Walking Section Report 27h December 2007
BOXING DAY TEAM SUCCESS
A small but nevertheless enthusiastic field lined-up at Pickets Lock for host Club Enfield & Harringey's traditional and long-established Boxing Day walking race. On a pleasant morning a new "out-and-back" course had been devised for the 5 Kilometres' event and, from the "off", old rivals STEVE UTTLEY and Belgrave Harrier JOHN HALL strode to the head of the field and battled it out, with Uttley having a slight edge at the turn for home. On the return leg Hall eased ahead and pulled clear claiming victory in 26 minutes and 15 seconds with Uttley an comfortable 2nd in 26.47.
Making his first visit to he frame since midsummer DAVE SHARPE was never seriously troubled as he came 3rd in 28.20. The course took it's competitors alongside a large Sewage Works where the pong was on the "high" side. Some racing thought this to be a bit off-puttting, but not Sharpe, for he works at such an establishment in Rainham and was used to whatever was "blowing in the wind", or to be more accurate an otherwise pleasant mild breeze.
The winning Ilford team were closed in by former English Schools' Champion walker LAURENCE DORDOY who filled 6th spot in 31.21. Dordoy appeared despite wearing a plaster cast following his suffering a broken wrist in a cycle race!
The meeting also included a 5K run and several big names appeared to support the meet : John Herbert, Jade Johnson, Gladys Bird (nee Taylor) and Christine Ohuruogu who raced in the 5K run.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 17th December 2007
THE SAME OLD ONE-TWO
Ilford AC staged their long established Christmas Allcomers 10 Kilometres' walking race on a crisp cold sunny December Sunday morning. The field, up in number from 12 months' ago, were set on their way by Past Ilford Club President DAVE SEARLE who donned the starter's traditional red jacket for the occasion.
From the off past winner TREVOR JONES showed best as he took command at the head of the field - a curious tactic this as Jones had been suffering from a heavy cold over recent days and only declared himself racing fit shortly before the "off".the Sunday morning. Still he maintained good pace and opened up a gap on the first of 3 testing circuits around Lambourne End village, indeed he managed to hold a lead - albeit ever narrowing on the 2nd lap as 2006 victor and pre-race favourite SCOTT DAVIS closed-in. Towards the end of the 3rd circuit and on the way back to Chigwell Row Davis pressed the pedal and overtook the erstwhile leader and moving ahead confidently and never again troubled as he broke the tape in 51 minutes and 27 seconds, with JONES coming 2nd in 52.02. It was the 1-2 same finishing order as in the corresponding race of 12 months' past.The honour of completing the frame went to Ilford's STEPHEN CRANE who worked hard to pull himself clear of a phalanx of potential custodians for 3rd spot during the closing stages, clocking 54.20. Captain DAVE KATES was his usual reliable self as he walked to form filling 6th spot in 56.19. Stalwart DAVE SHARPE closed home the victorious host team in 9th spot with 58.10 on the stopwatch.
The leading lady was Castle Point AC youngster CHELSEA O'RAWE-HOBBS who finished in an excellent 8th position clocking 57.15 after a close race with Ilford's Sharpe for much of the race. The 1st novice prize went to respected Ilford AC veteran runner LES HISLOP who made his road walking debut, coming 27th in 73.33.
Also walked : 12th OLLY BROWNE 59.37
24th MICK BARNBROOK 68.51
Prizes were presented by another Past Ilford President Mrs. PAM JONES.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (017098-377382)
Walking Section Report 10th December 2007
SHARPE TITLE
Ilford AC contested a 5 Kilometres waling race over 4 testing circuits of an around the houses course in Bexley on a rainy cold and miserable afternoon - factors which obviously kept the attendance below that anticipated. It was the 12th and final race of the 2007 Essex League and most interest was centred of Ilford's hard-working Walking Section Secretary DAVE SHARPE who needed only to finish in order to win the overall individual title for the first time in his long and distinguished race walking career.
Shape lived-up to his name and didn't disappoint in a race in which Ilford's STEPHEN CRANE showed best for the Cricklefields-based outfit. Crane hung-on grimly within sight of the van, being frustratingly just a tad too far from 3rd place to make it into the frame. Crane, who is coached by Sharpe, finished 4th in an impressive 27 minutes and 12 seconds. Sharpe himself was near enough to the action to see the progress of his charge by securing 6th spot in 28.48, which also gained him enough points to win the 2007 Essex League title! Another showing good form was stalwart MIKE HINTON who filled 9th position in 29.28 and closed home the Ilford team in 1st place with 22 points, just 2 points ahead of Croydon-based Surrey Walking Club.
Also walked : 14th Laurence Dordoy 31.49.
16th Mike Barnbrook 32.53
Next Sunday (16th December) at 10.30am Ilford AC stage their annual Allcomers' 10 Kilometres Walk from Chigwell Row Village. The course is a testing one which takes the competitors around 3 circuits of Lambourne End Village before returning to a Chigwell Row finish line. Afterwards, the 2007 Essex League awards will be presented in Ilford AC's Winter HQ.
Press/photographers welcome. Media note : Please mention!
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 3rd December 2007 AWARDS FOR ILFORD'S WALKING SECTION Ilford AC's Walking Squad picked up 2 top
awards at Sunday afternoon's Annual General meeting of the
Race Walking Association held in Birmingham. They were awarded the ALF McSWEENEY CUP for
the best all round UK Walking Club based on performances by
seniors in Championship races....and the HAMMOND TROPHY for
scoring the most points in all Race Walking Association
events. After a blank weekend Ilford's walkers will
be back on the road again next Saturday afternoon where
they'll be contesting a 5 Kilometres' Winter League race at
Bexley (2pm). Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
(01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 19th November BANANA SKIN Ilford AC contested the 10th and final race
of the 2007 Blackheath Trophy series of 9 Kilometres walking
races on a bitterly cold Sunday morning around 5 blowy
circuits of Blackheath Park. The day did not start
well as the pavilion used for changing was boarded-up and a
"No Admittance" sign was posted on the door along with a
compulsory purchase notice from Greenwich Council nailed to
the premises. But...walkers are a hardy lot and
they braved the cold to change in bushes before warming-up.
Indeed it was during this phase that Ilford's morning of woe
commenced, for leading light STEVE ALLEN suffered a groin
strain while going through his pre-race routine.
After deliberation he withdrew without coming under
starter's orders. Having led the overall table
for 9 of the 10 races races, though only just ahead of
Tonbridge AC, hopes were high that Ilford would win the team
trophy for a 7th successive occasion. Perhaps
confidence was too high for a depleted turnout, plus Allen's
enforced absence minutes before the "off" saw Ilford
pipped at the post by their Kent rivals with just 5 points
in it after almost a year's competition! Showing best for the Cricklefields-based
outfit was ever-enthusiastic Walking Secretary DAVE SHARPE
who finished 6th in 52 minutes and 54 seconds.
In 8th spot came MIKE HINTON in 53.35. Hinton
has marked his return from a long injury with a series of
encouraging performances and he was pleased to show so well
in such difficult racing conditions. ALAN
O'RAWE,
9th in 56.13 had the added kudos of coming overall 2nd in
the series based on handicap timings and received an award
for his efforts. Postman MICKY SUTTON delivered
a 58.20 timing to secure 10th spot. The previous day (Saturday
afternoon) Ilford's walkers had attended Pickets Lock Track
- the country's newest athletics stadium, for a One Hour
race. STEPHEN CRANE set a personal best
for the event covering 11,135 metres in 60 minutes to place
4th. STEVE ALLEN came 9th with
10,485 metres under his belt while OLLY BROWN who usually
excels at longer distances, came 13th with 9.816 metres to
his credit. Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
(01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 12th November 2007
HAT TRICK HERO
Ilford AC contested
the annual Enfield Open 7 Miles' Walk around 7 leaf-strewn
twisting circuits of a public park in that town on a cold
Saturday afternoon. Much attention was focused on
protagonist SCOTT DAVIS who was attempting to claim victory for
a 3rd successive year, and he didn't disappoint as he formed the
van - along with Aldershot's NICK SILVESTER and Steyning's JIMMY
BALL - right from the off. Of the trio it was Davis
who could be seen as the one forcing the pace, which became too
much for Ball after 2 circuits and by 3-and-half circuits
Silvester's challenge had also waned.
Former Commonwealth Games gold medalist RON WALLWORK, the event
organiser, commented that, "Davis had it in the bag by halfway".
With his advantage secured he pressed on for a hat trick of wins
in 55 minutes and 21 seconds, with Silvester 2nd in 56.15.
