A Festive Feast of Race Walking at Horwich

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Tony Taylor

Eric Horwill reports:

Record entry 50. Record turn out 47. 8 New Championship Best Performances. Excellent support from Horwich Festival of Racing Committee. Good Weather!
Thanks to everyone who supported and helped at this most successful promotion.

and Trevor McDermot comments:

Excellent turn out at Horwich, a richly deserving tribute to Eric and Pam Horwill as they now sign out after organising this popular event for ten years.  A mighty close battle at the front of the Mens race and some really outstanding performances that would compare well anywhere in the world. Great to see Lisa Kehler out again and giving it her all !

A special mention too for Fred and Adrian, who didn’t have a moment to themselves as they pored over the results, age-gradings and the like. Great support for the event from our club.

LADIES
1. Lisa Kehler Wolvs & Bilston. 25m 58s**. 1st W45. 85.17%. 1st
2. Penelope Cummings HHH. 29m 20s. 1st W40. 70.10%
3. Carolyn Dyall Nuneaton. 29m. 50s. 1st W35. 66.17%
4. Ann Wheeler Leicester. 31m 07s**. 1st W60. 79.43%. 3rd
5. Agnes Ellis, Scotia. 31s 24s**. 1st W55. 75.32%
6. Julie Bellfield Halesowen. 31m 44s. 2nd W45. 68.55%
7. Fiona Bishop Woking. 32m 29s. 2nd W55. 73.58%
8. Noël Blatchford Abingdon. 32m 54s**. 1st W65. 84.38%. 2nd
9. Hilary Mann Sparkhill. 33m 06s. 1st W50. 70.04%
10. Lynn Bellfield Halesowen. 33m 24s. 2nd W50. 66.82%
11. Jan McCue Lancs. 33m 28s. 3rd W55. 69.97%
12. Pat Evans Lancs. 33m 33s. 2nd W60. 77.35%
13. Karen Davies Birchf’d. 36m 10s. 4th W55. 64.75%
14. Claire Goulden Lancs. 36m 34s. 3rd W50. 61.58%
15. Andrea,Lennon Lancs. 38m 58s. 1st W70. 77.03%

**New Championship Best Performance
TEAM 1st Lancashire Walking Club – Jan McCue, Pat Evans, Claire Goulden. 103m 35sl

MEN
1. Patrick Murphy Castle Island Eire. 24m43s. ** 1st M55. 86.58%
2. Mark Williams Tamworth. 25m 08**. 1st M50. 82.96%
3. Ian Richards Steyning. 25m 13**. 1st M65 97.11%. 1st
4. Tony Taylor Lancs. 26m 34s. 2nd M65. 93.16%. 2nd
5. Dwane Butterley Leicester. 26m 47s. 2nd M50. 76.54%
6. Adrian Edwards Lancs. 27m 29s. 3rd M50. 77.20%
7. Bill McFadden Scotia. 27m 31s. 4th M50. 77.11%
8. Colin Turner Nuneaton. 28m 45s. 1st M70. 89.33%. 3rd
9. Andrew Fraser Scotia. 29m 28s. 5th M50. 69.57%
10. Sean McMullin Mullinger Eire. 29m 47s (2nd M70). 84.11%
11. Greg Smith Lancs. 30m 10s. 1st M60. 77.51%
12. Roger Michell Surrey. 30m 23s. 3rd M65. 80.47%
13. John Constandinou B’field. 30m 50s. 1st M40. 63.30%
14. Dave Evans Lancs. 30m 52s. 4th M65. 80.18%
15. Shaun Lightman Surrey. 30m 58s. 2nd M70. 84.02%
16. Dan Maskell Surrey. 31m 11s. 5th M65. 78.41%
17. Roy Gunnett Lancs. 31m 13s. 6th M65. 79.28%
18. Glynn Jones Cov. Godiva. 31m 16s. 3rd M70. 84.33%
19. Simon Pugh N. Masters. 32m 28 s. 1st M55. 67.76%
20. Dave Crompton Lancs. 32m 58s. 6th M50. 63.25%
21. Joe Hardy Lancs. 33m 23s. 4th M70. 76.93%
22. Stuart Edgar DaSH. 33m39s. 1st M45. 58.94%
23. Sailash Shah Lancs. 33m 54s. 7th M50. 67.76%
24. John Softley Scotia. 33m 59s. 7th M65. 71.11%
25, Mark Byrne Redcar. Eire. 34m 22s. (2nd M55). 62.27%
26. Sean Pender E&H. Eire. 34m 27s. (2nd M60). 67.15%
27. Chris Bolton Lancs. 35m 08s. 1st M75. 78.27%
28. Norbert Will N.I.Masters. 35m 32s**. 1st M80. 82.22%
29. Stephen Sargent Lancs. 36m 25s. 8th M65. 68.34%
30. Phil McCullough Lancs. 38m 09s. 2nd M55. 58.24%
31. John Payne Lancs. 38m 20s. 2nd M80. 77.48%
32. Edwin Grocock. Sheffield. 42m 07s.**. 1st M90. 83.30%

