December 2011 - Issue 335
REG WELLS 80
On 5th November 50 members of Reg Wells' extended family and a few friends enjoyed a birthday lunch at an historic hotel in the Forest of Dean to celebrate Reg's 80th. Privileged to be invited, representing Reg's long association with race walking were John Webb and wife Sarah, Sarah (nee Brown) of Steyning AC, John Eddershaw, Bob and Olive Dobson. Reg's wife Judith ensured everyone got to know each other by individually introducing every family member before Reg took to the floor to introduce his friends with entertaining anecdotes. A great time was enjoyed by all who look forward to a similar occasion when Reg makes 90. Report by Bob Dobson.
RACE WALKING ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
This is to be held on Sunday 11th December commencing 2pm. The venue is Alexander Stadium, Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham. B42 2LR. It's your chance to have your say on how our sport is being administered and on other topical issues and to vote for those you wish to see carrying us forward into Olympic year.
CHEERS
Our last issue contained a "thank you" note from Jim Hurley's widow Dorothy (Dot). She recalled that Jim always participated in The Centurions Worldwide Christmas Day Toast at 2pm. She said it meant so much to him that his family would continue this long tradition in honour of Jim. So we remind all eligible readers to raise a charged glass at 2pm on Christmas Day for "The Centurions".
HE'S OK!
An "information supplier" phoned around reporting that Olympian PETER MARLOW had been struck down with Yellow Fever. Ahhh! But Peter's a fit man who merely visited his GP for a yellow fever jab prior to visiting Africa on IAAF business.
WHAT's IN A NAME
In Lugano our popular ALAN O'RAWE is known as ALAN O'RAVE. This follows a race programme misprint...which now seems to have stuck for all time.
CELEBRATIONS
Congratulations to sprightly veteran JIMMY ROOKE and his good lady who, on December 16th celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. May many more come their way! Jimmy was recently 79 and he still turns the pedals at the head of our fields when performing the duties of a cycle pilot, as well as cycling around to pick up Judges cards. Jimmy also appeared in our 500th Essex League race. Many readers will remember him as a tough opponent with a fast racing pace when turning out for the famous Essex Beagles over many seasons.
"ONE FOR THE ROAD"
Many readers will remember GRAEME JONES, who gave Ilford AC a couple of good seasons in the 90s and who was a formidable opponent in sprint events. Well he won New Zealand's 50K Championship at Palmerston North on Oct 30th...being this event's only starter and commencing his efforts on a calm cool morning at 7am. He was on his tod till 9am when the circuit then staged a variety of other races from 3k-to-30K. Pressing on alone he reached 20K in 1.44.33 (which would have got him 2nd in the 20K later that day) finishing in 4.46.37 to regain a title last held in 2004 (when shared with Tony Sargisson). Selections were made afterwards for the Oceania Trophy (Australia v New Zealand) due to be contested in Hobart on Feb 26th. One for a 50K...sadly the UK's heading the same way unless this Olympic event can get a boost.
LIGHTINGUP ESSEX
The Olympic Torch Relay is coming to Essex-based/Inner & Outer London Boroughs. On Saturday 21st July it'll be paraded around Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney & Waltham Forest. Sunday 22nd July will see it in Redbridge, Barking/Dagenham & Havering. Let's hope some of its carriers will hail from the Race Walking World!
"HAPPY JACK"
So sang "The Who" and it could refer to stalwart JACK FITZGERALD. We haven't seen much of Jack recently but he's been making his mark in the Masters 300 Club Draw by winning a top prize of £125..and also a lesser one of a tenner. Congratulations! If you want a piece of the action send a cheque for £12 to the Organiser : Danny Mullane at 34, Maldon Road, Tiptree, Colchester, Essex. CO5 0TN. Incidentally the Autumn issue of Masters Athletics gave favourable publicity to the SWC Centenary 100 Miles with results and good photographs.
VIEWS ON THE RUMOURED END OF OUR NATIONAL 50K - FROM SCOTT DAVIS
Hi Dave,
I thought they might combine it with another domestic race to reduce costs, or incorporate it into a race abroad like Dudince, do you know if both these options are not going to happen? What a shame if it's true, I'd have loved the opportunity of going for a record 8th title. This will be a much harsher way for it to end my run. I never had any problem with losing the title to a better man out on the road in battle!
