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.
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.
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.
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%)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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 Iwas 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
Carol Tyson 23:11.2 [World Record]
Marion Fawkes 23:19.2
T. Gylder [Norway] 23:33
July 1 – 5,000 metres road, Sweden
Marion Fawkes 23:58
Carol Tyson 24:00
E.Glasson [Sweden] 24:05
July 4 – 5,000 metres road
equal Marion Fawkes/Carol Tyson 23:47
E.Olsson [Sweden] 23:58
July 6 – 3,000 metres track, Sweden
Carol Tyson 13:25.2 [World Record]
A. Jansson [Sweden] 13:39.4
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
Marion Fawkes 48:11.0 [World Record]
T,Gylder [Norway] 49:55
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
The latest news from the Virtual Series sees your ageing team of Taylor, Malone and Goodair flying the flag in the Masters section – thanks to Helen Elleker and John Constandinou for sorting out the results.
MENS TEAM
– AUSTRALIA (45) 1 Sarnia Walking Club (53) 2 Surrey Walking Club (59) 3 Lancashire Walking Club (90) 4 Manx Harriers (117) 5 Scotia RWC (121) 6 Steyning AC (148) 7 Winchester AC (149) 8 Birchfield Harriers (179)
MENS AGE GRADED TEAM
1 Lancashire Walking Club (32) 2 Surrey Walking Club (56) – AUSTRALIA (70) 3 Sarnia Walking Club (82) 4 Steyning AC (114) 5 Manx Harriers (121) 6 Scotia RWC (124) 7 Winchester AC (152) 8 Birchfield Harriers (191)
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Meanwhile Stephen Walker writes:
Attached is a picture post the Llanelli Half Marathon on 8th March. I was walking with a Disabled Athlete who was going to be having a go at the London Marathon next month. London’s chosen charity this year is Mencap. Hence some of us are supporting athletes with disabilities to encourage and support them. Problem is now got to keep fit for another 6 months now until the rescheduled date
Whilst Martin doesn’t respond to our set questions specifically, he rewards us with a delightfully written account of his journey to becoming a Centurion. As something of a lightweight I remain in awe of all those who’ve cracked the 100 miles. It was originally penned for the Dark Peak fell running club newsletter.
WALKING ROUND IN CIRCLES
Martin showing good form recently at Chorley – racing a sensible distance!
49 laps, 98 miles down, 1 lap to go. About 1 and a half hours left and it’s in the bag unless I have a major cardiac event. As I walked past the various marshalls and judges for the very last time I thought back to how this Centurion obsession began…..
The idea of walking 100 miles within 24 hours started shortly after the club Alport Castle race way back in June 2013. I was in good shape and finished within seconds of Tom Westgate and so was delighted—until the next morning when I realised my left ankle was sprained. Tried resting if for a few days before running again but on reflection I was just too impatient and it became a chronic problem which culminated about 3 months later in an MR scan and an offer of a steroid injection which I politely declined. Instead I decided to get sensible and just stop running.
Walking didn’t seem to hurt though and it was around this time that I came across an article in Strider ( the LDWA magazine ) about someone who qualified as a British Centurion by walking 100 miles around Lingfield race course in under 24 hours. It sounded quite a barmy thing to do. But a seed had been planted !
With slight trepidation I told my regular running partner Jim Fulton about my plan to have a go at the Centurion, expecting a bit of light ridicule, but to my surprise he was quite taken with the idea. In fact within hours I know he was on the net researching race walking technique! So we started going out midweek on fast 2 hour urban walks and on Saturday mornings we ventured out on longer walks, sometimes taking in country lanes out into Derbyshire whilst on other occasions we would head into the estates of Parsons Cross, Woodbourne, the Manor and Parkhill.
We contacted the secretary of the British Centurions but they were a bit slow in deciding the venue for the annual qualifying event for 2014-so we looked further afield and signed up for the Dutch version in Schiedam in early June. Flights and hotels were booked and our training got ever so slightly serious as we started the new year—but not too serious with Jim around as you can imagine.
After we had exhausted the roads near and far, Jim devised an excellent route which made good use of the national canal towpath network. One particular Saturday in February we set off from Lodgemoor to eventually reach the Peak Forest canal by way of Castleton and a sewage works just short of Buxworth canal basin. After all the ups and downs on the hills it was full steam ahead along the tow path to eventually reach our destination, New Mills Central railway station for a train back home. Whilst enjoying the well earned sit down on the platform we were a bit put out to hear the announcement that the 16-10 train to Sheffield had been cancelled. Disappointing but it gave us time to check out New Mills and grab a tea and some cakes before the next train back. Fortunately the cafe owner, Ali, seemed to be better informed than National Rail as he gently informed us that there wouldn’t actually be another train to Sheffield until next Tuesday ! The only way back by rail involved a jog to New Mills Newtown station and then a train to Stockport where we would then pick up a Sheffield connection. I explained our predicament to the guard on the train en route to Stockport and he quoted something like £45 for the price of a single ticket to Sheffield—each. Jim muttered something about “not wanting to buy the actual train” and fortunately the guard saw reason and let us off with a £6 ticket each instead. We eventually made it to the Tap at Sheffield station for a well earned beer or two.
