A quick note to confirm that the Bury One Hour race will take place on Saturday, September 7th, starting at 1.00 p.m. The venue will be open from noon.
Bury Athletics Club, Market St, Bury BL9 9FX
As ever it would be very helpful if you could let Dave Evans know if you are attending and in what capacity – dave.evans08@hotmail.co.uk
Meanwhile, on the last weekend of August, Roy Gunnett tackled the track 50 kilometres held alongside the 24 Hours and 100 miles events, the Gloucester races 2024. He finished a very creditable third and flew the Lancashire flag with pride. Congratulations are certainly in order.
Roy leading in the Goodwin CupRoy’s medal
Unfortunately Roy’s post-race experience left much to be desired. He fell face-first on stony ground in the car park, pushing his teeth through his top lip. Thankfully all was sorted out at the local hospital, courtesy of a new magical glue! Commiserations are in order too. Roy reports that he is now able to eat and drink normally. And, most importantly his good looks remain untouched.
The national 100 miles championship was won by Jonathan Hobbs and there is an excellent report of the overall event in this month’s Record.
In the report tribute is paid to the officials, which included our dear friends, Eric Horwill and Glyn Jones. What would the sport do without them?!
Everyone at Lancashire Walking Club will echo Dave Ainsworth’s message to all those participating, officiating and helping at the Gloucester track races this weekend.
I wish all success and enjoyment (if possible over 100 miles) to all who’ll be at Gloucester Athletics Track for our 99th UK 100 Miles’ walking race. History is to be made, however it turns out, as it’ll be a first UK Centurions’ track race to witness a reverse direction format. It’ll be interesting to hear opinions – though this has been employed in such races abroad and those in the UK which did not come under our Centurions umbrella.
I wish the very best to all competitors, officials, helpers, supporters and spectators. With our numerical decline in UK distance participation it’s marvellous to see this great tradition of 100 miles’ racing maintained. I particularly look forward to seeing new UK names joining The Centurions.
Dave Ainsworth Centurion 540
A special message of best wishes must go to the club’s only participant in the proceedings, Roy Gunnett. He will be contesting the 50 kilometres, starting at midnight, Saturday and racing through the night.
There is a rumour too that Hughie Neilson’s track records set in 1960 might be under threat.
Right from the off it was clear that Roy had victory in mind leading the cortège of 8 aspirants by some 35 seconds at the mile point as the weather improved from drizzle to pleasant sunshine. There were no prizes for guessing who would reach the turnaround in first place but places two to four were up for grabs. This latter group raced well and their return journey in all cases was a minute faster than the outgoing “leg”. This course requires real concentration and resilience with almost helter skelter ups and downs.
Glyn and Phil in pursuit
Steve pulling away into isolation
As the walkers finally cleared the last hill the slick style of the club secretary came into view but hot on his trail was Steven Wilde who had managed to reduce the time deficit to 27 seconds having been 78 seconds in arrear at halfway.
Big second half from Steve
The handicap produced a bit of a surprise as Phil McCullagh took the trophy . I am told by one of his adversaries that he’d been doing extra training but not within earshot of the handicapper. There’s always next time !
Phil outwitting the handicapper with a strong performance
Special thanks to Eric Horwill for timekeeping and to Glyn Jones for bringing him to the venue.
Irene and Eric keep a watchful eye on proceedings
Results – Scratch
1. Roy Gunnett [M75] 73 mins 10(11:02/35:49) 2. Steven Wilde [M70] 73 mins 37(11:37/37:07) 3. Phil McCullagh [M65] 74 mins 03(11:55/38:00) 4. Glyn Jones [M80] 74 mins 53(11:54/37:59) 5. Joe Hardy [M80] 77 mins 34(12:06/39:14) 6. Ian Hilditch [M80] 89 mins 16(12:11/40:05)
6.5k Greg Smith [M70] 53 mins 07
Sailash and John keeping everyone safeIt’s not getting easier!