TEAMS Over 60. 1st Lancashire Walking Club
Tony Taylor Greg Smith Dave Evans. 87m 36s
2nd Surrey Walking Club
Roger Michell Shaun Lightman Dan Maskell. 92m 32s

TEAMS OPEN. 1st Scotia RWC
Bill McFadden Andrew Fraser John Softley. 90m 58s
2nd Lancashire WC
Adrian Edwards Dave Crompton Sailash Shah. 94m 21s

INTERNATIONAL AGE RELATED TEAMS
1st England. Ian Richards Tony Taylor Colin Turner. 93.21%
2nd Eire. Patrick Murphy Sean McMullim Sean Pender 79.28%
3rd. Scotland. Bill McFadden Agnes Ellis John Softley. 74.51%

Top dozen by Age Grade:
97.11% – Ian Richards **
93.16% – Tony Taylor
89.33% – Colin Turner
86.58% – Pat Murphy **
85.17% – Lisa Kehler **
84.38% – Noel Blatchford **
84.33% – Glyn Jones
84.11% – Sean McMullin
84.02% – Shaun Lightman
83.30% – Edwin Grocock **
82.96% – Mark Williams **
82.22% – Norbert Will

** Championship Best performances

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Jam Butties – the key to victory!

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Tony Taylor

Imagine, if you will, what seemed to be the set for a new TV series situated in a picturesque North Yorkshire village – technicolour bunting swaying in the breeze above a classic village green; anxious volunteers wrestling with trestle tables and uncooperative gazebos; elegant horsewomen riding aristocratic horses; cheerful cyclists chasing farmers’tractors; and a village hall bustling with life and expectation. And then the twist, this was no rehearsal for a soap opera or detective series. The inflatable starting arch and the digital clock indicated otherwise. This was Kirkby Fleetham, the venue for the Spring Festival of Race Walking, inspired by the history of the Bradford 50 kilometres, now lost under the wheels of the all-conquering automobile.

brass band

In truth the weather was not what the idyllic scene demanded. Whilst most of Northern England basked in the sun, Kirkby Fleetham was overcast and frankly bloody cold. However in hindsight the cooler temperature proved to be the liking of the gallant souls, who set off at 10 in the morning to race from 20 upwards to 50 kilometres. At stake were the Northern 35k championship and the Geoff Dowling Rose Bowl for the best overall team performance. A supporting cast of athletes set off an hour and a quarter later racing 5 or 10 kilometres, adding a measure of speed and diversity to the proceedings.

Adrian

As it was the Northern championship was dominated by Lancashire with a smooth untroubled defence of his title by Adrian Edwards with Roy Gunnett in 3rd and Sailash Shah fourth clinching the team title with Phil McCullagh backing up in 5th. However more success was to come our way, somewhat unexpectedly, as Sailash announced he was going to finish the 50k, come heaven or high water. We were a mite concerned, especially as Sailash complained that his stomach was gurgling. Sustenance was required. Not content with his leading role in organising the whole day Trevor McDermot rose to the challenge, appearing with a much needed jam butty to soothe our hero’s bowels. Thus fortified Sailash strode on to finish 6th behind the relaxed victor, Bill McFadden of Scotia RWC. In the event Sailash’s effort meant that Lancashire pipped the ever smiling lads and lass of Scotia by a single point to bring home the Rose Bowl. As we understand it Trevor and Sailash are in earnest negotiations with Duerr’s, the oldest jam maker in England re sponsorship for next year, provided Sailash is given a starring role in the pre-festival publicity.

In the 10k Category A race our club provided four of the eight finishers with Tony Taylor 3rd, Greg Smith 4th, Tony Bell 5th and, defying serious illness, Dave Crompton 7th.

