The normal race distance of 15 miles was replaced with a 7-mile race. A new ‘out and back’ course was used – with the turnaround point at 3.5 miles out.
On a bright and sunny day, 12 competitors set off on this picturesque but hilly and taxing course at Chorley.
Tony Bell and Greg Smith shared the lead from the start and maintained this to the 4-mile point, Tony then pulled away and won both the scratch race and the handicap.
He was awarded the Allen Trophy for the scratch race win.
There was a general consensus from all involved that this new distance and the course used for the Allen Trophy was a success.
1 Tony Bell Lancs WC M55 73:47
2 Greg Smith Lancs WC M65 76:07
3 Joe Hardy Lancs WC M70 78:16
4 Sailash Shah Lancs WC M50 78:46
5 Irene Pike Lancs WC W65 79:07
6 Phil McCullagh Lancs WC M60 79:38
7 Steve Sargent Lancs WC M70 80:18
8 Ian Hilditch Lancs WC M75 81:41
9 Roy Gunnett Lancs WC M70 83:00
10 Pat Evans Lancs WC W65 83:01
11 John Payn Lancs WC M80 95:30
12 Andrea Lennon Lancs WC W75 100:08
British Athletics/County Athletic Union/Race Walking Association 10km Road Race Walking Championships – Sunday 20th May 2018
Senior Men’s – 10km
1 Luc Legon (U23M) SM Cambridge Harriers Kent 51:19
2 Adam Cowin SM Manx Harriers Lancashire 53:18
3 David Annetts (M50) SM North Herts Road Runners Hertfordshire 58:11
4 Adrian Edwards (M55) SM Lancashire Walking Club G. Manchester 59:59
Anthony Bell (M50) SM Lancashire Walking Club Cheshire DQ, Anthony Malone (M65) SM Lancashire Walking Club Lancashire DQ, Paul Hawkins (M60) SM Stratford-upon-Avon AC Warwickshire DQ. Peter Hannell (M75) SM Surrey Walking Club Surrey DQ, Steve Allen (M60) SM Barnet & District AC Hertfordshire DQ
I must confess to finding this result disconcerting for a number of reasons – the low turnout for a national, the slow winning time for a national, not to mention my confusion about the county affiliation e.g. Greater Manchester or Lancashire? I’m obviously aware that traditionally IOM walkers have always raced in the colours of Lancashire. In the end, Adrian in better form might well have got a bronze. Commiserations re the disqualifications.
DETAILS OF THE NEXT RACE FROM ROY GUNNETT
DATE: SATURDAY 2nd JUNE 2018.
EVENT: R SMITH AND Z SMITH 10k & 5K TRACK CHALLENGE WALK
VENUE: BURY A C TRACK, CORNER OF MARKET ST / WELLINGTON RD. BURY. BL9 9FX.
START: 1.30PM
Please note – You have the option of doing a 10k race or a 5k race.
Hope as many of you as possible can make this race.
If anybody is unable to race could you please still come and help with Lap scoring etc.
I couldn’t resist asking John if I could pull together into a single post his almost unbelievable memory of his victory in the 1966 Blackpool, previously covered in Guy Goodair’s reminiscences.
The Royal Sutton Coldfield team at the start, all in black leather shoes apart from John.
Fascinating to read Guy Goodair’s account of the 1966 Manchester to Blackpool. I remember it well! It was my first 50 miles and I had no idea what to do. Royal Sutton had persuaded me to enter even though my maximum training distance was 9 miles. Why I agreed to walk I will never know. I will leave my memories of this event another day. It was an epic from start to finish!
Well, here it is! Stayed at the YMCA and was woken very early by walkers getting ready. Did not have breakfast -Too early! Just a cup of black coffee and went to the start with my back-up team of Arthur Wilkins and his son, Andy. Soon we were away and I found myself in the lead. Went through 7 miles in around 57 minutes and was well in front. Arrived at the drink station at Bolton but it was not open – Probably earlier than expected. Now needed the loo! Fortunately, there was one of those downstairs ones in the middle of the road in Bolton so I went down to relieve myself. Found out later they did it down their legs and did not stop. Anyway, coming up from the bowels of the earth I met the leading group who I walked with for around 10 minutes before taking off on my own again.