Handicap
1. Phil McCullagh 69 mins 03 2. Steven Wilde 73 mins 07 3. Roy Gunnett 73 mins 10 4. Glyn Jones 73 mins 53 5. Joe Hardy 74 mins 19 6. Ian Hilditch 75 mins 31 7. Greg Smith
Phil takes the coveted Goodwin Cup
Age-graded
Glyn Jones 81.97%
Roy Gunnett 77.32%
Joe Hardy 76.54%
Steven Wilde 70.79%
Ian Hilditch 69.98%
Phil McCullagh 67.03%
As ever sincere thanks to Greg Smith for the splendid images
What a time to be a Leigh Harrier! The name of this modest North of England athletic club is to be found on many a lip across the globe. And, of course, this remarkable state of affairs is down to Keely Hodgkinson’s majestic victory in the Parisian Olympic Games 800 metres this very week. A member of the club from the age of nine with a real sense of its history, Keely , very much now UK Athletic’s ‘Golden Girl’, has brought the Harriers prominence and glory beyond our wildest dreams. I’ll say no more as articles and stories about her feats flood the media.
Keely started at Leigh Harriers at the age of 9 (Image: Leigh Harriers)
As it is, whatever Keely’s success, which seemed to be written in the stars, I had decided a month ago to draw attention to a fascinating coincidence. Exactly 100 years ago in the very same city, Paris, a Leigh Harrier, Reg Goodwin had taken the silver medal in the Olympic 10,000 metres track walk. In his magnificent labour of love, ‘A Pictorial History of Leigh Harriers AC’, John Taylor provides the following background and detail on Reg’s athletic career. I am profoundly grateful for his generous permission to use this material.
Reg in his heat at the 1924 Olympics
John Taylor’s evocative, coloured photo of the start of the 10,000 metres final
Reg [441] sharing the lead in his Olympic heat
Reg once more in Paris
On a personal level my first memory of Reg is somewhat dim. My father Alf, a long-standing member of the Harriers and of Lancashire Walking Club, organised in 1953 a series of races for young athletes from the Hindley Green Labour Club, now demolished. I competed in the 6 – 8 years age group over three quarters of a mile, finishing third. However, unsurprisingly, seeing I was coached by my dad, I was awarded the style prize at the tender age of six. And the medal, which I still treasure, was presented by none other than Reg Goodwin himself. Of course I did not appreciate the honour until much later.
The realisation dawned through the 1950’s as Reg coached the up and coming talent and star of the Harriers walking section, Jack Sankey. Hence I was present sometimes at the training sessions which took place on the Holden Road cinder track. I remember participating in interval training on the back straight. Jack himself was widely regarded as an exceptionally fair stylist, upright and long-striding. The Harriers Club championships held traditionally in June included a One Mile Walk, which was not without its controversy. Jack’s main rival in the club was a well-built, rugby playing Brian Whitfield, whose short-striding mode of progression was in stark contrast to Jack’s almost military action. On at least one occasion Brian was disqualified dramatically in a sprint finish with Jack. As best I recollect Reg didn’t officiate as a judge because of his relationship with Jack. From those days I remember Reg as quietly spoken, encouraging and without any trace of self-importance.
Joe Barraclough in the blazer congratulates Jack Sankey framing Brian Whitfield in the hooped top
By the time I was at my most serious in the late 60’s and early to mid-70’s, training regularly at the track Reg had disappeared from the scene. My father had died prematurely and this important relationship with Reg was lost. Amongst many regrets, being unable to fill many gaps in Reg’s biography, is the loss of almost all of the 20th century minutes and reports of the Lancashire Walking Club. Without doubt these would have shed further light on his major contribution as a Northern and National organiser. After all, such was his prestige he was appointed a judge at the 1948 London Olympics.