Full results here – Holt Bradford Results 2016

I can only add my voice to the chorus of praise for Trevor and Linda McDermot , their army of volunteers and the Yorkshire Race Walking Club for their imagination and graft in putting on a festival of race walking destined to be a permanent feature of the racing calendar. And as ever we must thank the officials, such as our own Fred Pearce, Eric and Pam Horwill and Russel Jackson for their expertise and persistence across seven hours of activity.

Finally it was a joy to see Paddy Dowling again, as humble and humorous as ever, and swap tales about the great tussles in the past between our club and Sheffield United Harriers, now sadly, but a proud name in the history of our sport. And to remember again, Paddy’s amazing long-distance feats. For example he once raced four 200 plus kilometre European events on successive weekends – utterly magnificent, utterly bonkers!

See you all at the Festival next year. We’ve a reputation to uphold.

 

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21st Anniversary of the Fred Pearce Relay, 2016

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Tony Taylor

Video and photos of the 2015 Race, courtesy of Trevor and Linda McDermot

 

Roy Gunnett reports on the 21st anniversary of this unique and popular event.

There was a good turnout of 20 walkers – comprising 16 Lancashire walkers plus the very welcome inclusion of 4 guests who had travelled long distances to take part.
In order to make up 7 teams of 3,  Adrian Edwards walked two 5k legs in his relay team.
The team award was won by Claire and Adrian.
The weather was mild with a little rain during the middle of the race.

 

 
1 Adrian Edwards Lancs WC  M50  27:24
2 Dave Evans  Lancs WC  M65  28:08
3 Tony Malone  Lancs WC  M60  29:03
4 Glyn Jones  Coventry Godiva  M70  30:47
5 Roy Gunnett  Lancs WC  M65  31:10
6 Simon Pugh  Rotherham Harriers  M65  31:32
7 Russ Jackson  Yorkshire RWC  M70   31:40
8 Dan Maskell Surrey WC  M65  31:44
9 Greg Smith Lancs WC  M60  32:02
10 John Crahan  Lancs WC  M65  32:07
11 Peter Crahan  Lancs WC  M60  32:35
12 Pat Evans  Lady  Lancs WC  W60  32:47
13 Tony Bell  Lancs WC  M50  32:50
14 Joe Hardy  Lancs WC  M70  32:57
15 Sailash Shah  Lancs WC  M50  33:39
16 Phil McCullagh  Lancs WC  M55  33:46
17 Alastair Shand  Lancs WC  M50  33:58
18 Claire Goulden  Lady  Lancs WC   W50 34:53
19 John Payn  Lancs WC  M80  37:56
20 Andrea Lennon  Lady  Lancs WC  W70  38:25

Team Pos Teams
1 Claire Goulden
Adrian Edwards
Adrian Edwards   94:34
2 Sailash Shah
Glynn Jones
Tony Malone   95:14
3 John Payn
Simon Pugh
Dave Evans   97:36
4 Alastair Shand
Russ Jackson
Dan Maskell   98:52
5 Pat Evans
Joe Hardy
Roy Gunnett   99:54
6 Phil McCullagh
John Crahan
Greg Smith   100:10
7 Andrea Lennon
Peter Crahan
Tony Bell   104:05
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YORKSHIRE R W C FESTIVAL OF WALKING, MAY 29

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Tony Taylor

Kirkby Fleetham

This should be a great day. Brass band on the green – my dad, Alf of both the Bedford Church band and Lancashire Walking Club would have been chuffed, spurred on to a PB, I reckon. As consolation for missing the Fred Pearce relay I will be in Kirkby Fleetham , in what shape remains to be seen. All being well I’ll give it a go in the 10k. More importantly I’ll be on the roadside, cheering on our team in the NARWA 35k, where we will be defending our title. Hope to see you there.

 

 

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Fred Pearce Memorial Trophy, May 21 plus Chorley result

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Tony Taylor

Thanks to Roy Gunnett for the following information and apologies that I won’t make it, especially given Fred’s desire to see 7 teams on the starting line.

NEXT RACE: FRED PEARCE 21st MEMORIAL RELAY

Simister

DATE SATURDAY 21st MAY 2016

DISTANCE: 3 X 5K

VENUE: LADY WILTON HALL, SIMISTER, M25 2RX

START: 1.30PM

TEAMS SELECTED ON THE DAY.

