 4.36.40

100 miles – 17.10.15

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The Race Walking World goes Virtual – more results and news

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Firstly, despite my return, we slipped to third in the Virtual Series 2 kilometres Age-Graded team competition.

Nothing virtual about this February 1969 Club 10 kilometres line up, Leverhulme Park Bolton. I can vouch that it was freezing. How many can we name?

MENS AGE GRADED 2KM TEAM


1 Steyning AC (86.97%)
2 Surrey WC (86.59%)
3 Lancashire WC (84.12%)
– AUSTRALIA (77.60%)
4 Sarnia WC (73.99%)
5 Quickstep Fitness (71.05%)
6 Scotia RWC (68.90%)
7 Ilford AC (62.89%)
8 Birchfield Harriers (60.20%)
– USA (58.63%)
9 Manx Harriers (54.68%)
10 Enfield & Haringey AC (52.57%)
11 Winchester AC (47.39%)
12 Cardiff AC (41.09%)
– NEW ZEALAND (34.51%)

TONY TAYLOR M70  92.78%    Lancs WC    00:10:41.2    
TONY MALONE M65  80.48%    Lancs WC    00:11:44.8
STEPHEN WALKER M60  68.30%    Lancs WC    00:12:49.0+ 
TONY BELL M60  68.30%    Lancs WC    00:12:49.0+ 
GUY GOODAIR M80  79.09%    Lancs WC    00:14:40.0

Stephen and Guy also contested the 4 kilometres distance organised through Andy Drake clocking 25:38 and 30:57 respectively. This week sees the distance shift to 5 kilometres.

Meanwhile over in the USA Dave and Erin Talcott have taken the following initiative.

Dave and Erin Talcott

USA Masters Race Walking Virtual Race Series

Hello Masters race walkers! and in fact all walkers. Our races for the summer have been mostly cancelled, motivation can be hard to come by.

Dave and I, in collaboration with the Masters race walk committee, are hosting a virtual race series for race walkers!

Let’s do something fun to bring us together and give us motivation.

Here’s what’s entailed: There are three distances being contested. Throughout the month of June test yourself at one or all of the following distances; 1,500, 3,000 and 5,000. You can enter one, two or all three of the distances. You can try multiple times and submit your best performance.

This race is honour system. We hope and expect everyone to adhere to the rules of race walking, absolutely no running. Please try your best to correctly follow the rules of race walking. Times can be submitted based on your time on a track, treadmill or GPS watch, wherever you can get an accurate time for the distance.

Awards will be special certificates. We’re really going to have fun with categories for this! Awards/recognition will be for the following male and female.

Top three overall. Top three age group. Top three age graded. Top three co-ed teams

Top three overall for all three races. Top three age graded for all three races. Top three age group for all three races. Top three co-ed teams for all three races

In addition Dave and I will present awards for the following:

Most enthusiastic! Most improved! Most inspirational!

To register email Erin Talcott at oboebassoon@yahoo.com. Please include the following information.

Name / DOB / Mailing address / Club (if applicable)

Have fun with it! Try each distance as many times as you want in the month of June. Tell us all your times, this will help us determine most improved performances.

This competition is funded by the US Race walking master’s committee for our masters race walkers.

However we gladly welcome junior, open and foreign athletes! The main difference is certificates for open, juniors and foreigners will be emailed as opposed to being pressented.

Stay healthy! Yours in sport, Erin and Dave Talcott

Bearing in mind the start of our own Club Virtual Series this month and the fact that the distance to be timed in June is 5 kilometres it would be straightforward to join in with the US Masters by signing up as above with Erin and submitting your 5k performance[s]. Or you might be so motivated you muck in at all the distances. Whatever getting involved will add an international dimension to our collective efforts to stay fit and healthy ahead of our return to racing in the flesh.

Let me know if you do sign up withe the US Masters initiative.

To close by saying I’ve already had 3 kilometre times submitted for the May challenge. Word has it that young John Crahan has caused quite a stir on Blackpool promenade, leaving the trams in his wake. And he threatens to go even faster!

Make sure you submit your times to me before the end of the month. Seeing it’s 38 degrees here on Crete I might wait a day or two before going for it!

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LANCASHIRE WALKING CLUB VIRTUAL SERIES BEGINS THIS MONTH – GET INVOLVED

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Tony Taylor
Ready for the off, but for now in Virtual guise!

As mooted and now agreed, inspired by Andi Drake, John Constandinou and Helen Elleker’s efforts, we’re going to have a crack at organising our own Virtual Series of races over the next few months.

Each month we invite you to send in the best time you’ve achieved for the set distance – on road, track or treadmill. Dependent on your time and energy you might well submit more than one performance during the month. Obviously we will use your fastest time for the purposes of the monthly competition.

Dave Evans has already produced his first handicap sheet. Thus as with normal club races the monthly result will feature scratch. handicap and age-graded performances.

SCHEDULE

MAY – 3 KILOMETRES: Performances to be submitted to Tony at tonymtaylor@gmail.com by midnight, Sunday, May 31.

JUNE – 5 KILOMETRES: Performances to Tony by midnight, Tuesday, June 30.

JULY – 8 KILOMETRES: Performances to Tony by midnight, Friday, July 31.

AUGUST – 10 KILOMETRES: Performances to Tony by midnight, Monday August 31.

As with all our club races guests are very welcome, although you might not be handicapped if you are not one of our ‘regulars’.

There is a hope that Scotia RWC might be supporting the initiative, which would add the fun of a team competition. Of course other teams welcome too. Please let Tony know if anyone is interested.

Contact Tony if you have any questions.

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