Best Wishes,
Scott
VIEWS ON THE RUMOURED END OF OUR NATIONAL 50K - FROM ED SHILLABEER
Dear Dave,
Two walking items I have read about - news that 2011 was the last 50k Championship was prefaced by John Constandinou's report on the Pan-American race in Mexico attended by the President, lit at the start by helicopters, only one competitor (a converted wrestler who did 1:41) outside 90mins, and judges booed by thousands when putting cards in!!
Does not our 50k decision by comparison make us a laughing stock in world athletics in the very year we host the Olympics? LOCOG is throwing £millions at infrastructure, officials, non-athletes; I would humbly suggest that it is precisely because only £1,000 was spent on an athletic senior National Championship that athletes are not attracted to support it with the dedicated training required to perform at a level better than my PB of 4:28:06 achieved as a true amateur at 44years old guesting in an international race!
Somebody please think laterally and perhaps get 50k re-instated say on the Mall on May 26/27/28 when the infrastructure will be in place for the 20k?
Edbanger
FAREWELL
We're told Commonwealth Games representative LUKE FINCH and COLCHESTER HARRIERS have parted company. We thank Luke for those occasions when he performed in an Essex Club's vest so helping to raise our County's profile. Luke works for Wetherspoons in Cardiff and we understand has linked-up with a Cardiff-based Club. We didn't see him that often but nevertheless wish him well!
AND THEY GET PAID FOR IT
Neil Warnock :"We didn't give them any opportunities, but unfortunately they took one."
Ian Holloway :"If you give Bobby Zamora the ball on the halfway line he'll run the length of the pitch and smash it in the corner."
Phil Neville :"Fourth spot is what we're aiming for - we don't want to be second best."
Alex Ferguson:"It was a reflex action by the boy. He's been tackled and he's reacted. But I haven't seen it at all."
Ray Wilkins :"Arsene took too long to replace those players. And they were irreplaceable."
Glenn Hoddle :"Rooney reacted like he did 3-or-4 years ago in 2006."
John Collins : "One thing Dean Shiels has got, 2 good feet."
...and finally from Eurosport's David Golstrum, "Bang! It's slightly over the back and he bends the knees forward, but Wank's going well."
Obviously referring to great German ski-jumper Andreas Wank.
EMAILS A GREAT SUPPORTER OF
RACE WALKING
Hi Dave,
I first started officiating at the Enfield many years ago during the reign of the late Len Mitchell, when the
start used to be out in the road and entries were well over the ton. Ah those were the days.
Regards. Laurie Kelly
Adds Hon.Ed. Laurie had hoped to attend the 85th Anniversary but sadly his wife was indisposed. We wish the good lady well. Although unable to appear Laurie's sent this nice reminder of better days in past decades.
NOTIFICATION FROM JOHN C
A new weekly round-up of all race walking news is now available every Monday lunchtime. See it on Facebook, linked from the Race Walking Record website. It's proving quite popular, and keeping all race walkers motivated.
POOR SHOW
Despite a number of attenders at Enfield on the Saturday saying they'd try to get there if they could, only 2 walkers (from outside of the Officers/Committee) turned up at the RWA Southern Area AGM at an easily reached Union Jack Club by Waterloo Station. The duo appearing were MICHAEL CROFT & MARK EASTON. Please don't moan...as this was a chance to have your say on how matters are being conducted...and offer your own ideas for consideration. Most of you must be either highly contented...or just apathetic! Those working for you, on your behalf, deserve better - much better! Very few even bothered to apologise for their absence! The Southern Area may move its meetings to a Civil Service Club near Trafalgar Square, which will be even more convenient for many...watch this space for precise details.
CHRISTMAS CHARITY APPEAL
Following success of 4 previous years we'll again hold a Christmas Card Appeal for The Gambian Home For Children With Learning Difficulties, based at Hart House in Serrekunda and run by former Essex champion walker Geoff Hunwicks and his wife Rohey. Instead of sending Christmas cards to those within our race walking fraternity you might like to donate a sum in lieu, roughly in line of what you might have spent on this gesture, for this cause. Essex Walker will publish a list of these supporting this appeal so readers will know why they haven't received a card from you! Tony Perkins has again offered to co-ordinate this appeal and has a Charity Account, so his cheque adds value to whatever sum we raise. Please make cheques payable to "A.F.Perkins" or hand him cash at the meetings. Tony's address is : Deans Farmhouse, Tye Green, CRESSING, Essex. CM77 8HU.