Please come along and support this unique event being the 21st to be held.
At our last race Fred said he would be delighted if we could achieve a target of 7 teams of 3 for the relay.

Thanks to Roy again for the results and report below

Allen Trophy 15 miles, Chorley 30th April 2016 (Race Permit No:RWA6050-1)

The race was held over a demanding hilly course – comprising 1mile out / 5 laps /1mile back.
It was good to see Sean Pender (Enfield Harriers) who came all the way up from London to do the race.
The weather was variable – starting off cool and windy with a little drizzle and then brightening up towards the end of the race.
Adrian Edwards easily won the scratch race, coming in over 20 minutes ahead of second place.
Joe Hardy won a closely contested handicap.

1 Adrian Edwards Lancs WC M50 2:31:19
2 Roy Gunnett Lancs WC M65 2:52:53
3 Sean Pender Enfield Harriers M60 2:53:33
4 Joe Hardy Lancs WC M70 2:54:26
5 Sailash Shah Lancs WC M50 2:56:53
6 Phil McCullagh Lancs WC M55 2:58:06

10 Miles
1 Dave Evans Lancs WC M65 1:40:38
2 Pat Evans Lady Lancs WC W60 1:55:48

7 Miles
1 Claire Goulden Lady Lancs WC W50 1:34:04
2 John Payn Lancs WC M80 1:34:04
3 Andrea Lennon Lady Lancs WC W70 1:39:10

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Vic Murray RIP : An Inspirational Centurion

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Tony Taylor
vic-murray-c256

Vic Murray in the National 20 miles at Wimbledon, 1955.

It was heartening to hear that there was a good turnout for Vic Murray’s funeral with Eric Horwill attending as President of the Centurions. Quiet and unassuming he was a much loved member of the club, always willing to help out, whatever the task.

Fred Pearce, who supplied the evocative photo of Vic racing over 60 years ago, recalls that
his Dad, Fred Pearce Senior and Vic finished together in the London-Brighton and Back in 1955 when they became Centurions No 255 and 256 with a time of 22hrs 29mins 50secs.

Chris Bolton was very close to Vic. Indeed Chris remembers Vic as his mentor, the reason he both joined Lancashire Walking Club and became a Centurion. This is the story Chris penned for the Centurions web site.

In May 1957 I went to Blackpool to watch the finish of the Manchester to Blackpool relay race. This was an eleven man relay featuring the best running clubs from the Midlands and North of England.

It was there that I met Vic Murray who told me that each year he walked Manchester to Blackpool, a distance of 51.75 miles. I couldn’t believe anyone could walk that far; he then told me that he had walked 100 miles within 24 hours and was Centurion No. 256. At that moment ambition was born and I knew that I wanted to be a Centurion.

Four weeks later, aged eighteen and with no training or preparation I stood on the start line at 6-15 am to walk from Manchester to Blackpool. With only the confidence and ignorance of youth I kept with Vic for forty miles. At that point I decided to retire and a message was sent for a car to pick me up. After sitting at the side of the road for forty minutes I realised that the message must have gone astray and as one of last walkers passed (Billy Watson C146) I decided to join him and finish the race. In the end I finished in 11 hours and 3 minutes, just behind Billy but in last place.

Well that certainly wasn’t an auspicious start but I was hooked. Five years later I finished the Manchester to Blackpool Walk in fourth position and led Lancashire Walking Club to the Team Title. Seven days later I qualified as a Centurion, finishing together with Brian Howarth and Paddy Dowling, and I would be forever grateful for the chance meeting with Vic Murray.

On crossing the finishing line I was the youngest Centurion at that moment, not the youngest ever. However 48 minutes later Davey Moncrieff of Sheffield crossed the line and he was three months younger than I was so that distinction didn’t last long.

Chris continues:

Vic will be sadly missed and I cherish many happy memories of him.

He had a wry sense of humour. I remember him telling me one day that Marie was suspicious of him clearing off every Saturday (it wasn’t true of course) and that he had to show her his blisters to prove what he’d been doing. As he said “its a good job I didn’t tell her I went horse riding”.

For my part I won’t be able to approach the turn in Heaton Park on the Simister course without remembering Vic’s welcoming encouragement and the time he chided me gently for claiming the cone was in the wrong place!

Vic Murray, Centurion 256 – Rest in Peace.