Davis was well backed-up by former event winner STEVE ALLEN,
11th in 65.24 and stalwart DAVE SHARPE 15th in 65.54 as Ilford
AC claimed the team title for a 3rd successive year - though
only with a solitary point advantage from Sussex-based Steyning
AC. The team were hampered by having key men absent, Captain
DAVE KATES being on holiday and former Captain STEVE
UTTLEY failing to make the start line after being caught in M25
tailbacks.
Also walked :
18th Olly Browne
66.30
24th Kevin Marshall
70.00
25th Laurence Dordoy 70.15
27th Bob Dobson 70.36
39th Alan O'Rawe 76.23
40th Mick Barnbrook 76.42
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 29th October 2007 WALKING ON WATER Ilford's walkers contested the penultimate
event, of 9, in this year's Blackheath Trophy Series
of 9 Kilometres' walking races around hilly Blackheath Park
in South London. Walking in the Sunday morning
rain STEPHEN CRANE produced a personal best for both
distance and course, clocking 48 minutes and 29 seconds with
his best work coming over the last of the 5 circuits on
offer. This secured him 3rd position, just
5 seconds and 1 position ahead of stalwart STEVE UTTLEY, a
former course-and-distance winner at Blackheath.
In 8th spot MIKE HINTON continued his impressive comeback
after a long injury lay-off, with 54.08 on the stopwatch.
Just 2 seconds slower was Walking Section secretary DAVE
SHARPE. Veteran ALAN O'RAWE, 13th in
57.07, improved to such an extent that he beat
the handicapper and was rewarded with 3rd spot in the
handicap stakes. Sharpe wasn't finished with the morning's
sport, for the walk finished just as the full-time whistle
was blown to end a Blackheath Park football match - and as
both soccer players and race walkers headed into the showers
he risked life and limb by remonstrating with several
players who were using the ablutions to clean muddy
boots! Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
(01708-377382
Walking Section Report 22nd October 2007
MARATHON MAN
Just in is the fact that Ilford AC walker MICKY SUTTON successfully switched his mode of progression to running and sped around Sunday morning's Amsterdam Marathon in 3 hours 32 minutes and 49 seconds.
A NARROW TEAM VICTORY ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Ilford AC contested the opening meeting of this season's BEXLEY WINTER LEAGUE, a series of 5 kilometres walking races held around 4 circuits of a testing "around-the-houses" course in the Kent suburb of that name. With the leading quartet pulling clear from the "off" in a well-supported and high class field, interest centred on "the best of the rest" and STEVE UTTLEY led those who were just "off the pace" for the entire journey. Uttley had a battle royal with former Essex walker CHRIS HOBBS (Medway), For much of the race Hobbs breathed down the Ilford man's neck and, although younger, failed to make that decisive move which could have seen positions change. In a sprint finish Uttley filled 5th position in an excellent time of 25 minutes and 42 seconds - which he was well pleased with - just 1 second ahead of Hobbs. ALAN O'RAWE, who had raced in Switzerland a week ago, again found hills to his liking as he pounded out 31.03 for 15th spot. The duo were well backed-up by tailenders to ensure a narrow team victory. Best Essex entrant was Castle Point's inform CHRIS CATTANO who came 4th in 24 minutes exactly.
On Sunday morning STEVE ALLEN lined-up for the Amsterdam Marathon, which he soundly race walked it in 4 hours and 48 minutes while also raising a tidy sum for the MS charity.
Next Sunday (28th October) Ilford's walkers will be contesting the penultimate event in this year's series of 9 Kilometres' Yacht Handicap Walks at Blackheath Park, SE3 (11.30 am). Note : this race offers double league Points"
Readers of Athletics Weekly (current id) will have noticed that current Ilford AC walker and Ilford Past President BILL SUTHERLAND (bronze 1970) is pictured at the Race Walking Association's Centenary Dinner last week with 3 other Commonwealth Games walking medalists : OLLY FLYNN (gold 1978), RON WALLWORK (gold 1966) and JAKE WARHURST (gold 1974). Bill however is captioned as "MICK BARNBROOK".
Ilford's walkers had no Dave Sharpe this past weekend as he had
"the runs".
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section -
01708-377382
Walking Section Report 15th October 2007
Folks,
Thanks to a wonderful turnout at Enfield on Saturday of
9 walkers, we are now just 44 points behind Enfield with
2 races to go, and we have almost clawed back the huge
gap that opened-up after a near total no-show at the
double points Pat Furey/Steve King reunion weekend.
We do need a full turnout at the Enfield Open 7 Miles on
Saturday 10th November at 2pm, where again it's double
points. Please all ring-fence this date,
time and place. Dave Sharpe has checked it
out, and we do have both individual and team trophies in
our possession - so these will need to be brought back,
engraved, cleaned and ready for representation.
Next Saturday, October 20th, the Cambridge Harriers
Winter League resumes (we have won the League for the
past 5 years). It's at the Cambridge
Harriers HQ in Glenhurst Avenue, Bexley (but 10 minutes
walk to the start).
Jim McNamee's funeral was well attended on Monday
morning with perhaps the largest crowd of Ilford members
ever seen away from an athletics meeting or function,
with many old names from the 70s and 80s present.
Past President Gordon Crouch spoke the eulogy followed
by a round of applause. After the service a get
together was held in the Ilford Club at Cricklefields
Stadium. The priest was a Pole who spoke in broken
English.
On Saturday at Enfield a Polish lady walker
was introduced to the start line gathering and given a
round of applause, having come all the way from Poland.
Afterwards she said that she'd only come from Surrey as
she now resided here.
Enfield League 5 Kilometres' results (Ilford 1st team by
a wide margin).
5th Stephen Crane
25.41 (2nd Claim)
6th Steve Uttley
26.16
8th Steve Allen
26.59
9th Dave Kates
27.05
13th Dave Sharpe
28.16
18th Olly Browne
28.53
24th Mike Hinton
29.58
39th Mick Barnbrook 33.31
46th Bill Sutherland 36.05
47th Dave Ainsworth 36.42
It was another large field - 52.
Steve Allen kindly ran attenders in to London for the
Race Walking Association Centenary Dinner, in his
taxi-bab (and never put the meter on).
Thanks Steve.
For interest Phil Barnard won in 24.29, with Trevor
Jones 2nd in 24.57 and Chris Cattano 3rd in 24.59.
Dave Ainsworth
Walking Section Report 8th October 2007
TWO FOR THE ROAD
Ilford AC sent 2 walkers down to contest the 4 miles' Gazette Cup walk around the leafy lanes of South Croydon on a warm Saturday afternoon. In a race containing mainly entrants from South of the Thames, STEPHEN CRANE was the custodian of 2nd place throughout, clocking 34 minutes and 18 seconds and seeing off a challenge from Tonbridge AC youngster THOMAS BOSWORTH over the closing stages. The race was emphatically won by the home favourite MARK EASTON (Surrey Walking Club) - the former international, who incidentally holds both Ilford's 10K course records at Chigwell Row and South Park. He won by a distance in 30.51. DAVE SHARPE turned-in another solid display to fill 7th spot in 37.06
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 1st October 2007 A UNIFORM PERFORMANCE Ilford's STEVE ALLEN lined up for the
annual National Postmen's 6 Miles Walk, open to all past
and present Royal Mail staff, on a pleasant Saturday
afternoon to face a 6 laps "around the houses" course in
Clerkenwell. Form the off clear favourite DAVE TURNER
(Brighouse) proved why he had won this event 11
times out the previous 13 stagings and was never to be
headed, so leaving a tight contest for the frame
placings. A battle-royal developed
Ilford's STEVE ALLEN and York's former GB international
walker DENNIS JACKSON - both former winners of this
coveted National title, with no quarter being asked or
given. Both had the upper hand at times,
before the Yorkshireman strained a hamstring causing him
to drop off the pace. To his credit he
stayed within striking distance though clearly in agony.
Allen moved ahead, in an event where entrants have to
don Postman's uniforms. Indeed Allen donned
his father's old traditional peaked cap, making quite a
sight as he dashed through the streets. One
bystander quipped, "If they walked that fast on their
rounds I'd get my mail a lot quicker".
With Turner an easy victor in 50 minutes and 49 seconds,
it was Allen who placed 2nd in 53.20 with Edinburgh's
COLIN SCOTT closing fast to claim bronze in 50.41. In conjunction was the Annual London
Postman's race, which saw Allen 1st now having won 13
from the last 14 London Championships.
