REMEMBERING DAVE CROMPTON DURING THE LOCKDOWN – A WAVE OF AFFECTION

Posted on May 11, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Saturday, May 9 should have witnessed the very first Dave Crompton Memorial Trophy event to be held on his home patch in Chorley. Sadly it had fallen foul of the virus-induced lockdown on public sporting activity. Dave is held in such high regard that it struck in our collective craw to see the race postponed.

Lest we forget. Dave and Fred ‘both in their element’.

However, a few days ago, John Crahan suggested that in our different ways we could remember Dave by agreeing to walk seven miles or thereabouts this weekend. A host of members and friends rose to the challenge.

Pride of place to John for setting the initiative in motion.

Before setting off, John’s message reads: DAVE – HONESTY, INTEGRITY WITH A SMILE. RESPECT FROM TEAM CRAHAN

John informs : At the halfway stage I saw my coach [ Alexis, his 6 year old grandaughter!] and swapped some lollies for a bag of flour.

I was not sure what Dave drank so I brought home a selection of beers to make an appropriate toast.

I greatly miss Dave and the small but sincere dedication of my walk to his memory is only the third such time I have done it. When I say the others were for George Kirby and Fred, that is pretty good company.

Stephen Walker up early on Saturday to finish his 7 miles stint

Martin and Judith Fisher : We will be out this morning for a walk remembering Dave. It’s a challenging time for us all  but am sure we will be back all the fitter soon.

Glyn Jones : On Saturday I shall be out on the country lanes near to where I live and I will be in race walking mode for  a 7 mile training session (or near enough) in memory of Dave Crompton. A really good idea in memory of a beloved member of Lancs W.C.

Peter and Marion Fawkes : Even Marion and I will be out on a walk today in memory of Dave, slowly of course as that’s all we can manage now. Such a nice man – still can’t believe he’s gone but good to know he’s still in our memories along with Fred.

Dave and Pat Evans : Logging in our effort this morning. We had to chose a hilly course locally which we had on both the out and back. I gave Pat a 3 1/2 minute start and she wore her orange parkrun t shirt so I could see her in the distance! She walked very well and did 1 hour 26 minutes and I was about a minute or so faster. Great weather for our walk and we are now knackered and sitting in the conservatory having a coffee. 

Roy Gunnett – My memorial picturesque route took me along the coastal path near my home in Formby and was a good 7 miles. 

Guy Goodair : Judith and I went out this morning and did a 7km memorial walk for Dave.

Bill McFadden: I completed the 7 mile walk yesterday.  Slow but worth it for the memories. Now carrying a couple if injuries/strains. But people have more worries.

Chris Bolton : I am very envious of all the members opting for seven mile outdoor walks in memory of Dave. 
I am not allowed to cross my doorstep for at least another six weeks. However I do have my own treadmill which has been a saviour. 
This morning I did manage seven miles on the treadmill to honour Dave’s memory. I’m sure Eric must must be proud that so many members walked for Dave today. 
See you all one day. 

Ron Wallwork, a club legend, completes 70 minutes on gravel in memory of Dave

Ian Vaughan :  I walked 7km early this morning (I know, not 7 miles).  The time was nothing to write home about, but Dave’s walk has nudged me back into training, and I will be posting a 3km time in a few weeks.

Tony Bell : I racewalked a bit further than usual today, I managed 8.1km on the treadmill in just over an hour, not up to 7 miles yet. Slowly getting over a back injury,

Tony Malone: This morning I did 7 miles timed during my 14 km training session in Woodbank Park. My 7 mile time was a very slow 72.13. While I was going one round the lap Ian Vaughan was going the other way round!

Greg Smith: On Saturday afternoon in memory of Dave Crompton I race walked up to Affetside Cross, the highest point local to me. I have many warm recollections of Dave, a great club mate and a very fine person. In the picture are yours truly, Affetside Cross and a bemused member of the public.

Alistair Shand: Very moving, Tony, to read of all the tributes to Dave. Proof – were it needed – of the high regard, respect and affection in which Dave was held by everybody. I’m not race walking now (I eventually got the message that I was a lost cause!), but I have great memories of a fantastic man. Take care in these bizarre times.

Irene Pike : Well done everyone. A wonderful tribute to lovely Dave. I will never forget my first race at Chorley when Dave saved me from going the wrong way and kept with me, giving much appreciated encouragement. I did a 5 mile gentle walk along the river yesterday, so a little over 7k, thinking about Dave, Louise and all our great team members. Very best wishes to everyone

Jan McCue –

Such a lovely tribute to Dave!!! What A Wonderful Idea!!!

I had a stunning walk around Entwistle and Turton Reservoirs sorry but I did not take any selfies!!!