 

 

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Catching Up and Good Luck : Sutton and Chorley

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Tony Taylor

My apologies for not being on top of things. I’ve been laid low with a chest infection, which has been resisting antibiotics. Anyway I’m just making sure the Sutton Macclesfield 20k result is on the blog, along with wishing everyone the best for tomorrow’s gruelling 15 miles at Chorley.

Sutton

Macclesfield Shield 20k @ Macclesfield, 9th April 2016 (Race Permit No:RWA6049-1)

Pos. Team. Time.
1 Adrian Edwards Lancs WC M50 2:02:06
2 Tony Bell Lancs WC M50 2:12:11
3 Roy Gunnett Lancs WC M65 2:12:19
4 Glynn Jones Coventry Godiva M70 2:14:40
5 Dan Maskell Surrey WC M65 2:19:53
6 Ian Hilditch Lancs WC M70 2:20:52
7 John Crahan Lancs WC M65 2:21:19
7 Joe Hardy Lancs WC M70 2:22:04
9 Sailash Shah Lancs WC M50 2:27:04

10K
1 Pat Evans Lady Lancs WC W60 68:37
2 Irene Pike Lady Lancs WC W60 70.46
3 John Payn Lancs WC M80 79.40

Retired
Phil McCullagh 14.4K Lancs WC M55 1:43:04
Greg Smith 10.8K Lancs WC M60 1:17:13

The Sutton course meant an inevitably tough 20k. Fortunately the inclement weather rolled in after the finish. Adrian probably bit off more than he could chew, setting off 15 minutes in arrears. Hence he led an isolated existence in contrast to the rest of the field, where a number of hard-fought races within the race ensued. Ian Hilditch won the Macclesfield Handicap Trophy in a greatly improved performance. A significant feature in the later stages was the shortened stride of many competitors. This would be something we could explore and work on if we could organise a training day. Obviously, given I was marshalling at the right hand turn beyond the garden centre, I’d have to register my concerns about the safety of the course. As it was we were blessed with a number of helpers, Dave and Eric with Trevor and Linda, sponges in hand at the crossroads. Fred was freed up to follow the race more closely than usual.

After the race I meant to have a walk round the  Walker/Pavey Lane triangle, but the heavens opened. However, after messing around with Google Maps, I’ve got the following frying-pan proposal for your consideration.

Start at the War Memorial as usual to the bottom of Pavey Lane, approximately 0.53 k, then walk the triangle – both ways round need considering – which is approximately 1.37 k and return to War Memorial – approx 2.43 k, leaving us to find 2 x 35 metres for a 2.50k lap. Hence the 10k would be 4 of these frying pan laps, allowing split times to be given, a feeding point at the Memorial, more interaction with officials and spectators.

If this seems worth exploring and we can get our hands on a wheel I’d be happy to check it out end of May or June. Thoughts appreciated.

And to repeat good luck to everybody in the Chorley and White Coppice foothills!

HEREWITH NOTIFICATION OF THE NEXT RACE:

DATE:                            SATURDAY 30 APRIL 2016

EVENT/DISTANCE:     ALLEN TROPHY 15Miles

VENUE:                         ST.PETERS CLUB, EAVES LANE, CHORLEY. PR6 0DX

START TIME:                1.30PM

 

 

 

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Race Walking : Facing the Future

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Tony Taylor

Firstly apologies for not posting a report on the Sutton Macclesfield 20k, but I’ve gone down with a chest infection, which isn’t responding to antibiotics. Anyway, just to keep the ball rolling and to encourage discussion here is a challenging argument from Trevor McDermot, which has just appeared on Facebook and has kicked off a lively debate, including information that Saturdays’s RWA 20k was 440 metres long! Hence Tony Bell, who flew the flag for us, can adjust his time accordingly! Trevor’s original was sent to the Essex Race Walker for inclusion in its pages.

With regards to the regular criticism of RWA in Essex Walker, private conversation and e-mails, may I suggest that our Officers are hardly getting any younger while not being replaced to any greater degree than we are finding new walkers.

The National body comes under consistent fire. But if you stop to think about what that implies, only means criticism of the same band of hardy servants who are out there standing in all weathers every year, purely for the benefit of Race Walking. Do I need to name them ?

Criticism of the RWA website is quite valid. In this day and age its quite shocking that such a crucial issue has not been addressed.