I did begin to wonder where the back-up team was because I had not seen them at all. So, on I went on my own through half-way and then Chorley. By now I was feeling none too good as I had not had a drink since the cup of coffee at the start. I remember a time check at 50k which was 4 hours 30 something but still no drinks. Where on earth was my attendant? Then I saw Dick Kerr’s works and a bus full of women on a day out to going to Blackpool. They were parked in a lay-by. I got onto the bus and begged a drink. All they had was beer so I had a pint bottle of Guinness which I drank immediately and then took another opened with me. I now felt much worse than before and my legs began to buckle. After the bottles of Guinness and considerably further down the road, I managed to buy a large bottle of pop at a shop near a time check and was told I was 2 miles in front of the second walker. I made the pop last as long as possible and just walked slowly on towards Blackpool.
I had been told that the windmill was 7 miles from the finish and when I got there I found my attendant who had come in a taxi to tell me the car broke down at the start. They gave me a drink and a Woodbine so I sat down and enjoyed both. All of a sudden, one of them shouted, ‘Get up John there is a walker coming’. Of course, you all know, it was Guy Goodair who had easily made up the two mile deficit. It was not long before I was caught but had the idea that I must try to hang on which I did until we arrived at Blackpool Promenade to be subjected to all of the ribald comments from drunks enjoying a bit of fun. The last mile was hard but I remember pulling away from Guy as I was faster over a short distance. Finally, the finish was there and the hot bath welcome.
I have no idea why I agreed to do this race and did not return for another 15 years – The memory was so horrific! The next attempt was also a win but I got lost several times on the way but that is another story.
Doing no more than keeping up with results. Hoping you are enjoying Easter despite the cold. Sadly I’m not sure when I’ll be appearing in person. The latest news on my broken foot has not lifted my spirits, recovery being talked about in terms of months. For my sins, I’m in a choir, who are rehearsing ‘Always look on the Bright Side’ as a comic number for a variety show. Finding it difficult to be in harmony with the sentiment! Take care, keep training and beware careering horses!
The bottom of the descent into White Coppice
Roy Gunnett reports:
We had a good turnout of 13 for the race – this included 2 guests from the Midlands, Stuart Edgar and Glyn Jones.
The usual course was used, comprising 1 mile out, 3 laps of a hilly circuit and then 1 mile home.
It rained incessantly throughout the race.
Peter Crahan took an early lead and the rest of the field was soon strung out once the first of the hills was hit.
Stuart Edgar had an excellent race – he caught Peter and overtook him to win the scratch race.
John Crahan won the handicap race and therefore the Allison Trophy. John walked a particularly strong final 2 miles and picked up a number of places.
1 Stuart Edgar Dudley & Stourbridge M45 100:40
2 Peter Crahan Lancashire WC M65 100:54
3 Joe Hardy Lancashire WC M70 102:03
4 Glyn Jones Coventry Godiva M75 103:58
5 John Crahan Lancashire WC M65 104:47
6 Irene Pike [Lady] Lancashire WC W65 105:08
6 Ian Hilditch Lancashire WC M75 105:08
8 Pat Evans [Lady] Lancashire WC W65 106:48
9 Roy Gunnett Lancashire WC M70 107:41
10 Steve Sargent Lancashire WC M70 108:04
11 Sailash Shah Lancashire WC M50 108:22
12 Dave Evans Lancashire WC M70 108:34
13 Phil McCullough Lancashire WC M60 109:57
NEXT RACE
DATE. SATURDAY 7th APRIL 2018
VENUE. EX SERVICEMANS CLUB, SUTTON, MACCLESFIELD, SK11 OHL
I must give my apologies for the prolonged silence on our website. It’s been a difficult start to the year on a personal front, culminating this very week with my dramatic collision with our loveable, roguish, rescue racehorse, Leo. As result I’ve broken a la Beckham the 5th metatarsal in the right foot, part of the paddock fence is smashed, but Leo, whilst a little embarrassed and shocked, is fine. Unfortunately, the prognosis re my condition is not good as it’s a ‘Jones’ fracture, infamously slow to heal – perhaps 12 weeks if all goes well! It will be the longest period out of action I’ve ever experienced. As you might expect I’m feeling proper ‘mard’.