I have been in touch with Shirley, Dave’s sister she lives on the next street to my dad, we were in the same class at primary and secondary school, she wasn’t aware of anything taking place and she was really touched. Unfortunately Shirley doesn’t have an email address or mobile phone so I am going to print of the tributes and post it through her door when I go to Coppull on Thursday, I shall also make a copy for Eric. I bumped into Eric months ago in the doctors surgery when I was taking my dad, he stopped and had a chat with us,

‘Bad Back’ Taylor about to set off with shepherd’s crook in hand needing to hike rather than race walk

And a final word to Christine Pearce:

Sorry I have not been in touch, I have had the Coronavirus since the lockdown, but managed to avoid hospital so consider myself very lucky. After having three courses of antibiotics I am feeling much better and more energy now, so please accept my apologies for not being in contact.


Dave Crompton was a very special man and meant a lot to Fred and I and he is certainly missed but will never be forgotten. Happy memories of happy times. 
Hope everyone has been managing to get their one hour of exercise a day and I am sure some of you will have had some fast times with your walking!


Looking forward to the next race when hopefully we can see each other again, even from a 2m distance. 


Love and best wishes to you and all your families and keep safe.

———————————————————————————————————-

A final image of Dave at the British Masters

And a last word from Louise.

Just a little note from the family to say a big thanks to everyone who did their own lockdown versions of the walk at the weekend. We’ve all seen the comments on the LWC website and it means so much to us that people have taken the time out to walk and remember Dave in this way.

Hopefully we will get it done properly sometime this year!

Much love,

Louise, Emma and all the family

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Back to Second Team in the Virtual Series Age-Graded Team

Posted on May 9, 2020 by Tony Taylor

With Tony Taylor sidelined spasmodically, Tony Malone, Guy Goodair, Stephen Walker and Tony Bell combined to claim a second place in the Virtual Series 2 kilometres Age-Graded Team competition. Bravo!

Stephen Walker out today remembering Dave Crompton

MENS AGE GRADED 2KM TEAM

1 Surrey Walking Club (86.23%, 33)2 Lancashire Walking Club (77.50%, 75)3 Sarnia Walking Club (74.38%, 98)4 Quickstep Fitness (70.48%, 124)- AUSTRALIA (75.55%, 87)5 Steyning AC (84.87%, 48)6 Scotia Race Walking Club (66.56%, 142)7 Manx Harriers (54.48%, 181)8 Enfield & Haringey AC (52.09%, 197)- NEW ZEALAND (51.58%, 204)9 Winchester AC (47.30%, 227)- USA (45.21%, 236)10 Cardiff AC (40.39%, 269)11 Lewes AC (40.19%, 220)12 Birchfield Harriers (38.03%, 270)

Tony Malone

 M65  84.56%    Lancashire WC    00:11:10.5 

Guy Goodair

M80  79.82%    Lancashire WC    00:14:32.0  

Stephen Walker

M60  68.12%    Lancashire WC    00:12:51.0 

Tony Bell

60.28%    Lancashire WC    00:13:58.0  

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REMINISCENCES 8 – DENIS JACKSON LOOKS BACK OVER AN OUTSTANDING CAREER

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Over recent years, when back for the occasional Northern event, I’ve often wondered if the people present knew that the the softly-spoken, unassuming bloke sat quietly in the corner is one of the great all-rounders in British Race Walking. His name is Denis Jackson, a product of the fascinating world of working class enthusiam for race walking to be found in the city of York and the great tradition of Postman Pedestrianism. These memories from Denis might well open a few eyes. Thanks to Graham, his son, for prodding Denis into making this contribution.

An early photo in Denis’s career

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

A non-uniformed Postman’s race sees Denis battling it out with Jackie Lord

 I first starting walking when joining the Post Office, where there were other employees interested in race walking. My first race was over 5 miles in the local Working Men’s club event. I heard there was a national Post Office championship walk so I decided to enter. The distance was 15 kilometres and I finished second to Denis Vale in either 1972 or 73. I’m not sure of the year, but it was held down south in Middlesex. After which I was hooked and the York Postal Race Walking Club was born, 

International Postman’s event in Greece

What’s your favourite race and why?

I didn’t have a favourite race, but 20 miles was the distance I liked most. Then I moved up to 50 kilometres. Nevertheless 20 miles was my favourite training session. Although I should mention the 1986 National 20 kilometres held in York where I broke 90 minutes for the first time. And that was after I had my shoe kicked off only 5 minutess into the race! 

Great shot of Denis in the 1985 World Cup

Which performance has given you the greatest satisfactio

Reaching the sea front in the 1975 London to Brighton classic is still in my memory. I finished second in the 1980 National 50 kilometres at Basildon behind the Australian, Tim Erikson, thus earning my first international vest in Paris in a match against France Spain and Switzerland. I broke the British record at 30k and 35k on the track in 1981. Being selected for the European Athletic Championships in 1986 was a highlight, along with my last international in the 1993 World Cup in Monterray, Mexico as a 48 year old!