We squeeze in at Hillingdon when the cyclists allow, to have our most important National on a very slow circuit, quite hidden away from the general public. No atmosphere. No public address. The DQ board is a disgrace. Hardly any Midlands or Northern walkers apart from the Manx who were brilliant.

Big mistake not to arrange this with the Olympic Trials in advance of Rome, or on London Marathon weekend with Olympic selections tomorrow.

Tom gives us another training session while our promising youngsters – the ones who really matter most – win National medals to no acclaim at all as most of us are still on duty for the 20km. That’s so wrong !

I’m sure that RWA Officers would be delighted to have new people contributing, and to cut down on days given up for Committee meetings, or – perish the actual thought – be able to have the odd weekend off for their own benefit. We really should applaud or at the very least recognise what we have. It does seem unfair that a body gets continually slated without any consideration of the individuals who are the ones keeping it all going.

It would be far more pertinent to question the real governance of Race Walking in this country. UK Athletics control official development including grading of Judges and have their own Championships.

Do we even need the RWA ?

Why should the UK 2016 Olympic Trials not be mentioned in certain circles, we are also booked for Moulton committee and popular race that weekend ?

Why do we have two National 10km championships, one very well supported, and one that will not ?

I see very committed people on both sides and only hope for cohesive communication with positive action for the advantage of all.

Together, against many odds, we can be so much stronger.

Continually divided like this, we haven’t a chance.

regards

Trevor McDermot

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Bill McFadden and Yorkshire win individual and team titles: Ken Munro Trophy

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Tony Taylor

Ken Munro Memorial Trophy   –   Thornton-le-Clay (nr York)  –  10 Miles Road (Cat B) –  Saturday March 26th  [Thanks to Trevor McDermot for the report]

Kenmunro

9 miles into the race and Tony Bell is pursued by Martin Fisher. They dead-heated for second place

This inaugural Trophy race, organised by the Northern Area RWA as a new Match between Lancashire, Yorkshire and Scotland walkers (M/F) took place on a quiet village one mile out and back circuit with very little traffic, including a hill towards the turn where competitors felt the effects of a strong crosswind.

Scotland’s Bill McFadden took control of the 12-strong field from the start and, walking with his usual tidy action that met with approval from the judges, passed halfway in 47:33 a couple of minutes ahead of the field to come home in just under 96 minutes. Behind him Tony Bell (Lancs) contended with Peter Ryan (Yorks), the latter struggling with lack of training due to planter faciitis troubles. Martin Fisher (Yorks) came through to have a real ding-dong with Bell –  no pun intended !  – over the final lap and neither could be separated by the finish recorders. Ryan held off consistent Dennis Jackson for 4th, followed by Roy Gunnett (Lancs).

Yorkshire on home ground were too strong for the Lancashire threesome, although positions may well be reversed in next year’s event at the other end of the M62 corridor. The Team race would certainly have been a lot closer had Lancashire WC featured one or two of their faster men turning out for the the County, while the prospects of Scotland, similarly likely to be members of a single club, will need to be watched out for in future. Hopefully they will also get their turn to host.

The new format for this event proved a success with better numbers than were seen for recent Northern 10 Miles Champs (now defunct). It is interesting that had there been a Club team race then winners would have been Redcar RWC, over Lancashire WC on 16 points each, by virtue of their 3rd scorer Mark Byrne, and for whom this year’s 100 Miles organiser, Centurion Dave Jones provided back up. At the meeting after the race Mark was appointed as new Northern President.

We were very grateful to those who travelled so far to support this new event, particularly the Fishers, Peter Ryan, RWA Chairman Glyn Jones, and of course Bill McFadden. It does seem fitting that the new silver Trophy should make its first journey to a part of the world where the late Ken enjoyed so much of his final years.

Thanks are also due for the team of officials, including some notable NARWA stalwarts, who all contributed to produce a pleasant and enjoyable event. Guests are most welcome to participate in future.