Reg looking a picture in his 1948 Olympics outfit
For myself I will always owe a debt of gratitude to Reg. His success as a race walker and his involvement across the decades with the Harriers meant that as a young lad I joined an athletics club, within which race walking was accepted and respected. I never felt the odd one out.
Leigh Harriers’ remarkable historian and yours truly doing some research in the Leigh library
It is to John Taylor’s enormous credit that the tradition of race walking at the Leigh Harriers has been preserved through both his marvellous book and through the amazing club museum he curates, which is to be found in the club house at the Leigh Sports Village.
By twist of fate, too, this Saturday’s LWC club race in Chorley, August 10th is the Goodwin Cup 10 kilometres event. I’m sure all taking part in one way or another will take a moment to remember Reg’s exploits of a century ago.
Postscript
It would be remiss not to mention that the Harriers boasted a second representative in the GB team at the 1924 Olympics, namely Arthur Farrimond in the marathon. Despite a twisted ankle Arthur finished a creditable seventeenth out of fifty eight starters
Enthused by today’s Olympic 20 kilometres races you will be eyeing hopefully this coming Sunday’s training session on August 4th from 12 till 5 with Adrian Edwards at the Woodbank Park track, Stockport
Then a week on Saturday, August 10th it is confirmed that the Goodwin Cup 10 kilometres will take place from the St Peter’s Church Hall in Chorley. Eric Crompton will open up by noon. As usual the race will start at 1.00 am and you are encouraged to let Dave Evans know if you are attending and in what capacity.
For much of this century or so it seemed, Trevor McDermot, along with his wife, Linda and notables such as John Paddick, committed himself to the task of reviving race walking in the North of England. One brainchild was the Soup and Roll league. Staged in beautiful villages these events were always excellently organised and a warm atmosphere duly created. Particularly successful were races held in the beautiful setting of Kirkby Fleetham.
The brass band accompanying the walkers at Kirkby Fleetham
However, only a few weeks ago, it was Trevor himself, who needed resuscitating! I’ll let Linda take up the frightening tale.
Five weeks ago while driving home from a Schools Athletics Meeting, Trevor suffered a heart attack, which led to a full cardiac arrest and three weeks in hospital.
The 2 lads in the photo below visited a week ago, they are WO1 (RSM) Shane Wilson & WO2 (RQMS) Mark Sumner both from ITC Catterick.
These two saved Trevor’s life! They quickly jumped into action and carried out CPR for 30 minutes until the paramedics took over. If not for their valiant efforts Trevor would not be here today. They are true community heroes and we can never ever thank them enough.
What a wonderful story of survival against the odds.
Trevor – Best Wishes for a speedy recovery from all at the Lancashire Walking Club.
Περαστικά, Φίλε μου as we say on Crete. Get well soon, my friend, one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic supporters of our sport I’ve ever met.
The indomitable Eric Horwill supported by Irene Pike gets ready to record
Dave Evans reports:
Some last minute changes to the walking personnel altered the weighting of the handicap on this occasion but despite the disparity all competitors gave it their all on a day when a very warm and close atmosphere enveloped the field of 18 participants.
Phil McCullagh on his way
With fairly large “starts” the outgoing first leg aspirants had to get stuck in lest their apparent lead was absorbed quickly by pursuing teams. The course is an out and back with a turnaround in the middle of Heaton Park so most walkers can establish their lead or deficit around this point.
After leg one Roy Gunnett headed the field with an excellent 34:37 for 5k. Two minutes later Sailash reached the same destination.
Phil hands over to our regular supporter from across the Pennines, Martin Fisher
As the race completed its second leg the order had changed dramatically as Adrian Edwards cruised into a 7 minute lead.
Adrian Edwards about to start the second leg from the two-legged Sailash Shah
Across the board the times were very consistent with recent form but the handicapper was a bit too generous with one team doubtless affected by some last minute adjustment. At the finish the overall times were reflective of current state of play but clearly the very warm weather had its part to play.