Denis finishing in his final international, 48 years young

My biggest disappointments were not being selected for the 1984 Olympics – I was nominated for a place with the ‘B’ standard but overlooked – and not breaking 4 hours for 50 kilometres in 1986 when I was in the form of my life. I thought that 1986 was going to be my year. 

INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

Lugano Trophy/ World Cup 

1981 Valencia, Spain – semi final and final

1983 Bergen, Sweden-  semi final and final

1985 Isle of Man –   final

1987 New York, USA – final

1989 Retired – only a spectator.

1991 San Jose, USA – final

1993 Monterey, Mexico – final

European Championships 

1986 Stuttgart, West Germany

PERSONAL BESTS

10k 44:20 

20k 89:42

35k 2:41:03

50k 4:03:08

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On postponements, our dear friend Dave Crompton and a Club Virtual Series

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Tony Taylor

This coming Saturday, May 9, we should be gathering in Chorley to race in the Dave Crompton Memorial Seven Miles, still struggling to come to terms with the loss of such a beloved member of the club.

In conversation with John Crahan at the weekend he promised that he would be going out on Saturday to do a 7 miles training spin in memory of Dave – a touching and appropriate gesture. Spurred on I’ll be doing the same, conscious that I had always hoped, given Dave and Louise’s love of Greece, they would have made it to Crete to spend a few nights in our village. Perhaps other members of the club might do something similar this week.

As for the question of postponements we have no option, but to follow the advice of England Athletics with whom we are insured. At the present time it is safe to say that the following fixtures are postponed, if not cancelled.

May 9 Dave Crompton Memorial 7 miles at Chorley

June 8 Dick and Zena Smith 10K/5K at Bury

June 15 Masters 5k at Horwich

July 4 Barnard Trophy 10k  at Sutton 

July 25 Fred Pearce Relay [3x 5k] at Simister 

Aug 8/9 Centurions 100 miles at Colchester

Aug 15 Goodwin Cup 10k at  Chorley

There is a slim chance that the Lambert Trophy One Hour event on September 5 might take place, given it’s on the track at Bury away from public roads. We will await and see.

As noted on several occcasions we are committed to finding, if at all possible, alternative dates for the Dave Crompton and Fred Pearce events.

A CLUB VIRTUAL SERIES?

Facing further moments of frustration, unable to race against and socialise with one another, Dave Evans wonders whether there might be interest and support for our own version of a Virtual Series League. The idea assumes that many of us have the Garmin-type watches, which measure distance and time or indeed that we have a reasonably accurate lap of some kind that we can use.

The proposal might look something like this.

MAY – DISTANCE 3 KILOMETRES – Times to be submitted to Tony by the last day in the month

JUNE – DISTANCE 5 KILOMETRES – Times to be submitted to Tony by the last day in the month

JULY – DISTANCE 8 KILOMETRES – Times to be submitted to Tony by the end of the month

AUGUST- DISTANCE 10 KILOMETRES – Times to be submitted to Tony by the end of the month

Tony would collate the results. As I’m scribbling it may be that Dave could prepare a handicap for each distance so we could have a scratch and handicap competition.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

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We slip to third in the Virtual Series Age-graded Team race – but not by much!

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Tony Taylor

MENS AGE GRADED TEAM – 2 KILOMETRES


1 Steyning AC (86.65%, 45)
2 Surrey Walking Club (85.97%, 32)
3 Lancashire Walking Club (84.97%, 40)
– AUSTRALIA (78.54%, 67)
4 Sarnia Walking Club (73.62%, 108)
5 Birchfield Harriers (69.17%, 137)
6 Quickstep Fitness (68.01%, 139)
7 Scotia Race Walking Club (67.92%, 136)
8 Ilford AC (60.28%, 187)
9 Manx Harriers (53.65%, 236)
10 Winchester AC (47.48%, 276)
11 Lewes AC (41.33%, 320)
12 Cardiff AC (40.52%, 327)

81 times and entries submitted

TONY TAYLOR  M70  94.70%    Lancs WC    00:10:28.0    11.465 km/h 
TONY MALONE M65  83.81%    Lancs WC    00:11:16.5    10.651 km/h
GUY GOODAIR M80  76.40%    Lancs WC    00:15:11.0    7.903 km/h
Tom Partington the leading UK walker, in the 3k, 3rd in 12:44