What me? Mi dad should watch where he’s going!
Any road less of my whingeing, find below the results of the two races, in which our members competed.
SAM SHOEBOTTOM 10K HELD at SIMISTER, February 10
Roy Gunnett reports:
We had a good turnout of 16 (2 of which did 5k) for the first event of 2018 following the winter break. The weather left a lot to be desired – light rain, breezy and cold (6deg C).
Martin Fisher walked strongly throughout and was the clear winner with a margin of over 7 minutes on second place man Tony Bell.
Closely following Tony was the Midlands pair of Glyn Jones and Stuart Edgar who finished 3rd and 4th respectively.
The handicap and Sam Shoebottom trophy were won by Peter Crahan.
1
Martin Fisher
Redcar RWC
M55
57.35
2
Tony Bell
Lancashire WC
M50
64.50
3
Glyn Jones
Coventry Godiva
M75
65.16
4
Stuart Edgar
Dudley & Stourbridge
M45
65.30
5
Peter Crahan
Lancashire WC
M65
65.58
6
Greg Smith
Lancashire WC
M65
67.50
7
Joe Hardy
Lancashire WC
M70
68.08
8
Roy Gunnett
Lancashire WC
M70
68.37
9
Irene Pike
Lady
Lancashire WC
W65
68.58
10
Dave Crompton
Lancashire WC
M50
69.43
11
Ian Hilditch
Lancashire WC
M75
70.17
12
John Crahan
Lancashire WC
M65
70.27
13
Sailash Shah
Lancashire WC
M50
71.36
14
David Hoben
Surrey WC
M65
72.31
5K
1
Pat Evans
Lady
Lancashire WC
M65
33.47
2
John Payn
Lancashire WC
M80
39.18
Obviously, I won’t be with everybody as I hoped on Saturday in Chorley. However, I will try to catch up with a historical post, courtesy of Fred’s investigations. On the subject of history, I’m wondering if it’s worth pursuing, for example, the unfolding story of the Northern Winter League series, which I began. I’m not sure of what interest it is? Does it smack of self-indulgence?
The fifth race in this season’s series of Northern Winter League races is to be held on Sunday, January 28 at Drighlington, start 11.00 a.m. Credit is due to the Yorkshire Walking Club for keeping the Winter League tradition alive and it is to be hoped that our club will be represented.
Dalton start – Ta to Linda McDermot
Competing in the previous race at Dalton got me thinking about the history of the Northern Winter League. Reading between the lines it seems clear that at the end of 1960 concerns were being expressed about the relative lack of competition in the North across the winter months. Down South races abounded with the London Sevens bringing together fields of the highest quality, whilst the Midlands had a well-established Winter League series, which included for the first time in this particular year a pioneering Schoolboys race over 2 miles. Striding like a Colossus across the scene was the majestic figure of Ken Matthews, who in the month of November won the Enfield and Belgrave Sevens, the former in 50:40 [his course record being 49:29] and the Midlands Winter League 6 miles in 42:15.
Hence on November 26, the Northern Area organised what was described as ‘a friendly get-together’ over 6 miles at Stocksbridge, Sheffield. Sixty competitors and five teams started, the latter comprising Lancashire WC, Leyland Motors, Wakefield Harriers, Yorkshire WC and Sheffield UH. Sheffield’s Greasley brothers, Doug and Mick finished first and second respectively, separated only by a second in 48:53 and 48:54. Our club’s leading athletes were Ron Wallwork and Jack Sankey, clocking 50:55 and 51:15 with Fred Pearce Junior coming home in 54:34, almost 10 minutes ahead of his father. Following the race Ron was presented with the Robinson Trophy for the outstanding performance by a Northern walker during the season, having won both the AA Junior 1 mile and RWA Junior 5 miles championships. The event was declared a great success.
Our Ron, a few years on!