Joe Hardy passes the baton to John Crahan but was it legal?
Nigel Shaw showed what a prospect he is of great things in the future with the second fastest time of the day .
Nigel Shaw scrutinising the field
RESULTS
1. Sailash Shah 36:10/Adrian Edwards 34:37/Sailash Shah 36:32. 2. Pat Evans 36:28/Glyn Jones 36:30/ Tony Bell 32:13 3. Roy Gunnett 34:37/A.N.Other 45:37/Greg Smith 37:18 4. Joe Hardy 36:35/John Crahan 38:39/Nigel Shaw 32:35 5. Martin Payne 33:08/Steven Wilde 39:07/Ian Hilditch 38:36 6. Phil McCullagh 35:40/ Martin Fisher 39:44/ Dave Evans 36:04
Christine Pearce, Pat Evans and Pam Horwill share their analysis of the race
Chris Pearce provided the race field and supporters with a splendid buffet in memory of the much missed Fred and the nonagenarian Eric Horwill provided the club with his usual detailed breakdown of results and timing on the day.
Christine presents Tony Bell with the bubbly for the fastest time
Thanks were offered to those who have travelled from afar including the Midlands, Bradford and Sheffield . This support has meant a great deal to the club and for which we are truly grateful. Tony Malone, sadly now affected by ill health provided support at the turnaround point allowing other club walkers to compete.
Dave Evans holds court and reveals the results
Fred Pearce Relay, Simister, 20 July 2024: Age-graded results
Leg walked by
Time
Age-graded %
Age graded position
Pat Evans (W70)
36:28:00
77.58
1
Glyn Jones (M80)
36:30:00
77.37
2
Roy Gunnett (M75)
34:37:00
76.42
3
Joe Hardy (M80)
36:35:00
75.14
4
Ian Hilditch (M80)
38:36:00
74.18
5
Dave Evans (M75)
36:04:00
73.35
6
Martin Payne (M60)
33:08:00
68.98
7
Tony Bell (M60)
32:13:00
68.88
8
Nigel Shaw (M60)
32:35:00
68.77
9
Greg Smith (M70)
37:18:00
66.79
10
John Crahan (M75)
38:39:00
66.77
11
Phil McCullagh (M65)
35:40:00
66.1
12
Adrian Edwards (M60)
34:37:00
64.73
13
Steven Wilde (M70)
39:07:00
62.96
14
Sailash Shah (M55)
36:10:00
60.2
15
Sailash Shah (M55)
36:32:00
59.6
16
Martin Fisher (M60)
39:44:00
56.39
17
Produced by Greg Smith, 21 July 2024. V2 amended 23 July 2014
I make no apologies for repeating again Dave’s eloquent plea to support this coming Saturday’s Fred Pearce Relay. I’m gutted not to be with you, especially as so many put themselves out to support my 70th anniversary appearance last year. However, I’ve endured a sticky few months after post surgery complications and infections. Then, true to form, trying to pull myself together, I fell headfirst and bashed my ribs – fracture and bruises, doesn’t much matter which? Left feeling pretty foolish and my age. Whatever I’ll get back for the AGM!!
DearAll,
As you will know our venue for the Macclesfield 10km on July 6th is unavailable so unfortunately we have had to cancel this event. The highlight of our year is the Fred Pearce relay on July 20th which usually brings together our biggest club and guest turnout. It was always Fred’s hope that we would see at least 20 walkers toeing the course so let’s see if we can match that and better. Traditionally we have teams of 3 which each team member doing 5k on our usual Simister out and back. I hope you will pencil this date in your diary and let me know as soon as you can if you will be joining us. The teams will be selected on the day but advance notification of your availability will enable me to configure teams before the day itself. Each team will carry a handicap aspect so on the basis of a yacht handicap each will leave the start at a different time . Please prioritise this race and make the day a big success. Best wishes.