MENS TEAM – 3 KILOMETRES


– AUSTRALIA (23)
1 Surrey Walking Club (39)
2 Winchester AC (90)
3 Lancashire Walking Club (99)
4 Steyning AC (102)
5 Sarnia Walking Club (106)
6 Scotia Race Walking Club (127)
7 Manx Harriers (220)
8 Cardiff AC (272)
9 Quickstep Fitness (296)
10 Birchfield Harriers (298)
11 Ilford AC (325)

67 times and entries submitted

19     Tony Taylor  M70  96.21%    Lancs WC    00:15:41.0    
30     Tony Malone  M65  82.91%    Lancs WC    00:17:20.2 
48     Stephen Walker  M60  70.47%    Lancs WC    00:18:54.0 

Full results at http://racewalkingassociation.com/ResultsDay.asp?d=28&m=April&y=2020

The Virtual Series 3 kilometres also at https://nationalendurancecentre.co.uk/race-walking with its permission.

Thanks as ever to Andi Drake , John Constandinou and Helen Elleker for their work.

Over the next two weeks the Open Virtual Series distance moves up to 4 kilometres, the Age-Graded team distance remains at 2 kilometres.

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REMINISCENCES 7 – Roy Gunnett remembers Harold Whitlock, Don Thompson, Phil Embleton and much more

Posted on April 26, 2020 by Tony Taylor
Roy in the performance, which gave him the greatest satisfaction – National 50k, 2015

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

The main prompt for me to take up race walking was watching some walking races at Crystal Palace in the late 60’s and early 1970’s where the likes of Paul Nihill and Phil Embleton were competing.  I had always been somewhat obsessed with athletics, middle and long distance running in particular, and living in the London area I never missed an opportunity to watch top class meetings at Crystal Palace.  During these meetings they would quite often put on a walk as well and watching these is what got me hooked.  The walkers seemed to demonstrate more of a ‘do or die’ attitude than the runners.  Even before this time I had greatly admired the exploits of Don Thompson, Ken Matthews and Paul Nihill at the Rome and Tokyo Olympics.

With this keenness to have a go at race walking I joined Enfield race walking club in 1972.  I was immediately struck by what a friendly community the race walking fraternity is.  After being shown the ropes on a couple of training spins with Peter Worth I entered my first race – a 3000 metres at Enfield Stadium on 22nd May 1972.  My time was a modest 16.54, however the effort made me physically sick.  The race was won by Amos Seddon.  I followed this up with a 5000 race at Enfield Stadium on 7th June 1972 with a time of 29.06.  My main memory of this race was being in awe of Phil Emblerton as he cruised round in the lead in great style, lapping me time after time.  I think of all the walkers I have watched he impressed me the most and it was such a great tragedy he was struck down so young with a fatal illness.  

I carried on walking around 30 races a year up until 1980 when my job and a young family took precedence over my time.  During this period I first was a member of Enfield Walking Club, then changed to Verlea and was finally with the Metropolitan Walking Club.  In those days I was never what you would call a fast walker – my performances at best were that of an average club walker.  Best times for me in a sample of distances were 41 minutes for 5 miles, 59 minutes for 7 miles, 112 minutes for 20k, 3 hours 9 mins for 20 miles, 3 hours 35 mins for 35k, 5 hours 24 mins for 50k and 9 hours 45 mins for the London to Brighton and the Manchester to Blackpool.

It was a coincidence that I did the same time for the London to Brighton in 1975 and the Manchester to Blackpool in 1976.  

When I look through the results in Race Walking Record in the 1970’s I realise now that in a few of my races I rubbed shoulders with some of the Lancashire Walking Club members I now know.  Little did I realise then I would be coming across these walkers 40 to 50 years on!

I have very fond memories of meeting some great characters in the world of walking back in the 70’s.  How many people can say they attended club meetings with 2 Olympic gold medallists – well I can.  During my time as a member of the Metropolitan Walking Club, club members Don Thompson and Harold Whitlock would attend some of the meetings.  I found it absolutely fascinating talking to these two gold medal winners.  Listening to Harold recounting his experiences at the 1936 Berlin Olympics was pure magic.  Harold very kindly wrote me a training schedule to follow based on my circumstances – this is something I have obviously kept and treasure.

1936 Olympic Games, Berlin, Germany, 6th August 1936, Harold Whitlock of Great Britain takes a drink on his way to winning the 50 Kilometres walk at the Olympic Games in a new olympic rcord of 30 minutes 41 seconds (Photo by Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)

Hew Neilson (the 24 hour world record holder) was another fascinating character to talk to.  He was very generous with his time and he helped me, along with many others, with good advice etc in my early walking days.  I greatly admired his ‘blood and guts’ attitude to walking – a bit like that of Colin Young.

One of the things I enjoyed about race walking was that unlike most sports you could compete alongside the greats in a race.  Without exception the top walking stars all seemed very happy to mix and socialise with the ‘lower ranks’ prior to and after a race.