A year later a similar jolly inter-club race over 7 miles came to pass, starting from our club headquarters, the splendid Midland Hotel. Meanwhile, to keep the parallel going, Ken Matthews was winning the Enfield 7 in 49:09 with Ron 4th in 53:29 and the Belgrave equivalent in 49:51 with Ron 7th in 54:22, four seconds ahead of a certain Paul Nihill. Inevitably Ken won a short first Midland Winter League 5 miles in 32:36. Back on the four-lap course in West Didsbury, Manchester, Ron had a battle royal with Sheffield’s Albert Johnson, before pulling away to victory in 55:42. From our ranks, Jack Sankey came 4th in 60:05, one second ahead of a young Guy Goodair in Wakefield’s colours and a further second ahead of the stylish Mal Tolley of Sheffield. Further down the field behind the likes of Ivor Percival, Stan Watkins, Martin Trotman and Fred Pearce was to be found a future national coach, Julian Hopkins, 18th in 65:51, Was this Julian’s first year in race walking? Once again everyone was pleased with affairs, so much so that the Northern Area correspondent, Jim Hackwood proposed that a Northern Winter League series be put in place.
Guy Goodair, Mal Tolley with Ron Wallwork
Thus the first ever Northern Winter League race over 7 miles was held in West Didsbury on November 17th, 1962. In Ron Wallwork’s absence, Sheffield dominated, placing four in the first six to finish. However Albert Johnson was pushed all the way by an improving Guy Goodair, 57:28 to 57:43, ahead of Mal Tolley and the Greasley brothers. Jack Sankey flew the flag for Lancashire coming home sixth in 59:28. Our club’s scorers in the team race were Jack, Fred 62:06, Julian 63:22 and Mike Hatton 64:13. Things looked rosy – 45 competitors and six teams, including Don Valley WC, finished. The latter team inspired by Flight Lieutenant, Dicky Bird from the Lindholme RAF base, was located in the Doncaster area.
Sadly the Nordic gods did not look kindly on the second race due to be held in Sheffield on January 5th, 1963. Arctic conditions blocked the Woodhead Pass and the event had to be cancelled. And, would you believe it, the cold-blooded deities weren’t satisfied. The February Race Walking Record found Jack Sankey reporting that three teams were unable to cross the Pennines for the third in the series because of snow, namely, Sheffield, Wakefield and Yorkshire. As it was the roads in Lancashire were clear, allowing Ron Wallwork an easy passage in front of Belgravian, Eric Hall, 54:56 to 58:30. Jack came home third in 59:03. Fascinatingly, the previously mentioned new Yorkshire club, Don Valley, led by Ken Broome in fifth, finished a team. How come they made it? Given their connections with the Royal Air Force, did they fly? We’ll probably never know.
The following 1963 March meeting of the Northern Area agreed that its next Winter League series would be held in October, November and December to escape the bad weather. Was the Committee right? Look out for further revelations in the coming months.
————————————————————————————————–
And, given we are talking about the Northern Area Race WalkingAssociation, it would be remiss not to pay our respects to Michael Nicholson, its Honorary Secretary, who died suddenly at the beginning of the month. Mike was a fascinating and cultured member of the race walking fraternity, witness his passion for Early Music and much-loved by the generations of pupils he taught.
The Hull Daily Mail reported that ‘the 70-year-old ex-teacher was a well-known race walker, and carried the Olympic Torch through Beverley’s Saturday Market in 2012′, quoting one student as saying, ‘he was the face of Wolfreton School. Mad as a box of frogs, but a great character’. Mike would have liked that. He will be sorely missed.
Back long ago when I was trying to be a decent race walker [and indeed, even now, as I’m still an obsessive soul] there was something special and significant about putting in a session on the first day of the new year. I can remember being out bright and early on eerily, empty Bolton roads with Ron Wallwork, Eric Crompton, Mick Entwistle, Steve Crow, Dave Vickers and Julian Hopkins, amongst others, feeling we were putting one over on those future competitors, who had stayed in bed, nursing their partners or hangovers. We congratulated ourselves on being made of sterner stuff!
Hence I propose that the first of our New Year resolutions ought to be, ‘I will train, come, what may, on New Year’s Day’.
As you look ahead here is what I’m still calling the provisional 2018 Fixtures List – my apologies if there is a later version. I can easily incorporate revisions – please advise.
LANCASHIRE WALKING CLUB FIXTURE LIST 2018
10 Feb
B
10k
Sam Shoebottom Trophy
1.30
SIMISTER
10 March
B
15k
Alison Trophy
1.30
CHORLEY
7 April
B
10 miles
Macclesfield Shield
1.30
SUTTON
28 April
B
7 miles
Allen Trophy
1.30
CHORLEY
20 May (Sun)
A
10k
RWA CHAMPIONSHIP
?