And on a Lancashire note a message from our great friend, Dave Ainsworth.
A big race in Lancashire was our 1992 National 20K & Olympic 20K Trial, held on Lancaster University campus, and brilliantly organised by John & Lillian Burns. I was event commentator.
THE START!
Barren times for our club, although Joe Hardy might tell us more. I believe John Payn also finished. Interestingly , in the Women’s event, Helen Cross was close to the top ten and, I think , Joyce Harasimuick, still a member, also finished.
Following the cancellation of the Macclesfield Trophy race on July 6th, Dave Evans has penned this call to support the Fred Pearce Relay on July 20th
DearAll,
As you will know our venue for the Macclesfield 10km on July 6th is unavailable so unfortunately we have had to cancel this event. The highlight of our year is the Fred Pearce relay on July 20th which usually brings together our biggest club and guest turnout. It was always Fred’s hope that we would see at least 20 walkers toeing the course so let’s see if we can match that and better. Traditionally we have teams of 3 which each team member doing 5k on our usual Simister out and back. I hope you will pencil this date in your diary and let me know as soon as you can if you will be joining us. The teams will be selected on the day but advance notification of your availability will enable me to configure teams before the day itself. Each team will carry a handicap aspect so on the basis of a yacht handicap each will leave the start at a different time . Please prioritise this race and make the day a big success. Best wishes.
With the Macclesfield race being cancelled perhaps some people might like to come to the next track training session? I could time someone over 5 or 10k if required; or just join in with the training sessions.
Sunday 14th July 12 till 5. Woodbank Park athletics track in Stockport. Sorry to people who can’t make Sundays; the track isn’t available on Saturdays.
Anyone wanting to do a judges course, there’s an online course organised by Welsh Athletics in July. You’ll also need to do a safeguarding course on line and a DBS check.
Guy Goodair, his dear friend, forwarded this moving tribute to George Barras. an outstanding race walker, fell runner and athlete.
George Barras ( 2 May 1932 – 6 Jun 2024)
It is with a heavy heart I announce the death of my greatest ever mate, George Barras, who died of a stroke aged 92. George was an all-round sportsman, playing for his county at table tennis and football for his local Guiseley club.
He briefly walked for Yorks WC before joining Wakefield Harriers in June 1961.
George and Guy about to take a life-saving sponge
George and Guy inseparable
He was a member of Wakefield’s winning teams in the following races – the Manchester to Blackpool 1965,1968,1969, the Bradford Walk 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, the Isle of Man TT walk, 1966, 1967, the Gomersal 15 1969,1969, and York 20km 1967, 1968. He became a Centurion (361) in the 1964 Leicester to Skegness race. He won the Isle of Man TT Walk in 1966 and the Manchester to Blackpool 51.75 miles in 1969. His personal best times were 10 miles 77m 57s. 20km 101m 11s, 20 ml 2h 49m 7s 50km 4h 41m 58s
A proud moment – George victorious in the 1966 Isle of Man TT Walk
He retired from race walking in 1969 and for a few years did LDWA events in the North of England, Then in 1984 he completed the 42 peaks challenge of the Bob Graham Round, being the first person to complete the Centurion/BGR double (I believe that Boyd & Lillian Millen are the only other ones.) He began doing fell races, often winning the Vets 0/50 category in such races as the Ennerdale , Coniston . Rivington Pike, Tour of Pendle, and Thieveley Pike. In 1985 He tied with Bill Gauld with 230 pts for a championship win.
Battling through the snow
George onwards and upwards Thanks to Julie, his daughter
George descending. Ta to Julie
One of his last races was the Everest Marathon (from Everest Base Camp through the Khumbu Glacier down to the finish in Namche Bazaar.
George in the Everest Marathon. Ta to Julie
I’ve lost a great friend. Rest in Peace, George, united with your beloved Ann at last.
