Racewalking Report 25/02/2013  

Race walkers assembled on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon for the 2013 Enfield League’s opening event, a 5 miles’ walk held around 5 traffic-free twisting circuits of the town’s spacious King George V Playing Fields. It was a second attempt to get this race on as snowfall had put paid to January’s scheduled opening fixture.From the “off” Ilford’s FRANCISCO REIS and Hillingdon AC’s Polish star FABIAN DEUTER set a brisk pace which none could match and soon pulled clear of all rivals. From halfway onwards the Polish athlete began to gradually open a gap which he held till reaching the finish in 39 minutes and 35 seconds with Reis 2nd in 40.27. Both were well clear Lithuanian lady walker Narvillene Grazina of Belgrave Harriers who completed the frame in 42 minutes exactly.In a 6-to-score Ilford winning team the Club were well-served by always dependable Captain STEVE UTTLEY who was just behind the leading pack to claim 6th position in 43.12 while another reliable member PETE RYAN was 10th in 45.47. STEVE ALLEN was inform to fill 13th spot in 47.06, while 15th placed STUART BENNETT who clocked 47.56, turned in a remarkable performance as he’d just returned from The Maldives heat and found Enfield’s race conditions a shock to his system! Ilford’s winning team were closed home in 1st place by sprightly veteran ALAN O’RAWE who showed his resolve by wearing a short-sleeved vest in such conditions while pounding out 52.03 for 25th place.On the officiating side it was a red-letter day for Ilford’s Grade One Official MICHAEL CROFT who was appointed Chief Judge.