AT THE MATCH
Former Essex resident STEVE WYNN is a committed Millwall supporter of note; and when away at Leicester, he lent his support to nearby Dulwich Hamlet who played in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy against visiting Harrow Borough. Result 0-2. Among Harrow's supporters is long serving RWA Southern Area Treasurer JOHN POWELL...and by chance the ex-walkers were within a yard of each other among the 294 there!
Also in this competition were Brentwood Town who lost at home to Lowestoft Town 2-3. In the 197 crowd was ALAN O'RAWE supporting grandson Ryan who's now an established 1st team regular.
RIB-TICKLERS
CATH DUHIG, who treads the boards with aplomb, is used to delivering perfectly timed "rib-ticklers" to appreciative audiences. Alas the good lady's missed some athletics action as a cracked rib halted participation. Get well soon say all
FIXTURES
3 DecWinter League 5KBexley2 pm
10 DecChristmas Cup 5K/SCVAC 5KMonks Hill2 pm
17 DecIlford AC Allcomers 5 MilesRedbridge Cycle Track1 pm
26 DecEnfield Boxing Day 5KLee Valley10.30 am
7 JanSouthern Area 10K ChampionshipMonks Hill2 pm
14 JanSteyning 15K Steyning2 pm
21 JanEnfield League 5 Miles (+Presentation)Lee Valley1 pm
29 JanLondon Indoor Games 3,000 MetresLee Valley
5 FebLondon WalksVictoria Park1 pm
11 FebWinter League 5KBexley2 pm
12 FebEssex 1 Mile Indoor ChampsLee Valley
18 FebEnfield (+Essex) League 10 MilesLee Valley1 pm
4 MarNational 10 Miles ChampionshipCoventryTBA
7 MarMet Police Walking Club Dinner/ReunionNew Scotland Yard6.30 pm
10 MarWinter League 5K (+Presentation)Bexley2 pm
11 MarSCVAC Indoor 3,000 Metres ChampsLee Valley
24 MarEnfield League 5 MilesLee Valley1 pm
14 AprNational 20K ChampionshipRedbridge Cycle TrackTBA
19 MayRWA Southern Area 1 Hour ChampsDartford Track
27 MayUKA 20K The MallTBA
2 JunMoulton Open 5 MilesMoulton2 pm
THE HARES
Former Scottish International walker DAVID BUCHANAN, son of former Race Walking Record Hon.Ed. and sage of past decades ALAN, has a Dental Surgery in Harold Wood (Romford). Well he's joined a new Club...HADLEIGH HARES and keenly runs with them - and a few members sometimes try a bit of pedestrianism. David was Suffolk walking champion a short while ago and is eager to regain his title. Hadleigh's where promising race walkers live; for as well as David, DON COX & TERRY RILEY are local residents.
"MEN BEHAVING SADLY"
A respected voice in race walking made an observation from the floor at the RWA Southern Area AGM about our recent National 50K Championship at Northampton...indeed only saying in public what several have uttered individually. He said, "At Northampton a top UK coach of elite walkers came to support a USA competitor who got pulled. He then left and never had the interest to stop on to congratulate a competitor who was on course to complete a 7th consecutive record-equalling victory in this Championship". You could say this gesture is another illustrating that huge gap between our so-called and often under-performing "elite" - and true "rank-and-file" race walkers. Never has it been so wide; in that those involved at the top don't really care about the lower levels; and those supporting our routine events don't any longer really follow what the elite are doing. The meeting also heard that pressure on funds may see the elite system squeezed in 2012...and few at the AGM seemed to care. Two days before this AGM, the 85th Anniversary Enfield Open 7 Miles programme reproduced 150 finishers names from their 1961 event. Here we read so many great names and Clubmen alike, including an Olympic gold medallist and another who was to achieve such status. We also read names of a future Olympic silver medallist, a future Commonwealth Games gold medallist and saw umpteen Internationals (past, present & future) listed among those 150. One great sport with all united together on public roads around Enfield on November 11th 1961. Strength in unity for a common purpose! Nowadays, as most walkers will tell you, if all connected with this elite set-up went on a "Round-the-World Cruise" for a year we wouldn't even realise they'd gone. Gilbert and Sullivan must have seen this situation coming when they rolled out The Mikado...in which can be heard, "He's got 'em on the list and they'll none of 'em be missed".