COVENTRY
2 June
B
10/5k track
R & Z Smith Trophy
1.30
BURY AC TRACK
17 June (Sun)
A
5K
BMAF CHAMPIONSHIPS M/W
10.30
HORWICH
7 July
B
10k
Barnard Trophy
1.30
SUTTON
28 July
B
3 x 5k
Fred Pearce Trophy Relay
1.30
SIMISTER
18 August
B
10K
Goodwin Cup
1.30
CHORLEY
8 Sept
B
1 Hour
Lambert Trophy
1.30
BURY A C TRACK
6 October
B
10k
Albert Rigby Shield
1.30
SUTTON
3 Nov
B
5k
LWC AGM (111th)
1.30
SIMISTER
1 Dec
B
10k
Dick Maxwell Memorial & Xmas H’cap
1.30
SIMISTER
BEST WISHES FOR 2018 TO ALL OUR MEMBERS AND READERS
As the year closes I’m posting a couple of Winter League results, where club members have competed. If there any other outstanding results from races outside of our own club fixtures, please send me the appropriate information.
2nd Northern Area Winter League 10km, York, Oct 29
A slightly better turn out at this regular venue reports Alan Brooks. Dave Jones finally turned up to collect his first prize for last year’s series, but didn’t make a great start in the handicap for this year’s. That’s how it works, you see; the handicapper’s blue pencil has been at work!
Colin Scott M55 Yorks RWC 57:35
Martin Fisher M55 Redcar RWC 58:20
Martin Young M45 Hallamshire Harriers 61:12
Denis Jackson M70 York CIU 65:40
David Crompton M50 Lancs WC 66:01
Russel Jackson M70 Yorks RWC 67:59
Mark Byrne M55 Redcar RWC 71:59
Richard Cole M70 York CIU 73:45
Andrew Thacker ? Yorks RWC 77:10
David Jones M65 Redcar RWC 79:11
WINTER LEAGUE RACE 3 and SOUP & ROLL EVENT Dalton, North Yorks 26 Nov 2017
I know I’m getting mard, but as cold as I can ever remember for a race, particularly because of the chilly wind on the outward 2 kilometres+ uphill section. As you can see Pat and I pulled off a Lancashire double. Dave, as ever, was mucking in as a conscientious official.
10 kilometres
Yours truly, struggling up the last incline on the first half of the opening lap
1 Tony Taylor Lancashire WC M70 55:26 [27:28] 2 Martin Fisher Redcar RWC V55 M 58:17 [29:31] 3 Sharon Gayter North York Moors AC F50 65:16 [32:29] 4 Dennis Jackson York CIU M70 66:19 [32:36] 5 Russ Jackson Yorkshire RWC M70 68:04 [33:11] 6 Bill Gayter North York Moors AC/novice M50 73:45 [35:52] 7 6 Mark Byrne Redcar RWC M55 74:48 [37:46] 8 John Paddick Quickstep Striders M70 80:15 [39:59] 9 Yam Gurung Yorkshire RWC/novice M55 80:34 [41:12] 10 Atmaram Dahal Yorkshire RWC/novice M55 80:35 [41:12] 11 Dave Jones Redcar RWC M65 84:46 [41:53]
5 kilometres
Pat already to the fore
1 Pat Evans Lancashire WC F65 34:58 2 Alan Brooks Yorkshire RWC M70 35:53 3 Abbie Walker Sedgefield H/novice U15 37:14 4 Marie Walker Sedgefield H/novice F45 39:52 5 Judith Fisher novice F50 41:49 6= Kath Stewart North Shields Poly/novice F70 6= Ron Stewart North Shield Poly M75 43:29 8= Jenny Walker Sedgefield H/novice U15 8= David Walker Sedgefield H/novice M50 48:37 10= Anita Dahal novice F50 10= Shova Gurung novice F50 55:03
Trevor McDermot reports:
Sunday morning dawned cold, crispy and clear with a few icy patches on the race circuit of undulating, twisting country lanes that required coning off. Otherwise, an interesting 5km route was clear and practically free of vehicle traffic. This small, scenic village nestled in upper Teesdale, was the venue of our first Soup & Roll League promotion nearly four years ago.