In addition he led his team - Mount Pleasant - to both
National and London team victories. Also in contention was MICKY SUTTON who
was racing for the first time since suffering his
testicles being electrocuted as he climbed over an
electrified fence while on a long-distance cross-county
walking event. Sutton, who has
specialised long distance events, gave a good account of
himself over the shorter distance to fill 9th spot in
60.37 also making the victorious Mount Pleasant
team. Both Allen and Sutton
are talented at both walking and running, and will
appearing under the latter code in this month's
Amsterdam Marathon. Former Ilford member ROY LEWIS stirred
himself for the first time in a year to fill 15th spot
in 64.57 and speculate about a possible comeback! At 8 am on the following morning at
Southend Pier head, Ilford AC Life member and Olymoian
ROGER MILLS appeared to flag-off former Ilford AC
Walking Captain OLLY BROWNE who was walking 38 miles to
Valentine's Park in support of 10 charities. He
arrived just after 3pm and was welcomed by Redbridge's
Deputy Mayor Chris Cummings and his the Deputy Mayoress,
who both walked the final few paces with him in support
of his efforts. A number of walkers
assisted by keeping Browne company for stretches of the
route - including STEVE ALLEN who walked the entire
distance. Allen came in some 10
minutes in arrears as he suffered from a strained
hamstring over the closing stage. A
message of support for Browne and his back-up team had
been received from veteran fundraiser Sir Jimmy
Saville. It was Browne 3rd ultra-distance charity
walk success and while he was getting his breath back
and receiving the attention of well-wishers and
back-slappers, his brother Joe grabbed the microphone
and called for this to be an annual event! Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
(01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 17th September 2007 END OF THE SERIES Woodford Green with Essex Ladies AC
staged the 4th and final of their 2007 series of Open
Graded Meetings at Ashtons Track on a warm Wednesday
evening. The evening's attendance suffered
as the suspension of Central Line services forced
potential attenders to abandon journeys and some
to arrive late. Others sought alternative
means, with Ilford's stalwart DAVE SHARPE arriving by
minicab! Indeed Race Walking
Association President PAUL NIHILL MBE, who had been
booked to present the awards, got no further than Oxford
Circus tube station. The curtain-raiser was the 5,000 metres'
walk, which saw a 1-2 for Castle Point AC duo CHRIS
CATTANO and PHIL BARNARD, who were well clear in 24.28
and 24.38 respectively. An Ilford AC vest
filled the frame courtesy of a rapid walk from STEPHEN
CRANE who clocked 25.47. He led an
Ilford procession as Cricklefields-based athletes formed
the next 4 places on the result sheet, with 4th placed
STEVE ALLEN continuing his sequence of good form by
clocking 26.21. DAVE SHARPE, another
who is "on a roll" with his displays, came 5th in 28.43
while LAURENCE DORDOY, in finishing 6th in 29.06 secured
enough points to come 3rd overall in the Individual
Series positions. Ilford AC won
the team race and also retained the Team Series Title. Stephen Crane and Mick Barnbrook
competed in 2nd claim capacity. Also walked : 7th Olly Browne
29.35 10th Alan O'Rawe
32.00 13th Mick Barnbrook
32.49 18th Dave Ainsworth
35.49 19th Bill Sutherland
36.46 After the race Olly Browne and his
brother Joe were taking sponsorship pledges for
Olly's 38 Miles Southend-to-Ilford Charity Walk on
Sunday September 30th. Please support
if you can. The route is published in the
current issue of Essex Walker, and several have pledged
their attendance for various sections of this route (and
some for the entire length)! Issued BY Ilford AC Walking Section
(01708-377382) HERE AND THERE Ilford had 2 members competing in the
World Masters 10K Walking Championship walk at Riccione
(Italy) over the weekend. In the 55 age
group category Ilford's captain DAVBE KATES came 17th in
class company, clocking 58 minutes and 51 seconds.
In the 65 age grouping ED SHILLABEER was placed 11th in
61.01. Ed (Edbanger) competes for Ilford AC in 2nd
claim capacity. Needless to say Ilford had to campaign
without those on World Championship duty when they took
to the tarmacadam at Enfield on a hot Saturday afternoon
to contest a 5 miles walk in a local park staged by
Enfield & Harringey AC. Despite having
no Ilford member in the frame, good team packing saw the
Cricklefields-based outfit take the team honours, which
they won by a whisker from Hillingdon AC.
They were led home by Steve Uttley, who challenged for
3rd spot early on, before settling for 5th position in
42.38 after admitting that on the day, other rivals had
produced better form. A position
in arrears, 6th, saw STEVE ALLEN continue his purple
patch as he recorded 44.22. The tam
were closed-in by stalwart DAVE SHARPE who worked hard
to fill 10th place in 47.21. Olly
Browne, who at the end of September will be walking 38
miles from Southend Pier head to Ilford's Valentines
Park for 10 charities, claimed 11th position in 48.05. Ilford also welcomed back popular KEITH
PHILLIPS, who had been working overseas, for his first
walk in 3 years. he started with some pace,
being just off the leading group but it was to be no
fairytale comeback as he was warned on the opening lap
and disqualified on the second! The race was won by inform Castle Point
AC athlete PHIL BARNARD from Canvey Island who broke the
tape in 40.44, well clear of all!
STEPHEN CRANE 92nd claim capacity) came 3rd in a pb time
of 41.58. Also walked : 14th Mike Hinton
49.25
16th Laurence Dordoy 49.58
22nd Mick Barnbrook 52.53.
32nd Dave Ainsworth 59.49 Mick Barnbrook and Dave Ainsworth came
3rd and 2nd respectively in the handicap and will be
presented with M&S vouchers at the next Enfield League
meeting on Saturday 13th October (5K). Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
(01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 10th September 2007
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Ilford AC contested the National 10 Kilometres Walking Championship on an "out-and-back" flat 1 kilometre stretch of the perimeter track at Earls Colne Airfield in North Essex on a hot and sunny Sunday afternoon. Ilford's prospects didn't look as bright as the overhead sun as they assembled at the start line, for protagonist SCOTT DAVIS was injured and team captain DAVE KATES was unavailable, so giving others an opportunity to step forward and shine.
Ever consistent STEVE UTTLEY was the best of the Ilford squad, pounding out 55 minutes and 2 seconds for 8th position. For much of the trip colleague STEVE ALLEN was on his shoulder as he dug deep into his reserves to keep up. Allen traditionally has a good September, as he builds up to his big target race - the Postmens National Championships at the end of the month! It was only in the final stages that he slipped back and came home 10th in 55.29.
The team were closed-in by hard-working Walking Section Secretary DAVE SHARPE who filled 22nd spot in 61.05. Inside the last kilometre, Sharpe faded while LAURENCE DORDOY had plenty left as he powered on to finish 23rd in 61.28. Dordoy sated afterwards, "I just ran out of road - I was closing so fast that just a bit further and I'd have passed Dave".
Teamwise Ilford AC came tops in National Championship, but were mighty fortunate that a leading walker from Leicester Walking Club was disqualified at the 6K mark, otherwise the title would have gone to the East Midlands.
Issued By Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 3rd September 2007
MAKING DO
A sunny Sunday morning at hilly Blackheath Park didn't get off on the right foot for those seeking to get changed for pedestrianism, as the key-holder at the Changing Rooms failed to put in an appearance. Race walkers are a hardy bunch and that setback failed to dent enthusiasm as attenders changed in bushes by the start line! When the 9 Kilometres' race action commenced, Belgrave Harrier MICK SCAMELL, who in earlier days had once been on Ilford's books, shot well clear of the field leaving the rest to scrap for 2nd place. The only entrant to make a fist of challenging Scamell was Ilford's STEVE ALLEN who was on his shoulder early-on before failing to match such hot pace. He held 2nd position throughout the race, though his advantage was whittled down over the last of 5 circuits as former European and Commonwealth Games representative CARL LAWTON (also Belgrave H) closed-in. Allen clocked clocked 54.02 for 2nd place, followed by Lawton in 54.41. Lawton only just made the frame as he overtook Ilford's MIKE HINTON within sight of the finishing line, Hinton finishing 4th in 54.53. Stalwart ALAN O'RAWE was 5th in 60.08. Teamwise, Ilford took the honours.
Meanwhile on the same day, Ilford's LAURENCE DORDOY and MICK BARNBROOK lined-up at St.Peter Port for the annual Guernsey Church-to-Church Walk, held over the odd and rarely raced distance of 19 and1/2 miles - the distance being made up on a course which passes every Church on this Channel Island. Both are regulars at the event, with Dordoy tacking the distance after a recent lay-off following a back injury. He fared better, filling 6th spot in 3 hours 36 minutes and 28 seconds, with Barnbrook 10th in 3.46.56.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382).
Walking Section Report 28th August 2007 HIGH NOON AT ENFIELD Ilford's walkers lined up for a 20K
on one of the hottest Saturdays of the summer, to
face 12 fast and flat twisting circuits around a
public park in Enfield. It
was billed as a noon start, but was slightly delayed
as the field observed silence for a long-serving
timekeeper who had passed-on during the week.