After a long period of absence from participating in race walks I joined Lancashire Walking Club in 2008.  During the intervening time I did virtually no race walking – but I did try to keep fit with regular runs (including entering the occasional running race) plus swimming.  It was one of the best decisions of my life to join the Lancashire Walking Club – and I have enjoyed every minute of my association with it.

What’s your  favourite race and why?

I find it difficult to answer this question based on my time with the Lancashire Walking Club as I enjoy all of our venues.  In general I prefer the longer races as I feel you get ‘more for your money’ as the saying goes.  I find it disappointing that there are very few races left in the UK where the distance exceeds 10 miles.  Back in the 1970’s my favourite race was the Leicester Mercury 20 mile race.  The organisation of this race was brilliant – almost on a par with the London Marathon.  With both the club member race and the novice race taking place together you would get an entry for the Leicester Mercury exceeding 300 walkers – compare that with today’s entry sizes!

Which performance has given you the greatest satisfaction?

The performance which has given me the greatest satisfaction was my one in the National 50k RWA championship at Hillingdon in 2015.  Adrian Edwards, Dave Crompton and I comprised the team for the Lancashire Walking Club and we won the team prize.  In addition Adrian was the outright individual winner of the RWA title that year.  The race was particularly satisfying for me as the course and time limit stretched my abilities to the limit.  It was such a pleasure and honour for me to be able to share the National RWA 50k team prize with Adrian and Dave. 

Editor’s Postscript

Upon chatting by phone with Roy it is clear that one of those Crystal Palace eye-openers was the September 1971 Coca-Cola Invitation Meeting. In the 10,000 metres walk that opened the evening Phil Embleton did indeed blast us off the track. However, in his wake, Ron Wallwork finished fourth and yours truly fifth. A few weeks later we were both selected for a GB international versus West Germany, the first and only time our club has provided two representatives at one and the same time for a GB team.

To say the least our efforts were overshadowed on the night by a titanic tussle between two mavericks, Andy Holden and Dave Bedford, both fond of a pint, in the 3, 000 metres steeplechase. Andy wearing proudly his Lancashire vest gained ground over the barriers, Dave, the front runner extraordinaire, clawed back the advantage on the flat. In a pulsating finish, with Ron and I screaming for Andy, Dave lunged for victory in a new UK record. Bedlam prevailed!

It’s no wonder Roy came back for more, especially to see Phil Embleton in full flow. Majestic.

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Lancashire back on top in the Virtual Series Age-Graded Team competition

Posted on April 25, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Having been knocked off our top perch we’ve bounced back, displaying classic northern phlegm [apologies for the cliches!] to be the leading team in the Virtual Series Age-graded 2 kilometres competition.

The Two Tonys battling it out

MENS AGE GRADED TEAM


1 Lancashire Walking Club (33) (85.00%)
2 Surrey Walking Club (36) (84.73%)
3 Steyning AC (37) (86.25%)
– AUSTRALIA (73) (75.08%)
4 Sarnia Walking Club (91) (72.95%)
5 Quickstep Fitness (127) (65.82%)
6 Scotia Race Walking Club (138) (62.60%)
7 Manx Harriers (173) (54.99%)
8 Winchester AC (215) (47.78%)
9 Birchfield Harriers (254) (36.17%)

Team being:

Tony Taylor

M70  95.15%    Lancs WC    00:10:25.0

Tony Malone

M65  83.19%    Lancs WC    00:11:21.73

Guy Goodair

M80  76.65%    Lancs WC    00:15:08.0 
Guy Goodair in days of yore with Mal Tolley and.Ron Wallwork

In addition we are riding third in the overall Men’s Team race.

MENS TEAM


– AUSTRALIA (37)
1 Surrey Walking Club (39)
2 Sarnia Walking Club (59)
3 Lancashire Walking Club (87)
4 Steyning AC (88)
5 Scotia Race Walking Club (134)
6 Quickstep Fitness (156)
7 Manx Harriers (171)
8 Winchester AC (209)
9 Birchfield Harriers (241)

Meanwhile this week the Open Series distance moved to 3 kilometres and we’ve battled impressively to third overall with young Steve Walker entering the fray.

MEN’S TEAM

– AUSTRALIA (33)
1 Surrey Walking Club (35)
2 Steyning AC (81)
3 Lancashire Walking Club (104)
4 Scotia Race Walking Club (112)
5 Manx Harriers (119)
6 Winchester AC (152)
7 Sarnia Walking Club (180)
8 Birchfield Harriers (182)
9 Quickstep Fitness (185)

Team being:

Tony Taylor

M70  96.62%    Lancs WC    00:15:37.5    11.526 km/h

Steve Walker

 M60  71.10%    Lancs WC    00:18:44.0    9.609 km/h

Guy Goodair

M80  77.43%    Lancs WC    00:22:51.0    7.877 km/h

The photo below of the full 2k results isn’t very clear, but if you are interested in the overall placings, times etc, of both races go to http://racewalkingassociation.com/ResultsDay.asp?d=21&m=April&y=2020 It’s fascinating.