On another Saturday we walked to Congleton via the canal system, a distance of 50 miles, in a shade under 12 hours, and on arrival at the station we were both feeling a bit damp around the edges. Still, the train to Stockport arrived very promptly and I sat back feeling quite mellow until Jim told me that he wanted to get out of his damp clobber and into some dry gear that he had stashed in his rucksack. There were no toilets in our bit of the train but that didn’t seem to worry Jim who insisted on getting out of ALL his clothes and into the dry stuff. I must say he was quite slick about it which made me think he’d done it before in similar circumstances, but slick or not I sat quietly praying that the guard or another passenger would not come strolling down the aisle in our direction.
On another occasion I remember feeling a bit anxious when Jim suggested that the route for the midweek evening walk, in darkness, would be along the Tinsley canal starting at the canal basin in central Sheffield. He was very reassuring and against my better judgement we set off with torches one moonlit Wednesday evening. I must admit it was lovely to see the moon reflecting off the water and very peaceful as we approached Tinsley locks but just when my defences were down a young chap just appeared from the shadows to ask us if we were dogging. I can’t recall the exact response but I do remember the rather sudden surge in pace as we strode on and away heading for the Tinsley viaduct, a fine place to walk offering excellent views of the water treatment works down far below.
For a bit of “mental toughness” training one Saturday we drove to Rother valley country park and proceeded to walk a 2 mile loop around one of the lakes, again and again for a full 8 hours. We performed well and felt just about ready to take on the 100 miler in Schiedam. Jim and Hilary flew to Amsterdam and spent a few days exploring the city before heading onwards to Schiedam where I joined them the day before the event. Although we had done lots of long fast walks we felt rather nervous as we made our last preparations for the event.
The Dutch were friendly and welcoming and at 12 noon we set off in a group of about 50 walkers in Beatrix Park. We soon settled into a decent pace on a 2.5 mile loop-but could we keep it going? In the afternoon the park filled with locals who tucked into beers and BBQ’s enjoying the sunshine as we plodded on and on around them, lap after lap after lap. In the night Jim’s feet started to give him some serious grief and eventually he had to seek help from the first aid station. He actually fainted in there and after dressings had been applied and coming round he was strongly advised to retire. My feet were fine but my mind was all over the place and after about 66 miles we both decided to throw in the towel and we slunk off back to the hotel feeling quite miserable. Jim showed me his feet later and the soles looked like a Dominos pizza topping. Not good. Strange how Jim can run for miles and miles without any blisters but when he walks he just can’t seem to avoid them. Something to do with biomechanics I guess, but whatever he wasn’t keen to try another Centurion anytime soon. I had about 6 weeks to regroup though and try again as I had already entered for the British event in Southend.
There was no park at Southend-this time it was a 400m track in an athletics stadium. About 25 walkers set off and round and round we went in the sunshine carefully watched by judges sat at various points around the track to make sure we didn’t break into a jog. Unfortunately it was quite a hot day but at midnight I was pleased to be on target and treated myself to my Ipod nano and a change of trainers. Sadly the ipod had lost its charge which was a body blow as by then I was losing all interest in the “scenery” and needed something to distract me. Anyway I carried on and managed to keep going, just, for the full 24 hours, but only completed 97 miles so failed in my bid to become a Centurion. My initial thought was to stop there and take up something more sensible like train spotting but after a decent night’s sleep I decided that I should try again the following year.
The qualifying event in 2015 was to take place around a 2 mile course along pavements in Castletown which is quite a scenic port just down the road from the airport at Douglas on the Isle of Man. I sent in my entry fee early and cracked on with the training which often involved walks out to Macclesfield , returning by train. At the end of December in 2014 my old car finally died and I decided not to replace it and instead walk to and from work as a way of providing a little bit more weekly mileage! Jim continued to keep me company on some training walks which was great for morale and perhaps our favourite walk out of all of them was a night outing to Manchester, leaving my house in Lodgemoor at 11pm one Friday, arriving in good time for a Wetherspoons’ breakfast in the city centre near Piccadilly gardens. We were surrounded by groups of young lads and it was difficult to decide if they were starting early or finishing late as they knocked back their pints. Needless to say Jim joined in with a couple of Robinsons’ best whilst light weight that I am stuck to a pint of Builder’s tea. Although it rained the whole way it was a fantastic outing and the breakfast was the best that I’ve ever had. We even obtained seats on the train back to Sheffield !
Well, August soon arrived and after a short flight from Manchester I checked into my hotel in Castletown. After a solid breakfast I registered and then just tried to relax until the “race” started at 2pm. There were about 100 entrants and the locals were very supportive as we fast walked round and round the 2 mile course. I recall going through 50 miles in something like 11 hours 10 minutes and I felt pretty good at that stage. My lap times were quite consistent, generally 25 to 28 minutes for the first half and 28 to 30 minutes for the second half of the event. There were 48 finishers within the 24 hours, the fastest with an incredible time of 19 hours and 14 minutes but I was absolutely delighted to be the 32nd with a time of 22 hours and 59 minutes, making me the 1153th Centurion since records began back in 1911.
ALSO SEE THIS POST FOR THE LIST OF CLUB CENTURIONS, TO WHICH WE SHOULD ADD MARTIN’S NAME.
Lancashire Walking Club : Health The First Wealth 