That minute's silence meant the difference between
STEVE ALLEN starting on time or missing the "off",
for he ran to the start line while respects were
being paid! When action commenced it was STEPHEN
CRANE who showed best for the Cricklefields-based
outfit, as he battled hard in the heat to secure 3rd
place in 115 minutes and 2 seconds - being rewarded
with a personal best timing. Indeed
Crane has had a wonderful year, this being his 5th
personal-best clocking of 2007, and another
performance which demonstrated the benefits of being
coached by Ilford's hard working Secretary DAVE
SHARPE. DAVE KATES dug deep into his
reserves to pound out 119.48 to secure a good 6th
spot in good class company, while STEVE ALLEN
overcame his lack of a warm-up to finish 9th in
127.11., so enabling Ilford to easily win the team
honours. Also walked : 10th Dave Sharpe
130.06
12 Bob Dobson
130.54
16 Laurence Dordoy 135.58
22 Mick Barnbrook 147.05 Note : Stephen Crane is a 2nd claim
member. Also
Eric Saxby competed in the 5K race clocking a rapid
29.43. Issued By Ilford AC Walking
Section (01708-377382
Walking Section Report 20th August 2007
NOW IS THE HOUR
Ilford AC members tackled the annual Southern Area One Hour race at Dartford Track on a pleasant Saturday afternoon. The object is to walk around the track as often as possible within the 1 hour period. Ilford's DAVE SHARPE, who is fabled for arriving early at venues, lived-up to his reputation when he darkened the door an hour before start time. This was fortunate as his water bottle had leaked during his journey , so saturating his kit. Fortunately he had time to peg his kit onto a fence and most of the dampness had dried in the breeze by start time! When racing began it was STEVE ALLEN who showed best for the Cricklefields-based outfit pounding consistently on to cover 10,166 metres for 8th placing. Dried-out DAVE SHARPE accounted for 9,658 metres for 10th position while the team were closed-in by seldom seen ERIC SAXBY. Barking-based Saxby left these shores for New Zealand almost 4 years' ago and was back in Blightly on a family visit. He showed he's still got a spring-in-his-step to share 10th spot with the same distance behind him. Teamwise Ilford AC were overall victors based on the combined distance covered by their top 3 finishers.
Issued By Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 14th August 2007
BUSY WEEKEND FOR SHARPE
Ilford's hard working Walking Section Secretary DAVE SHARPE appeared in the oppressive heat of Saturday afternoon in the New River Stadium, Harringey to contest the last of this season's London Inter-Club Challenge 3,000 metres walks. These short 7-and-half-lap sprints are his forte and he took the lead from the off with Belgrave Harrier Mark Culshaw, a rival who usually comes out best in meetings between the two. Both pulled clear of the pack when after 3 laps the Ilford man managed to maintain his pace in the searing heat while his rival waned, so allowing Sharpe to gain a lead which he maintained until breaking the tape in 16 minutes and 54 seconds, winning by 42 seconds from Culshaw. It was Sharpe's 2nd victory of 2007 - both coming in 3,000 metres track races.
On Sunday morning Sharpe lined up for 9 Kilometres of testing road walking around 5 circuits of hilly Blackheath Park in South London, along with other Ilford members, of whom STEVE ALLEN was to show best for the Cricklefields-based contingent as he placed 3rd in 54 minutes and 3 seconds, though he had to work hard over the final stages as he was pressed hard by the same MARK CULSHAW who had been a thorn in Ilford's side a day earlier in Harringey. Allen completed the frame with 14 seconds to spare. Sharpe came home 5th in 55.33 having been overtaken by a revenge-taking Culshaw after 3 laps. Afterwards Sharpe admitted that he expended too much energy on the previous day, so leaving him wanting on the Sunday! Micky Sutton was not on form and had his worst race for sometime as he finished 7th in 72.32. Ilford won the team race. The race was won convincingly by Southend-on-Sea's very much in-form CHRIS CATTANO in 48minutes and 35 seconds.
Meanwhile on Gurnnsey over 13 road circuits Ilford's MICK BARNBROOK also "had a stinker" producing his worst-ever time over 20 Kilometres as he placed an isolated 5th in a low-key race promoted by that lsland's Sarnia Walking Club.
Issued by Ilford Walking Club (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 6th August 2007 HIGH
NOON Ilford AC had 2 walkers on the start line at
noon on Sunday - the hottest day of the year this far -
inside Bedford Stadium for the South East Counties 5,000
metres' Championships. Pride of place went to STEPHEN
CRANE who came 2nd in 28.21 some distance behind clear
victor NICK SILVESTER (Aldershot Farnham & District), but
with enough in hand to repel up-and-coming Tonbridge AC
junior LUKE BALDWIN who clocked 28.46.
In the pack Ilford's DAVE SHARPE battled hard to catch-up
with noted fast starter (but equally noted late fader) PETER
HANNEL of Surrey Walking Club. After the
latter's opening burst it took 6-and-half laps to get on his
shoulder, where the Ilford man remained until 600 metres
from the line when he made an effective burst finishing 4th
in 29.12, with Hannel just 11 seconds in arrears.
With Baldwin racing in the Junior Section, Sharpe collected
the Senior Men's bronze medal. Note : Information supplied by Dave
Sharpe. The weekend's other race at Enfield is
being written-up by Steve Uttley. Stephen Crane
is an Ilford 2nd Claim member and was representing SWC in
the above event. Next weekend : Sat 11th August : LICC
3,000 Metres at 1 pm - New River Stadium, White Hart Lane,
Harringey (nearest Underground - Wood Green on the
Piccadilly Line). Enter-on-the-day. Sun 12th August : LPR Open 9Kms Yacht
Handicap at Blackheath Park (11.30 am).
Enter-on-the-day. also : Inter-Counties representative 3,000
Metres at Portsmouth;s Mountbatten centre (11.45 am).
For selected athletes only! Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
(01708-377382) The August edition of the
Enfield League series was held on Saturday 4th August over 5
miles in warm and humid conditions, which came as a shock to
many in the field after a summer of seemingly non-stop cold
and rain. So much so that Enfield's own Phil Williams quit
the race shortly after 3 miles having called for water and
being told that there was none. Ilford had 6 starters and
were led home by Steve Uttley who, feeling a little below
par, made a slow start and worked his way through from about
12th to 5th in a time of 44-57, passing Southend's Chris
Cattano within sight of the finish. Dave Kates struggled in the
second part of the race after what he admitted was an
over-ambitious start, but nevertheless stuck grimly to his
task to finish 7th in 46-58. He was disappointed with his
time having anticipated a finishing time in the mid-43s.
Always strong in hot conditions Mike Hinton returned to
action after a lengthy period of injury to finish an
excellent 13th in 50-27. Other Ilford walkers to cross the
finish line were Alan O'Rawe in a solid 23rd place, Mick
Barnbrook 29th and Bill Sutherland, making a comparitively
rare appearance in racing kit these days in 30th. Ilford,
without a number of their leading walkers, finished 2nd in
the team race behind Castle Point AC. Steve Uttley LONG-DISTANCE CHARITY WALK On Sunday
September 30th
Ilford Athletic Club's OLLY BROWNE will be attempting to
walk from Southend Pier Head-to-Ilford's Valentines Park in
order to boost the coffers of 10 different charities.
He'll be "flagged-off" on his 38 miles trek by Famous Essex
International Walker - Olympian ROGER MILLS, and several
notables are expected to join him for sections along the
way. This is a repeat of a similar, but slightly
shorter Southend/Ilford charity walk that Mr.Browne
accomplished some years' back. OLLY BROWNE is former Captain of the Walking
Section at Ilford AC and still a member of that athletics
Club. He is also a member of The
Centurions, described by the late John Arlott in his book
"The Oxford Companion to Sport & Games" as being the world's
most exclusive athletic club - open only to those who have
completed a 100 Miles' walking race in under 24 hours (a
feat completed 3 times by Mr.Browne).
The first recorded performance was by Mr. James Edward
Fowler-Dixon at Lille bridge Track in 1877 - and today only
1060 athletes have ever performed this feat.