Individual Result  (also see attached with all lap splits)

1 Bill McFadden Scotia RWC SCOTLAND 95.55
=2 Tony Bell Lancashire WC LANCASHIRE 99.50
=2 Martin Fisher Redcar RWC YORKSHIRE 99.50
4 Peter Ryan Ilford AC YORKSHIRE 101.39
5 Dennis Jackson York CIU YORKSHIRE 109.15
6 Roy Gunnett Lancashire WC LANCASHIRE 108.02
7 Graham Jackson York CIU YORKSHIRE 109.15
8 Trevor Taylor   (Guest) Redcar RWC CLEVELAND 111.50
9 Mark Byrne Redcar RWC YORKSHIRE 115.20
10 Richard Cole York CIU YORKSHIRE 115.54
11 Sailash Shah Lancashire WC LANCASHIRE 116.14
12 Dave Jones       (Guest) Redcar RWC CLEVELAND 126.16

Ken Munro Memorial Trophy  –  Bill McFadden (SCOTLAND)

Team Result 

  1.  YORKSHIRE       (M. Fisher, P.Ryan, D.Jackson)  11 Pts
  2.  LANCASHIRE     (T. Bell, R.Gunnett, S.Shah)       18 Pts
  3.  YORKSHIRE ‘B’  (G.Jackson, M.Byrne, R.Cole)    24 Pts
  4.  CLEVELAND      (T.Taylor, D.Jones)
  5.  SCOTLAND        (B.McFadden)

Officials

Referee  –  John Eddershaw     Chief Judge  –  Russ Jackson     JUDGES  –  Roy Thorpe, Mick Hague, Moira Gallagher     TIMEKEEPER  –  Trevor McDermot     RECORDER  –  Mike Nicholson

CLERK OF COURSE  –  John Grayson     VENUE  –  Roy Thorpe     CATERING  –  Maureen Grayson     PROMOTION  –  Linda McDermot

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Up Hill, Down Dale in Chorley : The Allison Trophy

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Tony Taylor

 

white coppice2

It was a misty, moist afternoon around Heapey and White Coppice as we braved what one competitor described euphemistically as a ‘characterful’ course. Star of the show was a svelte John Crahan, fresh from the gym, who knocked minutes off his best time in winning the Allison Handicap Trophy. Thanks are due to Dave Evans for stepping so expertly into Fred Pearce’s shoes, Dave and Louise for sorting the venue and refreshments, together with John, Jane and Dave for marshalling the troops.

See my personal reflection on the race below.

Allison Trophy 15K @ Chorley 12th March 2016 (Race Permit No:RWA6022-1)

Scratch Race

1 Tony Taylor Lancs WC  M65  83.25
2 Adrian Edwards  Lancs WC  M50  88.57
3 Roy Gunnett  Lancs WC  M65  98.17
4 Greg Smith  Lancs WC  M60  100.27
5 Joe Hardy  Lancs WC  M70  101.20
6 Ian Hilditch  Lancs WC  M70  101.40
7 Pat Evans  Lancs WC  W60  101.48
7 John Crahan  Lancs WC  M65  101.48
9 Sailash Shah  Lancs WC  M50  104.55
10 Phil McCullagh  Lancs WC  M55  106.30
11 Irene Pike  Lancs WC  W60  108.08
12 Claire Goulden  Lancs WC  W50  111.07

10.94K
1 John Payn  Lancs WC  M80  87.19
2 Andrea Lennon  Lancs  WC  W70  95.56

Let me begin by saying I have the fondest memories of the roads on which we raced on Saturday. Back in the late 60’s and 70’s this beautiful part of Lancashire was central to the Sunday morning sessions those of us living in the Bolton area got up early to do. Later when I lived in Horwich one of my sporadic comeback years saw me in White Coppice more than once. However, although the Allison Trophy course may well be character-building, great for getting the hard miles in, I’m not sure it helps us to become better at race walking.

The uphill stretches are often so steep as to make locking the knee very difficult and the downhills so steep as to make contact problematic at any sort of speed. On the first lap I got in a right mess, trying to push it, on a right angle left-hand bend after the flattish section from the former Railway pub. The road fell away quickly, the problem worsened by an awkward camber. Nearly tripping over my own feet I was admonished by a passing motorist, who didn’t think much of my mode of progression. Hopefully I gathered my wits after that and returned to earth for the rest of the race. In a nutshell I’m suggesting that if you try to walk quickly on the course you are going to have real technical problems. Hence, in the circumstances, I’m not really sure what to think of my decent time.

Of course we don’t want to lose great venues and characterful challenges of this type. However, looking to the future and the 2017 season , I do think we need a couple of races a year on flat, well-surfaced roads based on a 1 kilometre lap or out and back, where we can try to walk as fast as we can and be scrutinised much more closely than on our present portfolio of courses.

Your thoughts and criticisms welcomed.

 

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