Ilford AC Walking Section Report -15/04/2013  

ILFORD BLOSSOM IN MILDER WEATHER

Ilford’s walkers contested the annual Pat Furey 5 Miles with an unusually early
Saturday morning start, which saw competitors cover 4 circuits of the Lee Valley
track before wheeling out of a stadium to race over 4 X 1 mile circuits so
making up the distance. This heavily sponsored race, paid for by a former Irish
International race walker whose name provided the event’s title, drew a bumper
field despite it’s early start.

From the gun, Ilford AC Olympian NERINGA AIDIETYTE and Hillingdon AC’s Polish
star FABIAN DEUTER set a blistering pace with only Ilford protagonist FRANCISCO
REIS keeping touch as the trio pulled clear of the rest. Approaching 2 miles
Reis felt indiposed and withdrew from the action, but nevertheless confidently
declared himself keen for the next time! Going into the race’s final third Miss
Aidietyte found an extra gear to edge out her Polish rival as she broke the tape
in an excellent 38 minutes and 6 seconds, so leading home all the male finishers
yet again, with Deuter coming 2nd in 38.38 before a long gap to 3rd placed
Suffolk youngster CALLUM WILKINSON who was timed in at 41.30. Next came
dependable STEVE UTTLEY who looked good throughout while clocking 42.32 to come
4th overall and take the 2nd senior man’s award. The team race was a close
affair with Ilford’s Pete Ryan, 9th in 44.57 and Steve Allen, 20th in 50.51
seeing the Cricklefields-based Club into 1st position just ahead of 3 strong
Club contenders Belgrave Harriers, hosts Enfield & Harringey AC and Hillingdon
AC.

Among Ilford’s other finishers was sprightly veteran ALAN O’RAWE who took it
steady to fill 34th position in 56.10 while “keeping his powder dry” for
Sunday’s Virgin London Marathon which will see him race walk for Essex Air
Ambulance.

Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)