The first round of the Up and Running sponsored Winter Walking League took place at the NSC perimeter roadway on Sunday 28th October in fine, cool conditions, with a great entry of 64 walking in all the different events.
Leeds based Tom Partington, kicked off his early season, looking smooth and controlled throughout for a dominant win in a fine 45 minute time and some 2 minutes clear of Adam Cowin, who recorded a seasons best in the fine conditions. Third finisher Richard Gerrard also recorded a seasons best, just tipping over 53 minutes. Pete Miller, Adam Killip, Chris Cale and Tony Edwards also made the most of the good conditions, all dipping under the magic hour mark.
Leading lady was Marie Jackson who put in an equally dominant performance to be fastest. At the finish she was 2 ½ minutes clear of Steph Burton, who put up a good fight in the early stages and walked strongly throughout. Third woman was junior Alice Bellando, who chopped over 40 seconds off her personal best, which was set in her only other attempt at the distance back in July. There were some fine performances throughout the field and it was good to see some returning regulars as well as new faces getting involved.
In the 5km event, Richard Sille paced it very sensibly and got maximum points from Keira Heavey who just managed to pip mum, Vicki to the finish line. Angie Robinson had a strong walk in 4th ahead of Lalage Earnshaw-Cain. Super Vets Sylvia Kennaugh and Angela Corkish also had great walks, recording very competitive performances.
In the junior events, Mia Dunwell’s 17 minute performance stood out, not only was this nearly a 1 ½ minutes quicker than her best ever over the distance set on the track only a few months ago in July, it reflected the effort that she has put into training over the last couple of months and despite having a shoe lace come undone in the last lap or so, which did not faze her, she raced very positively throughout with impeccable technique. Abbie Edwards is still having injury niggles but still managed to put in a good steady performance in second place with Daniel Bassett in third position making a pleasing debut over what is a new distance for him.
In the 2km Conor Bassett overcame Lois Brown but with only a 7 second margin, while in the 1km Harrison Sille, dipped under 10 minutes, with a smile on his face the whole way around the course. Newcomers Mollie and Harrie Swales walked together till close to the finish, while Harrison’s sister daisy also appeared to enjoy her debut walk in the league.
Here are the full results.
Many thanks to all the officials and helpers for giving up their time to come and support the event.
Round 2 will take place in Andreas on Sunday 25th November, with signing on at Ayre F.C. clubhouse at 9.15 am (please park by the village hall on the road towards Smeale and off the course) and walk to the football club as there is limited parking at the venue and we need to keep the course as clear of cars as possible for competitor safety.
Please note that this is an open roads course so high viz clothing should be worn and no headphones can be used.
Please also remember to bring your race number from round 1 along with you (race numbers are for the entire series).
Thanks
Bridget