Latest news ahead of this week’s races over 2 and 3k is that Tony Malone is stepping up to the 3k, Guy and Steve are doing interval training and the hypochondriacal Taylor is nursing a swollen foot – the usual pre-race excuse.

And it’s not at all too late for anyone else to join in and strengthen our bid for World domination.

Thanks as ever to Andi Drake, Helen Elleker and John Constandinou for making this happen with a special word for John, who is shouldering the strain of working in a care home at such a demanding time. Respect.

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REMINISCENCES 6 – John Crahan observes ‘Le Temps Perdu’

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Tony Taylor

How it all began. Stephen Hawking and “Scoop” Crahan

At a Blackpool and Fylde A.C social function,w hich to my disgust was held in a pub. I proclaimed that I had done every track and field event.”What about race walking?”I was asked.

So on 15.5.76 in the Lancashire Championships, in Blackpool I lined up for the 3k walk. A very polite, smartly dressed chap walked with me till boredom made him take off. That was my first meeting with the legendary Fred Pearce Jnr. The next day in the 10k walk I had my greatest thrashing (Christian Brothers excluded). The winner did around 43 mins and lapped me 7 times.I did 61 min 26.4 sec to go with my 17m 39.6 sec in the 3k. However I was 4th in the 3k, shot and discus.

My favourite series of races is the Civil Service 7mile/10k race. They are friendly, well organised events but highly competitive. I have many fond memories including winning the odd team medal. In particular I remember my first race which was at Battersea Park. I was soon in splendid isolation and I had 6 team mates ahead of me. I did not know the protocol for retiring so I made a vague hand signal and jogged to the finish .As I rounded a blind corner a man in a raincoat leapt out at me. It would have been the best hand-off of my rugby career. At the subsequent inquiry the match referee and the judge accepted the explanation that I was a discus thrower.

It was a real education for me, as was my meeting with Eric Hall at Blackheath many years later.He had turned up to watch.He did no warm up and was attired in a string vest, borrowed shorts and wore brogues. He started slowly but I could hear someone offering advice to the judges. At 5 miles Eric caught me and informed the next judge  “You were rubbish at White City in 1958.” Given my technique lapses it was as well for me that they all obeyed his instructions to “Keep that paddle in your pocket”.

It was over 50 years since the 1952 Olympics. He had not been very well and was only strolling. I caught him with 10 yards to go. I lay on the grass verge about to do empirical research into life after death. Eric approached, not even out of breath, “Splendid walk young man -we must do this again.”

John leaving Sailash in his wake

Best performances – a misnomer in search of a home.

After a promising start- being awarded the Junior Victor Ludorum cup at school in 1959 and winning the Blackpool Welly Throwing- “Golden Welly” in 1974 it has been, unlike Chorley, downhill all the way.

In 1999 I entered the British Vets 3,000mts indoor race at Birmingham. The unusual feature was that you raced against walkers with roughly the same best times. You did not race exclusively in your age group.I t was 15 laps of hell I was carrying a back injury and expected the judges to have a say.I struggled throughout the race but caught but could not pass two female walkers. (Please note this was before gender fluidity).

 

I was in real pain.However 2 weeks later, fortified by Deep Heat and strong lager I was amazed to read in AW that I was a British Champion Over 50. Around the same period I did just over 67 mins for 7 miles .

My one attempt at the Manchester to Blackpool race brings back mixed emotions.My training and commitment gave me great satisfaction and boosted the sales of Vaseline. I was quite naïve and made too many  errors. I over trained, neglected speedwork, wore the wrong shoes and drank too much pure orange juice. My time of 11hrs 17 mins was really poor as I was expecting to finish sub 10:30.

On a positive note in 2019 I did a Parkrun with my 5 year old granddaughter Alexis .She found it easy and I had to stop her jumping on benches. We did 38min 15 sec.It was without doubt my favourite race.

Alexis takes an exhausted John for an ice-cream [and a pint]

I have greatly appreciated reading about the superb performances of  my fellow athletes. I have not scaled the heights of previous contributors but I have loved every second of my involvement in our wonderful sport.

EDITOR’s POSTSCRIPT

The Eric Hall of Belgrave Harriers mentioned in John’s reminiscence represented Great Britain at both the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. For a time he was something of a regular at Lancashire WC club races. I presume he may have been working up North. I’ll do some more research and perhaps Ron Wallwork can fill in some details. I’ve got a feeling that Eric’s competitive presence was significant in assisting Ron’s development in the early 1960s.