Olly was the 796th athlete to complete this feat, doing so
in 1985 at the British Telecom 24 Hours' Walk at Colchester
Garrison Athletics Track, taking 23 hours 5 minutes and 49
seconds. Mr.Browne, a self-employed painter,
decorator and home renovator will be pounding the roads for
10 different charities, to wit : Anchor House Appeal (Homelessness), Anxiety
Care, Careline - Telephone Counselling Service, Helen
Rollason Heal Cancer Go For Gold Campaign, King
George's Hospital Rheumatology Support Group, Redbridge
Night Shelter, St.Angela's Centre (For the deaf and hard of
hearing), St.John Ambulance (370 Ilford Division), The
London Chest Hospital and The Royal British Legion. The walk commences at Southend Pier head at
8am and Mr.Browne's estimated arrival time in Valentines
will be between 12.30-1.30pm, when he will do a few laps
around the Park with those accompanying him. His
route will take in Chalkwell, Westcliff, Hadleigh,
Thundersley, Rayleigh,Wickford, Rainbow Heath, Billericay,
Hutton, Shenfield, Brentwood, South Weald, Weald Park, Noak
Hill, Collier Row, Newbury Park finishing with a few
circuits of Ilford's Valentines Park. Total = 38
Miles! Should you wish to contribute towards
Mr.Brown's total please send a cheque made out to the
charity/charities of your choice from the 10 listed above
and mail to : Mr.Olly Browne, 82 Tattersall Gardens,
LEIGH-ON-SEA, Essex. SS9 2QT. For further details contact Olly Browne on
01702-557109 (mobile 07961-624075) or see him at the
athletics meetings. Issued by Ilford Athletic Club
07725 187966
Walking Section Report 30th July 2007
TWO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN ONE WEEKEND
Ilford AC members contested 2 National Race Walking Championship at the weekend, which were held in conjunction around a 2 miles' circuit of Battersea Park's Queen's Carriageway. Pride of place went to 31 years' old London Underground booking clerk SCOTT DAVIS who was "just the ticket" as he sped around the famous London park to win the UK National 50 Kilometres' title for a 3rd successive year. Due to a hard season Davis only decided to enter near to the closing date, but once his decision to participate had been made he threw himself into the task - which involves a racing 31 miles and 131 yards for the non-metrically aligned. From the "off" Nuneaton Harrier STEVE ARNOLD took charge with an impressive opening burst which saw him reaching 20 Kilometres only 2 minutes down on his season's best for that distance. Davis kept his cool and allowed Arnold to gain a considerable lead, as those in the Davis camp had done their homework and knew that this race leader was one known to always produce his best work early on. Past form proved a reliable guide as Davis began to claw-back the advantage, and on one devastating lap the twin occurrences of the Ilford man stepping-up a gear and the Midlander "blowing-up" resulted in the lead being halved. Another couple of circuits and Davis was able to see the empty road unwind before him as Arnold was overtaken without riposte. From then on impressive progress was made towards the tape, which he broke in 4 hours 35 minutes and 39 seconds to win by a distance. It was not his best time but was the fastest he'd recorded in the UK, and in this long-established National Championship first staged in South Croydon back in 1930, he became the 105th fastest-ever Briton of all time. OLLY BROWNE finished 20th in 6.12.58 and KEVIN MARSHALL 28th in 6.17.52 so enabling the Ilford trio to earn 2nd National team medals behind hosts Surrey Walking Club. With Marshall not having an Essex qualification, stalwart DAVE SHARPE closed home the Ilford team to take the Essex team honours gaining a "classified" finish at 45 Kilometres which he reached in 5.48.40. Sharpe was forced to a complete standstill at one point owing to agonising hamstring pain; but after a while sitting on a chair he rose and pressed-on in some discomfort. Organisers allow competitors in 50K races to count in the team race if they retire after completing 40 Kilometres, which itself is a long way!
The meeting went on as it was also the National 100 Miles Championship and among those staying-in the race was LEIGH-ON-SEA based member OLLY BROWNE who was attempting to complete the 100 Miles distance for the 3rd time in his impressive career. Browne twice had finished this distance in track races, but never on a road surface. Never looking to be in trouble he ploughed on overnight and through hours of torrential rain, to place 10th in 22 hours 11 minutes and 41 seconds. Indeed age has not dented his impact as a competitor for he was faster then when first racing 100 miles way back in 1985! MARSHALL also stayed in the race, but withdrew at 38 miles, which he reached in 7.52.00. Current international Marshall's hard season has seen him complete a number of ultra-distance races in mainland Europe and such a heavy schedule caught up with him - but he vowed to return to top form soon! Roayl Mail Manager MICKY SUTTON was making his debut over this epic distance and he reached 50 miles before bowing-out with injury in 10 hours and 57 minutes - he too was upbeat about his future prospects, saying "I'll do it next time". Having raced his 45 kilometres, public-spirited SHARPE also stopped on overnight to assist the meeting officials.
Attenders congratulated the Davis family - true supporters - on their post race buffet, and tribute must be paid the the number of Ilford AC walkers who came to Battersea Park to support the walkers and perform a variety of other tasks.
Next week, Enfield League racing recommences after an interval - it's 5 Miles at 2.30pm from Donkey Lane on Saturday afternoon (4 Aug) - the first race of the "Post-Oliver Era". Full turnout please.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 19th July 2007
WWW RESULT
Ilford AC put out 4 walkers in last night's WWW 3,000 Metres Walk at Ashtons. Best placed was 2nd claimer STEPHEN CRANE who filled 2nd place in 15.41.5 though well adrift of clear winner - Canvey Islander PHIL BARNARD (14.17.9).
Peterborough's ROD DUNN came 3rd, with 4th spot going to LAURENCE DORDOY who was making his 2nd appearance in successive nights, having pounded the Queen's Carriageway at Battersea Park in the Veterans' 5 Miles on the Tuesday. Laurence clocked 17.27.6 ALAN O'RAWE got better as they race went on, finishing with a flourish in 19.05.4 to take 5th position. DAVE AINSWORTH came 8th in 20.53.3
Ilford walkers were cheered on by 2 Ilford AC Past Presidents, in IAN GAINS and former "Mr.Universe" WESLEY CLARKE who was doing his stuff in the hammer-throwing cage.
DAVE SHARPE was late for his pre-arranged lift pick-up, which had gone by the time he arrived. So he got a bus and headed for Chigwell Row where he reports that he did sterling work assisting in Ilford AC's staging of the annual Newman Hilly Off-Road 5 Miles around 2 circuits of Hainault Forest.
Good news : After speculation, reigning UK National 50K Champion SCOT DAVIS has entered the RWA National 50K Championship at Battersea Park on Saturday 28th July at noon. He'll be able to lead a promising Ilford AC team which hopefully will include BOB DOBSON, DAVE SHARPE, MICKY SUTTON, OLLY BROWNE and current distance international KEVIN MARSHALL. The latter trio are intending to head on for the 100 Miles! When you consider that Birchfield Harriers won the 2006 RWA National 50K team title, despite not having a single member reach 50K, then Ilford AC must be in with a good chance of top success here. Olly has twice completed 100 Miles walks in under 24 hours on tracks, but never on the road (his only attempt at Leicester failing). So he's keen to add a road finish to his list of success! Sadly injury has caused STEVE ALLEN to scratch. Steve has 50K experience and has also appeared in 100 Miles events, so we hope his injury concerns will soon be behind him - and we hope to see him lining-up for the big races soon! ED SHILLABEER (Edbanger) will be with the Battersea Park walkers in spirit, as this popular former 100 Miles victor (Hendon 1989) is unavailable owing to a prior commitment - he sends everybody his best wishes for the event.
Olly Browne is also aiming for distance success on Sunday 30th September when he'll be doing a charity walk from Southend Pier-to-Ilford's Valentines Park in aid of 10 different charities. This is a repeat of a similar, but slightly shorter walk, of a few years' back when he successfully raised a good sum of money when walking from Southend Pier-to-Ilford's Cardinal Heenan Centre.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
Walking Section Report 3rd July 2007
MONDAY EVENING RACING
Ilford AC had 2 walkers in Monday evening 2,000 Metres' Veterans Walk at Copthall Stadium in Hendon. The race had a favourite in Welsh No.,2 walker PHIL WILLIAMS (Enfielkd & Harringey AC) who lived up to his billing by "sorting out the field" with a flat-out opening lap of 1 minute and 54 seconds, which only Ilford's STEVE UTTLEY could live with as he hung on just a metre-or-two in arrears. By midway Williams had pressed-on to gain a 15 metres' advantage before Uttley got his "second wind" and closed down the leader during a final circuit of the track which had the crowd on their feet cheering - as he got to just a stride and under-a- second from victory, which eluded him clocking 9 minutes and 50.4 seconds to Williams winning time of 9.49.5. Both were a full minute clear of 3rd placed former international ARTHUR THOMSON (Herts Phoenix AC) who clocked 10.50.
Also giving a good account of himself was busy MICKY SUTTON, who had raced over 20 and 50 and 10 Kilometres during the past 2 weeks, the latter distance only the day before! Sutton, better known as a distance exponent, clocked 13.53.9 for 5th spot.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 2nd July 2007
OUT AND ABOUT
Ilford AC put out a brace of walkers at Parliament Hill
Fields track on a rain sodden Saturday afternoon for the
London Inter Club Challenge 3,000 metres' race.
Both collected a soaking but were nevertheless pleased
with their efforts, especially STEPHEN CRANE (2nd claim
member) who was rewarded with a personal best time of 14
minutes and 59 seconds when he filled 2nd place.