Eight different clubs were represented overall, 11 in each 5 and 10km tests, and eleven (precisely half of the walkers) were complete newcomers. A few usual stalwarts were absent. We were delighted to introduce the novel concept of Race Walking to members of the Catterick parkrun volunteer team, and to the Walker family from Sedgefield Harriers who were to eventually earn themselves three prizes to take home including a signed copy of Chris Maddocks’ book.
I was really sorry to miss this Saturday’s Dick Maxwell Memorial race. Believe it or not, I was even warming to the Simister ‘Nightmare’ out and back course! My illusions aside, this post seeks to wrap up the results of the club’s 2017 races.
BILL JACKSON 5 Kilometres held in conjunction with the Club AGM at Simister, November 4, 2017
Roy Gunnett reports:
Tony Bell leads Martin Fisher back in 2016
There was an excellent turnout for the race of both walkers and officials – the 17 walkers included 3 guest walkers (Glyn Jones and Stuart Edgar from the Midlands and Dan Maskell from Brighton). Weather conditions were cold and windy with sunny spells.
Both the scratch race and handicap were won by Tony Bell. It was a yacht handicap and an excellent piece of handicapping by Dave Evans created a close finish.
The 110th Lancashire Walking Club AGM was held following the race, this was chaired and presented by Fred Pearce. The minutes of the AGM were taken by Greg Smith – he will be circulating these to all members.
1 Tony Bell Lancashire WC M50 29.58
2 Greg Smith Lancashire WC M65 31.14
3 Dan Maskell Surrey WC M65 31.29
4 Dave Crompton Lancashire WC M50 31.32
5 John Crahan Lancashire WC M65 31.53
6 Peter Crahan Lancashire WC M60 31.55
7 Glyn Jones Coventry Godiva M75 31.57
8 Stuart Edgar Dudley and Stourbridge M45 31.58
9 Roy Gunnett Lancashire WC M70 32.36
10 Joe Hardy Lancashire WC M70 32.41
11 Pat Evans Lady Lancashire WC W65 33.26
12 Sailash Shah Lancashire WC M50 33.52
13 Steve Sargent Lancashire WC M70 34.20
14 Phil McCullough Lancashire WC M60 34.39
15 John Payn Lancashire WC M80 38.23
16 Andrea Lennon Lady Lancashire WC W75 39.58
Ian Hilditch Lancashire WC M75 DNF
DICK MAXWELL Memorial 10k held at Simister, December 2, 2017.
Roy Gunnett reports:
The race was held over the tough/ undulating 6 lap ‘Nightmare Course’ – on an overcast cool day (6 degrees C).There was a good turnout of 16 walkers, this included 4 guest walkers. Adrian Edwards took an early lead which he held over the first half of the race, he was closely followed by Martin Fisher and then Martin Young. Martin Fisher in the second half gradually reeled in Adrian, took the lead and went on to win the scratch race.
Dave Crompton won the handicap and was awarded the Dick Maxwell trophy.
After the race, all enjoyed the annual /traditional pie and peas kindly provided by Pat Evans and served by her, Flo and Irene. There was also the traditional ‘secret Santa’ gift presentation.
1 Martin Fisher Redcar RWC M55 57.37
2 Adrian Edwards Lancashire WC M55 58.27
3 Martin Young Hallamshire Harriers M45 60.02
4 Tony Bell Lancashire WC M50 63.52
5 Glyn Jones Coventry Godiva M75 64.55
6 Dave Crompton Lancashire WC M50 66.08
7 Joe Hardy Lancashire WC M70 66.33
8 Dan Maskell Surrey WC M70 76.59
9 Greg Smith Lancashire WC M65 68.48
10 Roy Gunnett Lancashire WC M70 68.57
11 Steve Sargent Lancashire WC M70 69.12
12 Phil McCullagh Lancashire WC M60 69.28
13 Ian Vaughan Lancashire WC M60 74.10
5K
1 Irene Pike Lady Lancashire WC W65 32.16
2 Pat Evans Lady Lancashire WC W65 33.06
3 Ian Hilditch Lancashire WC M75 36.56
Lancashire Walking Club : Health The First Wealth 