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RIP – Ann Sayer, Long Distance Walker Supreme and the first pioneering female Centurion

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Given our club’s proud history of long distance walking it seems fitting and appropriate to post this tribute to the remarkable Ann Sayer, the first female Centurion, written by Gail Elrick of the Long Distance Walkers Association. Thanks to Chris Bolton, a longstanding member of the LWDA, for bringing our attention to this sad loss.

Long Distance Walkers Association. The LDWA is an Association of people with the common interest of walking long distances in rural, urban, mountainous or moorland areas.

Ann Sayer MBE (LDWA no. 646) Vice President of the LDWA

born 16.10.36 died 15.4.2020

Ann died on Wednesday, April 15. She had been in the local hospital for nearly 2 weeks. She was admitted because of breathing difficulties, a problem that had affected her for some months. Also she had recently undergone an above the knee amputation of one leg and the remaining leg was causing problems. However she remained incredibly cheerful and positive throughout and had adapted to life in a residential home. Fortunately her window in the home gave a view of Bushy Park (she refused offers of bigger rooms to keep this view) and she recently took delivery of a second mobility scooter (the first having been returned as it was not fast enough).

This ability to remain positive and determined marked the lady who did so much to promote walking and the MBE, awarded to her in 2005, was for just this achievement.

Her first sporting love was actually mountaineering and her first competitive sporting activity was rowing. The latter began when she was in University and led to her selection for the GB Eights Team that rowed in the European Championships. Walking began in earnest with the completion in 1973 of the Long Mynd Hike (after which she joined LDWA) and in 1974 she did her first LDWA 100, the Peakland 100.

At this time she also began race walking. Unlike the LDWA where there were no restrictions on female participation, race walking restricted women to short distances. But this did not deter Ann competing in races not open to women and in 1977 Ann (and her friend Di Pegg) were allowed to race walk in the Bristol 100 and they both finished. Thus Ann became the first female Centurion (100 miles within 24 hours).

Further triumphs continued including in 1979, with an LDWA support Team, completing the 3 Peaks (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) walking 420 miles in 7 days and 31 minutes (a new record).

Land’s End to John O’Groats then followed, also with an LDWA support Team completing a route of 840 miles in 13 days, 17 hours and 42 minutes. Another record and entry in the Guinness Book of Records.

Many other Challenge Events and 100s continued, too many to list here. She also helped on numerous events and in Local Groups, served for 15 years on the NEC and was the first female Chair of the LDWA.

Remarkably these were not the only things in her life. She spent most of her working life as a geologist with BP and particularly in later years she was heavily involved in the life of the local community including leading walks for Walking for Health, acting as a volunteer guide at Strawberry Hill House and working in the visitor information centre in Bushy Park.

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REMINISCENCES 5 – MARION FAWKES, A LEGEND AND PETER, HER HUSBAND, NOT HALF BAD HIMSELF!

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Tony Taylor

Pleased and privileged to post these reminiscences from the greatest female race walker these islands have produced and her talented spouse. If you venture across the Pennines to race in the Northern Walking League of Trevor McDermot’s imagination you will find them still mucking in to support the sport they love.

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

Marion:

I only really entered Athletics after school and initially had some success at County level winning senior titles at 200m Hurdles, 800m, 1500m, 3000m and Cross Country . I also won a number of local road races and became the first woman to win the Blyth 10 mile. However, on the track a friend of mine did the walks and I always volunteered to join her in order to gain points for my club. I hasten to say I was always last!

After a few years I decided to take the walks more seriously, mainly because the coach at my club said I shouldn’t as at 4’10’’ with short legs I was too small. I love a challenge so ignored him and the rest is history. Within a few short years I became National Walks Champion and an International.

 [Editor’s note – and World champion and World Record Holder!]

Marion on her way to winning the European Economic Community Championship

Peter:

Like Marion, I came into athletics late although I did win county championships at long and triple jump whilst at school. Road running was my favourite on leaving school and I ended up breaking 50 minutes for 10 miles and 1hr 48 mins for 20 miles. However, I sustained a serious injury to my foot and whilst recovering and to keep fit I used to accompany Marion on her walks for a short distance until she forged ahead and left me. I enjoyed doing the walking but couldn’t master the style so to improve I entered my first race at the Civil Service championships at West London Stadium and initially was devastated as I was hopelessly left by the like of Bob Dobson, Peter Selby, John Hall, etc. However, I was very impressed and encouraged as the whole field waited for me at the finish line clapping me in and from that moment I was hooked by the camaraderie of these strange people. 

What’s your favourite race and why?