He matched pre-race favourite - Welsh No.2 walker PHIL
WILLIAMS (Enfield & Harringey AC) for over 3-and-a-half
laps before the form book took its course as Williams
began to ease ahead to break the tape in 14.46.
In 4th spot came dependable DAVE SHARPE in 17.27.
Up north, as they say, in York on Sunday STEVE ALLEN
and MICKY SUTTON raced in the annual National Postmans
In-Uniform race on a wet, but delightful 10
Kilometres' course which took its participants along the
scenic banks of the River Ouse.
But puffing-and-groaning at speed, they had little time
to enjoy the scenery as Allen claimed 5th position in
class company clocking 1 hour and 49 seconds.
Sutton, whose forte is over longer distances, did well
to fill 14th spot in 1.07.13 after a good tussle with
former international athlete SEAM MARTINDALE who
finished just 5 seconds ahead! A curious
event this, as there's a social-cum-booze-up on the eve
of the race - rather than after it!
Tonight at Copthall Stadium (6.30 am) MICKY SUTTON will
be in sprint mode as he tackles the Southern Veterans'
Track & Field League 2,000 metres' race along with Event
regular STEVE UTTLEY.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Sectiion (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 25th June 2007
GOOD TEAM VICTORY IN A SOAKING
Ilford's walkers pounded 5 times around hilly Blackheath Park on a dismal Sunday morning, which saw steady rain pouring throughout the meeting's duration. Best to show in the 9 Kilometres' race was DAVE SHARPE who missed out on 3rd place by just 3 seconds, being edged out by promising Tonbridge AC youth IAN BALDWIN, who clocked 54 minutes and 27 seconds in his eye-catching Union Jack shorts to Sharpe's 54.30. In close order and also donning identically bright Union Jack shorts was STEVE ALLEN who claimed 6th spot in 54.43 in what was truly a morning for tight finishes. Stalwart ALAN O'RAWE, who is finding his way back to fitness after injury, made further progress to claim 9th position in 60.45 and secure a team victory for the bedraggled Cricklefields-based outfit.
Ilford AC 2nd Claim members STEPHEN CRANE and MICK BARNBROOK also raced, appearing for SWC and Sarnia respectively.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382
Walking Section Report 22nd June 2007
NO WARM-UP BUT THEN A HOT PACE
Three Ilford walkers filled the frame in the long-established Annual City Charities 3,000 Metres' Representative Walk at the recently and rebuilt and excellently appointed Willesden Track on a muggy Wednesday evening. The trio 3 were racing for other organisations as the match is a 4-hander between Civil Service, Metropolitan Police, London Business Houses Association and London University.
STEVE UTTLEY arrived trackside as the lady starter actually had the field under orders. She was in kindly mood as the Ilford man was permitted to change rapidly and then allowed to commence without numbers and pins in a bid to further reduce a delayed start. Guest walker PETER HANNEL stormed into the lead taking them around the opening lap in rapid time before - as always in his case - being reeled-in by the pack. From lap 2 onwards UTTLEY took total command and was never headed a he went on to win by a distance in 15 minutes and 22.9 seconds in the colours of the Civil Service. Also overtaking Hannel was UTTLEY who was representing the LBH. He clocked a sound 16.35.6 With Hannel finishing 3rd only in guest capacity, 3rd place actually went to MICK BARNBROOK who was representing the Police, clocking 19.15.8
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 18th June 2007
TEAM VICTORY BUT WITH A REDUCED TURNOUT
Ilford AC staged their annual Summer 5 Miles' Walk around fast-and-flat South Park on a sunny Sunday morning. The event, which is part of the 12-race Essex League, failed to pull in as many punters as expected but nevertheless those there put on a good display of fair heel-and-toe walking. Former winner STEVE UTTLEY carried the host Club's best chances of success, which looked like coming his way for much of the race as he forced the pace. However, with 2 circuits of the 6 on offer, a "dark horse" took centre stage. Southend's CHRIS CATTANO, who had made his name over longer distanced races, clung hard and grimly to Uttley's coat tails before surprising all with a surge into the lead. Uttley battled hard throughout those final 2 laps but Cattano gritted his teeth and gamely hung on to record victory in 42 minutes and 17 seconds with Uttley just 2 seconds in arrears. It was Cattano's first victory in any walking race!
Ilford's STEPHEN CRANE was always in the hunt for the top places, being only slightly off the pace until the closing stages. He competed the frame in 43.16 and received the trophy for being the "Stylist-of-the-Meet". The top 3 had managed to slip the field with aplomb leaving a long gap to stalwart DAVE SHARPE who came 4th in 49.47 also winning the first Veteran award. MICK BARNBROOK continued his fine sequence of races, again exceeding his own expectations with a most consistent walk ending in a final flourish which saw him place 5th in 53.43. ALAN O'RAWE appeared despite carrying injury, appearing only to claim some Essex League points, which he did by filling 8th spot in 58.46. Ilford easily retained their team trophy with Croydon-based Surrey Walking Club coming 2nd.
On Wednesday evening at Willesden Track, STEVE ALLEN came first in the Annual London Business Houses 3,000 Metres Championship Walk A former victor, Allen was never seriously troubled as he claimed his gold medal in 16 minutes' exactly.
Also on Sunday protagonist SCOTT DAVIS lined-up alongside internationals in a top class field at Douglas (IOM) for a quality 20 Kilometres. He was rewarded with a high 7th position in 1 hour 41 minutes and 29 seconds.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 11th June 2007
GOOD TEAM SHOWING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
On a hot Saturday afternoon, Ilford walkers travelled to Moulton on the outskirts of Newmarket for an out-and-back 5 Miles' Walk through the Suffolk countryside. In a field of over 80, it was STEVE UTTLEY who showed best for the Cricklefields-based outfit with a gutsy bid to make the frame. He was always there or thereabouts as they say, but eventually had to settle for 5th spot in a commendable 43 minutes and 42 seconds. STEVE ALLEN returned after a lay-off from race walking and showed all his old sharpness as he dug-in to place 9th in 46.09 just ahead of 10th placed LAURENCE DORDOY who belied his status as an injured athlete to record 46.14 on the stopwatch - despite competing with a heavily strapped thigh. This enabled Ilford to easily retain their team title. In fact it proved to be a fruitful day for Ilford as their 'B' team collected the 3rd team prizes, being led home by hard-working DAVE SHARPE, 12th in 47.16, who did most of his work in solo capacity after being isolated between 2 groups throughout the race. KEVIN MARSHALL who admitted suffering the effects of 3 ultra-distance races this year, stepped down to tackle a short 5 miles and was rewarded with 22nd position in 52.21. The 'B' team were closed-in by MICK BARNBROOK who had his best outing of the year to finish 34th in 56.08. On a course went was uphill on the outbound and downhill on the return, ALAN O'RAWE got up a head of steam on the way back and finished 35th in 56.20 and would have undoubtedly overtook his club colleague had there the finishing line been a few yards' further on!
2nd Claim member : Stephen Crane finished 8th in 46.04 after a great scrap with Steve Allen!
Next Sunday - June 17th - Ilford AC stage an Essex League 5 Miles' Walking race around South Park, commencing at 10.30 am. Press/photographers welcome.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 8th June 2007
VICTORY FOR UTTLEY IN CURTAIN RAISER
Woodford Green with Essex Ladies AC held the first of this season's series of Open Graded Meetings at Ashtons track, Woodford Bridge on a mild Wednesday evening, with the 3,000 metres' walking race being the curtain-raiser.
It proved to be a tight tussle between pre-race favourite STEVE UTTLEY, who has a fine record of this track, and ever-improving STEPHEN CRANE. Crane, who is coached by Ilford's Walking Secretary DAVE SHARPE, gave the favourite much to think about as they reached the end of the penultimate lap still in fierce contention. The bell acted as a fillip to Uttley as he tore into a 1 minute and 52 seconds' final lap which saw his rival battling hard to equal and ultimately failing to match by just a few strides. Uttley broke the tape in 15 minutes and 9.5 seconds with Crane 2nd in 15.12.7 seconds, but nevertheless having the satisfaction of recording a personal best time.
An intriguing battle for the honour of completing the frame ensued between LAURENCE DORDOY and PETER HANNEL (Surrey Walking Club), with the latter forcing the pace. Hannel is an athete noted for performing his best work early on, so Dordoy had the confidence to hold back and wait for the inevitable "blow-up" whereupon he reeled him in with ease on route to a 16.12.9 3rd place. MICK BARNBROOK had his best 3,000 metres' walk of the season securing 5th spot with 19.24.8 on the stopwatch.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 4th June 2007
MEDAL FOR INFREQUENT RACE WALKER
Ilford AC's President-Elect JOHN MacKENZIE, well known as an experienced and respected runner, switched codes on Thursday afternoon at Colchester Garrison Track to earn a silver medal in a walking race over 3,000 metres. Appearing in the annual Essex Police Athletics Championships, Mackenzie lined-up in the walk with the intention of making up the numbers in an event in which more accomplished athletes were unavailable. But the true competitive instinct came out as he made a bid for the honours in an event which he has made only occasional appearances over the years. RUSS WELSH got clear to break the tape in 20.07, but MacKenzie showed good form to claim the silver medal in 20.52 being well clear of the 3rd placer. It was a rewarding afternoon for the Ilford man for he also took silver the Veterans' 1,500 metres and won the Super Vet award in the 5,000 metres runs.
