Ilford AC Walking Section Report 08/06/2013  

DOUBLE WIN FOR ILFORD AC WALKERS
The Southern Area 20 Kilometres’ race walking championships were held around 12 flat twisting circuits of a public park in Enfield on a sunny but blustery Saturday afternoon.It was a remarkable triumph for FRANCISCO REIS who, for a second successive Saturday afternoon opened up a huge lead right from the off. He was never headed and soon after midway achieved a rare feat of lapping the entire field. Reis completed his journey in 1 hour 48 minutes and 47 seconds to win the Area Championship, with Barnet AC’s Steve Allen 2nd in 1.59.22. After lapping Allen, the Barnet athletemade a gallant attempt to “unlap himself” before settling for a distant second.In 4th place came Ilford’s former Scottish International STUART BENNETT who, like Reis, put in impressive work during the early stages. He was prominent in the chasing group for most of his race, despite starting with a niggling back injury and also being on Southend-on-Sea’s Half Marathon programme the following day. Bennett was rewarded with 4th spot in 2.04.19. In conjunction with the Area event Essex County AA staged their annual 20K Championship, which saw Bennett as the first Essex qualified athlete home so taking the top County honour.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)