CHRIS FLINT SPEAKS FOR US ALL
Dear Ron,
Many thanks to you and your organising committee for a most enjoyable event yesterday, and also for allowing us to hold the VAC 7 miles championship. That worked OK and also the additional prizes for Centurions which was greatly appreciated by all Centurions.
Thanks again to you and Joan,
Chris.
Adds Hon. Ed. This appreciative email was sent to Ron Wallwork reference the 85th Anniversary of the famous Enfield Open 7 Miles, which was a great day with perfect racing weather. It was nice to see some of the faces from past years who turnout to support Anniversary occasions. Time's running out for such gatherings so that's why most folk try to support them while they can...and such was the case at Lee Valley. The Programme was a collector's item, as it reproduced those 150 finishers from 1961s race. Guest-of-Honour COLIN YOUNG was an Enfield Open 7 Miles finisher 60 years ago! Essex did well in the race and in additional awards (VAC/SCVAC/Centurions) but we won't steal Ron's thunder by going into detail...as ENFIELD WALKER is read by most of our readers.
MAINTAINING A FAMILY TRADITION
A new recruit from that recent Officials Taster Day at Halesowen is 17 years old HELEN CROFT who's been appointed a Trainee Judge and will soon be seen adjudicating at our events. Helen's raced many times over the years and comes from a race walking family...as Michael's a Grade One Official, and we also remember the late Arthur who himself was an experienced Judge. We wish the young lady well and look forward to welcoming more newcomers into our Officials ranks.
ADVICE FROM SUE CLEMENTS
Do you ever get stones in your shoes on races? On a short race I can usually grit my teeth and put up with it until the end, but on longer races they are a bother. Pausing to remove a stone or grit takes precious minutes that would be better spent propelling myself forward. When I mentioned this to a running chum she recommended that I try using the gaiters that innov-8 sell (). Two versions are available.
The "Debris Gaiter 32" is a single piece gaiter designed around a sock to prevent dirt and grit from entering the shoe when running or walking. They are fast wicking, quick drying, water repellant and durable. They fit over a normal sock & over the shoe, and fasten under the sole with replaceable rubber gaiter o-ring fasteners.
The "Debrisoc 38" has the same features as the "Debris Gaiter 32" but also incorporates an integrated coolmax sock. The Coolmax sock has with padded areas giving extra cushioning and protection.
Another product I have come across during my search for a solution is "Lock Laces", a patented elastic shoelace and locking system. The Lock holds the shoe lace tension perfectly so laces won't loosen like a traditional shoelace. Priced £6.50, they are available from Advance Performance (
OVER THE WATER
A solid start was made to our latest Cambridge Harriers Winter League campaign at Bexley on Oct 22nd, over the usual 4 testing circuits on an "around the houses" course.
In FRANCISCO REIS and STEVE UTTLEY Ilford boasted 2 former 5K course winners in their ranks, but on this occasion neither broke the tape - an honour going to Kent prospect, 16 years old CAMERON CORBISHLEY (Medway & Maidstone AC), who showed a large field a proverbial clean pair of heels as he won in 23 minutes and 41 seconds. Equally secure in his position was Francisco who claimed 2nd position early on and was never threatened as he crossed the line in 24.23. Under more pressure was 3rd placed Steve Uttley who had old rival STEVE ALLEN (Barnet AC) always within striking distance and waiting to pounce should the Ilford man's pace drop. Steve U's current form is such that an opportunity never arose as he completed the frame in 25.31 with Steve A just 17 seconds in arrears. Ilford were comfortable team winners with Surrey Walking Club 2nd. A word for Ilford's Captain DAVE SHARPE whose best race this year saw 28.53 on the stopwatch for 8th spot, managing to put several rivals in his wake - with his best work coming over the closing stages. 26 appeared in all races, boosted by VAC's 5K Championship. Good news for non-attenders is that you're all in with a chance to do well in the Bexley Winter League as your best 3-from-4 races count.