On Sunday over 2 circuits at Eastbrook End intrepid Walking Section Secretary DAVE SHARPE raced the Barking & Dagenham 5 Miles run. Sharpe kept to his preferred code and walked it, clocking 47 minutes exactly beating many runners along the way!
The Walking Section were truly saddened to hear of Ilford's "Mr Starter" - Dave Searle - and his heart attack and spell in Romford's new Queen's Hospital. We all wish him well as he now recovers and rests back at hisUpminster home.
Issued by Ilford SC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 29th May 2007
COURSE RECORD FOR DAVIS
Ilford AC contested the London Inter Club Challenge 3,000 metres' walk at Picketts Lock track in Ponders End on a chilly Saturday afternoon. A filed of 31 caused difficulties, and it took over 2 laps before the field could spread out, but only after some bumping and jostling. Ahead of the plalanx were Ilford inform SCOTT DAVIS and Aldershot's NICK SILVESTER, who raced in close order for over half the race, before the Ilford man pressed the pedal and raced ahead to break the tape in 13 minutes and 22 seconds - so breaking the stadium record. Silvester tailed off to place 2nd in 14.11. Some Ilford walkers cut it fine, with STEVE UTTLEY having little time for a warm-up and Captain DAVE KATES none at all. Indeed when Mr Starter asked the field, "Are you ready" Kates had to yell out, "Oi mate, hang on a minute" for he was still getting his racing attire on beside the track. The starter was in kind mood and waited for Kates to join the field. STEVE UTTLEY had his hands full trying to have the honour of completing the frame, as he battled with old rival PHIL WILLIAMS (Enfield) with the latter getting 3rd place with 15.02 and Uttley just behind for 4th in 15.09. DAVE KATES came 7th in 15.34 with little preparation and over a distance that he had rarely raced in recent seasons. Ilford won the team race with a narrow victory over their hosts Enfield & Harringey AC.
Also walked : 9th Laurence Dordoy 15.44
10th Dave Sharpe 16.27
22nd Mick Barnbrook 19.59
26th Dave Ainsworth 21.18
27th Eddie Trotter 22.27
2nd claim : 5th Stephen Crane (SWC) 15.30 (pb)
On Sunday morning a hardy bunch of athletes assembled at Blackheath Park for a 9 Kilometres' Walk. With rain teeming down and forecast for the entire day, the cricket match on at the same venue had been cancelled - meaning that nobody came to open up the changing rooms which both athletes and cricketers share, so causing attenders to change in bushes around the venue. But it was a good morning for walkers in,other respects as the rain ceased just as the walk commenced...and recommenced just as the back marker finished his efforts! Somebody up there likes race walkers! LAURENCE DORDOY took control of the field to claim victory in 52 minutes and 16 seconds, seeing off a lively challenge from Tonbridge AC youngster L.Baldwin. ALAN O'RAWE came an isolated 3rd in 58.44. Further down the order MICKY SUTTON came 8th in 66.43, though he was still carrying the aches and sprains of an ultra distance race a week earlier. Ilford won the team race, and Dordoy also won a 100 points' award for beating the handicapper. Racing for Sarnia WC was Mick Barnbrook, who came 5th in 61.44. He came 2nd in the handicap and gained 90 points.
Inter-Counties at Bedford on Bank Holiday Monday Have tried, but unable to gain any meaningful information to put in the local newspaper/local radio. Dave Sharpe knew a bit, which he's gleaned form Pam Ficken. Dave knew that the Kings were 1st and 2nd (but not counting as they were guests), Mark Williams came 3rd. SCOTT DAVIS came 5th, he thinks, but has no idea of a time. Dave had a few names for the ladies, but no idea of where Chelsea came. Pauline Wilson only knew that 21 in total supported both races and, most unusually for modern walking - most were not veterans!
Don't forget : The WWW 3,000 metres' series starts up on Wednesday 6th June at Ashtons track - 6.40 pm
Dave has advised that he's entered the following for the National 50 Kilometres' Walk at Battersea Park on Saturday 28th July : Steve Allen, Ollie Browne, Bob Dobson, Kevin Marshall, Dave Sharpe and Micky Sutton. Those were the only ones who had advised him that they wished to be entered. Should others wish to be entered now, could they please make their own entries. To end confusion, those completing 50K will be able to count, irrespective of whether they continue on towards 100 Miles (which is being raced in conjunction).
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 14th May 2007
ILFORD GO NAP
Ilford's walkers went nap at the Essex County AAA 3,000 Metres Championship Walk at Chelmsford's impressive Melbourne Stadium on a wet and miserable Sunday afternoon. By fortune, the steady hard drizzle which had descended on the arena for most of the meeting suddenly abated just as the walkers wiggled into action, giving them the benefit of a dry outing, with rain returning just as the back marker finished his efforts!
There was a clear leader, in versative athlete SCOTT DAVIS, who had made his name over recent seasons in much longer events than the one on offer. Leading from gun to tape he was never troubled as he clocked 13 minutes and 41 seconds. With no serious rival he clearly gave the impression that he could have 'pressed the pedal' had the need arose. Second place was equally safe from start to finish as STEVE UTTLEY - just days before his 50th birthday - belied his age to record a sound and again unchallenged 15.12. The real race was on for the honour of completing the frame as a trio of Ilford walkers battled and tactically tried to outwit each other. STEPHEN CRANE, LAWRENCE DORDOY and DAVE SHARPE formed a phalanx for half the race, before the latter dropped back when Dordoy began to force the pace. Then Dordoy himself was upstaged at the bell as youngster Crane started to pull ahead, with Dordoy doing his level best to maintain the increased speed. Crane claimed the bronze medal in 15.59 with Dordoy 4th just 5 seconds in arrears. Sharpe came 5th in 16.35.
Next weekend most of Ilford walkers will be at the European Cup of Race Walking at Leamington Spa, where many are also meeting officials.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 7th May 2007
REPRESENTATIVE DUTY FOR DAVIS
Ilford's protagonist SCOTT DAVIS was selected to represent the South in the annual triangular match versus the North and the Midlands, which this year was held on Sunday afternoon at the nearby Dartford track.
Going to post in the 5,000 metres, Davis was always just out of striking distance of Welsh champion MARK WILLIAMS of Tamworth AC, who was representing the Midlands, and fellow Southern competitor DOMINIC KING (Colchester Harriers). With a rapid pace on offer, Davis was always in sight of the leading duo and ready to take advantage of any slip-up. This duly happened when King, twice a Commonwealth Games' representative, retired leaving the Welshman to break the tape in 22 minutes and 22 seconds, with the Ilford man taking advantage by moving into 2nd position, clocking 23.38. Indeed Davis needed to be on his mettle to ensure that former international JIMMY BALL (Southampton AC) didn't close the gap, as he finished 3rd, just 17 seconds' in arrears. Davis helped the South win the overall event!
Issued by Ilford AC Walking section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 1st May April 2007
ON TRACK
Ilford AC put out 2 walkers in Monday's evening's Southern Counties Track & Field League which was held on the country's newest track - at Pickett's Lock in Ponders End. However there enthusiasm to get going had to be curbed as a fire alarm, set off in a toilet, caused the stadium to be evacuated while they were warming-up. Warming-up literally went down the pan! A false alarm was declared, causing Ilford's STEVE UTTLEY to liken the the way in which the situation had been handled to "An Ealing Comedy".
When action commenced, in the rarely walked distance of 2,000 metres Uttley found prominent Welsh athlete PHIL WILLIAMS of hosts Enfield & Harringey, to be a proverbial thorn in his side for the 2nd time in 3 days as he again got the better of his Cricklefields-based rival. Uttley was unable to prevent Williams getting clear, but was delighted with his 9 minutes and 49 seconds clocking to ensure his 2nd place in the over 40s race. In the Over 50s race, reliable ALAN O'RAWE was a sound 4th in 11.53.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
Walking Section Report 30th April 2007
SECOND IN CLASS COMPANY
Ilford's in-form STEVE UTTLEY placed 2nd in Saturday afternoon's London Inter Club Challenge meeting at Copthall Stadium (Hendon). A small, but nevertheless classy field assembled in hot conditions and, from the off in the 3,000 metres' walk, leading Welsh walker PHIL WILLIAMS of Enfield & Harringey AC took centre stage - leaving the rest to scrap for 2nd spot. UTTLEY became custodian of that place soon after the off, and never relinquished despite a determined challenge from former European and Commonwealth Games athlete CARL LAWTON (Belgrave Harriers). Uttley was rewarded with an impressive 15 minutes and 28 seconds timing.