Marion:

I don’t have a favourite race really although I most enjoyed Internationals and my fondest memory is the week spent touring Scandinavia with the England team where, between Carol Tyson and myself we re-wrote the record books. It was the bond we all forged together as a team that was the best aspect of this trip rather than the success we achieved. This bond came to fruition during subsequent races as we finally overcame the dominant Swedish team at Eschborn in the first official globally recognised championship for women.

Marion defeats the great Siv Gustavsson at a world meet 

Peter:

Like Marion, I don’t have a particular favourite race as I was in the sport for less than 3 years due to a subsequent injury halting my progress just as I was starting to understand the technique but I did enjoy my trips down to York to take part in the York Postal Sprint League very much.  

Which performance has given you the greatest satisfaction?

Marion:

A number spring to mind. Winning the Eschborn Cup was the pinnacle but also winning the EEC championships is high on my list as it now appears I could be the only British athlete, man or woman to hold that title. I also fondly remember my world records and Spanish wins at which I met many new friends and a mention must go to the 5000/10000 double I achieved at the Australian Masters 10 years after officially retiring. A win at the Geraldton (WA) half marathon in 1hr 26mins in 36 degrees of heat also compares favourably. All of these performances were very satisfying as I know they also made the late Charlie Fogg (my coach) proud.  

 

Civil Service Sports Personality of the Year

Peter:

Surprisingly finishing last in my first ever race gave me a lot of satisfaction as it introduced me to the wonderful, supportive nature of race walkers. Winning the Morecambe 20k and the Civil Service 3000m track also gave me pleasure but in general finishing any race and mingling with other walkers was always highly satisfying. I should also mention that remaining undefeated against Ian McCombie (he was only a boy at the time) is something I always remind him of.

Funniest moments?

Marion:

None, I was always more serious than Peter. 

Peter:

Watching Marion in an 800m track championship at Durham. With only 200m to go she was 40m clear of the field and pulling away when suddenly she bent over double, left the track and sat down. We all rushed over anticipating a serious injury; but the truth was that the elastic had snapped in her shorts and she couldn’t go on. She still can’t live that one down! 

Finally, Peter and I will be forever grateful to Betty Jenkins and Brian Armstrong who opened up their homes for us to stay on certain occasions when competing in the Midlands and the South, and also of course to Ron and Joan Wallwork for doing likewise when we attended the Moulton events.

POSTSCRIPT

A few days after the above was received Marion had second thoughts!

Peter and Marion out on the road together

Marion has remembered a funny incident. One summer we both attended a training group at the CS Sportsground, me as a footballer and Marion as an athlete. However, we all went for a 3 mile run interspersed with exercises as part of the training but the group dwindled until one night there were only the two of us. We went out but it was dark and we ran down a road with no lights. Suddenly I was talking to myself and realized Marion was no longer with me. On investigating, I discovered she had fallen down a deep hole left by workmen and I had to pull her out. We had a good laugh about it and from then on we became friends, then a courting couple and we finally got married in 1972. Over 50 years later we are still together so fate certainly played its hand.

Editor’s addition

Above Marion recalls the remarkable week in 1979 when she and the also magnificent Carol Tyson took Scandinavia by storm, pushing each other to remarkable performances. Find below the series of races they undertook and in which they excelled.

June 30 – 5,000 metres track, Sweden

  1. Carol Tyson 23:11.2 [World Record]
  2. Marion Fawkes 23:19.2
  3. T. Gylder [Norway] 23:33

July 1 – 5,000 metres road, Sweden

  1. Marion Fawkes 23:58
  2. Carol Tyson 24:00
  3. E.Glasson [Sweden] 24:05

July 4 – 5,000 metres road

  1. equal Marion Fawkes/Carol Tyson 23:47
  2. E.Olsson [Sweden] 23:58

July 6 – 3,000 metres track, Sweden

  1. Carol Tyson 13:25.2 [World Record]
  2. A. Jansson [Sweden] 13:39.4
  3. T.Gylder [Norway] 13:41.4

[Marion was disqualified in the last 25 metres trying to pass Carol!!}

July 8 – 10,00 metres track, Sweden

  1. Marion Fawkes 48:11.0 [World Record]
  2. T,Gylder [Norway] 49:55
  3. Irene Bateman 50:40

[Carol Tyson contested and won a 5,000 metres track race in 23:53 at the same meeting]

1979 IAAF World Race Walking Cup, September 29-30, Eschborn, FDR

Womens 5,000 metres [held for the first time]

  1. Marion Fawkes GB 22:51 [World Best]
  2. Carol Tyson GB 22:59
  3. Thorill Gylder Norway 23:08

TEAM RACE

  1. Great Britain 85 pts
  2. Sweden 74 pts
  3. Norway 69 pts

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