Guy’s tribute is supplemented by this piece from the Essex Race Walker, courtesy of our friend, Dave Ainsworth. Its very appearance exemplifies the deep comradeship felt by walkers across the years and across the country.
Not one with Essex connections as far as we know, but well known by our more senior readers. George Barras joined the Centurions after completing a “point-to-point” distance between Leicester and Skegness – a great event with so many happy memories from a 1958 commencement to its 1978 end. In 1964 George became Centurion 361 in a time of 22:28.18 – walking with fellow Wakefield Harrier Martyn Cartwright for 85 miles, before Martyn felt a bit “wobbly” so could no longer match George’s pace. Martyn became Centurion 363 in 22:36.15. Martyn came south to Amersham and joined Chiltern Harriers. An octogenarian, he retired from race walking at the start of Covid, but nowadays assists as a marshal. Martyn organised – and raced in – an annual Pednor 5 Miles, held near Chesham. Like many sporting events, this race vanished from fixtures’ lists at “lockdown” and hasn’t returned. Alas it probably won’t.
Guy leads George with Derek Harding in attendance
Wakefield Harriers had a strong and successful Walking Section, with members who relished challenges at longer distances. George did the “big ones” and broke the tape in the 1966 Isle of Man TT (37 & 3/4 miles) in 6:01.03. Together with 3rd placed Guy Goodair & Ken Bingley in 8th, clocking 6:09.15 & 6:52.13 respectively – Wakefield Harriers were team winners. Interesting to note recent RWA President Eric Horwill earned the 2nd handicap prize. George led the field home in the 1969 Manchester-to-Blackpool event – a race in excess of 50 miles – with 8:13.35 on the stopwatch. Club colleague Guy Goodair recorded 3 wins (’64/65/73) in this event, held from 1908-to-2008 (with 2 intervals). George had a brief spell with Yorkshire Walking Club before making his name with Wakefield. In earlier times he played table tennis for Yorkshire and Non-League football at a high level with Guiseley FC.
George on the fells but not sure where?
After a 1969 race walking retirement he was active with the Long Distance Walking Association. In 1984 he completed the “Bob Graham Round” (66 miles’ circuit of the 42 highest Lake District peak within 24 hours) which saw him become a member of an exclusive Bob Graham Round 24 Hour Club. George was 1 of 3 Centurions to achieve entry, along with Kendal AC duo C907 Lillian & C930 Boyd Millen. Their Bob Graham Club membership numbers are 315, 169 and 14 respectively. Why stop there as one of his last races was the annual Everest Marathon (World’s highest marathon) from an Everest base camp through Khumbu glacier down to a finish at Namche bazaar. George was 92 when he bowed out – and we extend our condolences to his family. DA. Note : Much information was sent by C327 Guy Goodair, who described George as his greatest ever teammate. Guy’s contribution is acknowledged and also praised by Centurions’ Secretary Chris Flint.
I did not know him but know of him. Another great character gone. Richard Cole (Centurions Hon. Treasurer) I remember his great performances from the early 60s. Wonderful tribute from the great Guy Goodair, one of the Foundation Stones of Northern Area Race Walking in yesteryear. May George Rest in Peace. With sincere condolences. Bill and Kath Sutherland A splendid tribute to an impressive career. Thanks for sharing. All best Sandra Brown A wonderful insight to an amazing race walker and athlete who completed so many classic races and LDWA routes. Lesser mortals like me flinch at the sheer effort involved. His generation was a tough one, and on behalf of Centurions we send our condolences on the passing of George. Chris Flint
As for those up North, who knew George we are getting thin on the ground. I hope some memories may follow. As for myself I remember rushing around with sponges, feeding on the Blackpool. All the more so as I was on the pavements when George won in 1969. As was often the case we remembered each other well from our tussle in the 1968 Northern 10 miles championship. I was but a young upstart, who never climbed to George’s heights.
Lancashire Walking Club : Health The First Wealth 