More news from Sunday 5 Miler on Canvey Island, where Olly Browne has reported that he dug so deep into his reserves in order to secure 3rd place, that he "threw-up" twice over the closing stages as he fought back Steve Allen's determined challenge!
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
"ALONG THE PROMENADE I STROLL"
"With my little stick of Blackpool rock, along the promenade I stroll" so sang the late George Formby. Well Ilford's walkers got to stroll along the promenade on Sunday morning - at Canvey Island - in the Nicola 5 Miles. For the 3rd successive year there was a walking race included with the main running race and Ilford's exponents of pedestrianism did well, dominating the top-ten positions. Local dignitary Ray Howard started the walkers off 15 minutes before the runners, sending a 49 strong field along 2-and-half miles of the Island's Esplanade before being directed around a 180 degrees' turn to head back along a narrow sea wall. Weather forecasters had predicted heat, but low cloud ensured temperatures never rose much so providing perfect conditions for athletes.
With the leading pair getting well clear the closest contest was for the honour of completing the frame, which eventually went to OLLY BROWNE by a few strides after a "battle royal" throughout the distance with teammate STEVE ALLEN, their times being 43 minutes and 14 seconds and 43.17 respectively. In 5th spot came new 2nd claim member SIMON CRANE who clocked 46.12, after working hard to keep just ahead of stalwart DAVE SHARPE who filled 6th position in 46.48. Sharpe was returning to successful ground, as he'd won the inaugural event in 2005. LAURENCE DORDOY, who returned to competitive action after being sidelined with bad blisters, was rewarded with 7th place in a rapid 47.39. Two of Ilford's walking squad - PETER RYAN and MICKY SUTTON opted for a change of code and pitched in for the running event along the same course.
The race was won by NICK SILVESTER (Aldershot, Farnham & Disrrict AC) - the 2006 second placer - in 40.28 with Canvey Island local prospect PHIL BARNARD (Castle Point AC) 2nd in 41.07.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 16th April 2007 Ilford
A.C. Racewalking Section - Press Report.
On the
warmest weekend of the year so far, temperatures of
25 degrees celcius greeted walkers at the start line
of the UKA / RWA National 20km Championship at
Coventry on Saturday 14th April. Faced with both
torrid weather conditions and the added blow of
losing their captain, Dave Kates, laid low with a
chest virus the night before the Ilford Team
adopted a patient approach, leaving their attack
until late in the race. These tactics paid dividends
with Ilford achieving the National Team Silver
medals behind Nuneaton Harriers and finishing
comfortably ahead of Birchfield. Leading in the
Ilford Team was their current highly U.K. ranked
athlete Scott Davis. Recent efforts over 30k in the
Isle od Man where he was 2nd to the star Irish
International, Colin Griffin and a commendable 17th
over 50kms in a top European Meet in Slovakia were
still very much in his legs so Davis did not
anticipate a fast time. The endurance work from
those events was to pay off however in the heat of
Coventry. As the faster early pacemakers began to
wilt, the cautious approach paid off and Davis moved
through the field from 10th upto 4th. Ahead of him
Nuneaton's Commonwealth Games representative Andy
Penn now lead the field and was to finish 1st in
95.24 with the Isle of Man's Peter Kaneen holding on
to 2nd in 100.46. The strong surge from Davis
continued and in the last 2kms he took a full minute
out of both Kaneen and Wolverhampton's Steve Hollier
3rd in 102.29. He was denied a podium finish simply
through running out of road but his 4th place in
103.03 gave the Ilford Team the platform it needed.
They did not disappoint with Steve Utley in
particular turning in a terrific performance to
finish 11th in 117.01. Behind him and continuing his
recent improvement was Lawrence Dordoy 14th in 2hrs
05.05. Closing in for Ilford was the reliable former
G.B. International Bob Dobson in 2hrs10.42.
_________________________________________________
Issued by Ilford A.C. Walking Section. ( 01708
- 377382 )
Walking Section Report 15th April 2007
OH SO SHARPE!
The Lea Valley Recreational Park staged the first ever athletics meeting on the new outdoor track at Picketts Lock in Ponders End on Saturday, the curtain raiser being the 3,000 metres' walk. In an impressive stadium, recent officially declared open by the Secretary of State Tessa Jowell and Olympic bid supremo Lord Coe, it was Ilford's hard working Walking Secretary DAVE SHARPE who from the 'off' immediately moved to head the field in opprerssive conditions. He maintained pole position from gun-to-tape, which he broke in 16 minutes and 22.4 seconds, becoming the inaugural victor at the venue. The timing means something as Sharpe also becomes the first track record holder! Sharpe had some 32 seconds in hand over Essex based former European and Commonwealth Games athlete AMOS SEDDON. Ilford official MIKE CROFT was appointed Chief Walking Judge for the opening event.
Also walking was 4th placed MICK BARNBROOK, who clocked 19.28.8. This true sportsman forsook most of his warm-up to assist a luckless golfer who'd lost his ball on the adjacent course. His efforts were appreciated as it was the Ilford man who found the missing ball.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 9th April 2007
Walking Section Report 26th March 2007
Walking Section Report 19th March
DORDOY ON FORM
Ilford's LAURENCE DORDOY was the pick of the Ilford contingent at Sunday morning's Open 9Kilometres Handicap Walk around 5 undulating circuits of Blackheath Park on a bitterly cold morning. He was the 5th fastest home, clocking 54 minutes and 28 seconds on a course which is no billiard table! Dordoy, who has been ever present at meetings thus far in 2007, beat his allowance to be 3rd in the handicap stakes.
In 6th spot came postman MICKY SUTTON who clocked 58.34, though he has his sights set at considerably more distance than that on offer at Blackheath; for he's well into ernest training for the National 100 Miles Championship at Battersea Park in late July! Dependable ALAN O'RAWE closed home the Ilford scoring trio with a sound 7th position in just 17 seconds over the hour mark. The team race was a close call as victors Tonbridge AC edged Ilford into 2nd spot.
In 10th place came DAVE SHARPE, a course specialist on the circuit - but he had a "stinker" finishing way beyond his expected time, filling 10th place in 63.01. Sharpe stated that the cold headwind was a bar to his progress, but also admitted that it was "the same for 'em all". Stalwart MICK BARNBROOK was just behind with 63.22 on the stopwatch.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
Walking Section Report 12th March 2007
FINAL RACE AT BEXLEY
The final event of the Bexley Winter League was staged on a sunny afternoon which belied the title of the competition, around 4 testing circuits of an "around the houses" course in Bexley so maing up 5 Kilometres. With the overall series team race already sewn up before going to post, Ilford walkers were able to take it less seriously than usual. best Ilford man on view was STEVE UTTLEY who walked a rapid 25 minutes and 31 seconds but frustratingly never quite got near enough to the leading bunch to challenge for a frame finish. DAVE SHARPE continued his sequence of fine form with a consistent 27.23 clocking which earned him 8th spot and with LAURENCE DORDOY closing home the Ilford squad in 10 position with 27.56 on the stopwatch, the Crickefields-based outfit came 3rd in the team stakes. A word for STEVE ALLEN who suffered a foot injury before half a lap had been completed. he had actually wheeled off the course and called it a day...before changing his mind and walking around with the "deadlegs" at the back in order to record a finish. He pluckily came 19th 37.33. Allen is talented at both running and walking and was taking it steady - for he was down to run in the Hastings Half Marathon on the Sunday morning!
Also walked : 14th Alan O'Rawe 31.04
15th Mick Barnbrook 31.50
2nd claim member : 7th Stephen Crane 27.11
Next Saturday (17 Mar) Ilford AC will be contesting the heavily sponsored Pat Furey Trophies' Meeting (4-to-score team awards) at Enfield over 5 Miles (2.30 pm start from Donkey Lane, Enfield), where they will be having a Walking Section Reunion post race. The catalyst for this event is the return of one of the Club's most popular ever members - STEVE KING - who emigrated to Canada in the late 70s. He's in the country on family business and will be racing for the first time in Blighty since emigrating. Twice a sub-9 hours London-to-Brighton walker King switched permanently to running in Canada and came 4th in the Canadian 50 Miles. He is also an athletics commentator on Canadian Television.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 5th March
GOOD TURNOUT AT ENFIELD
Ilford AC went 'nap' in Saturday afternoon's Enfield League 5 Miles race, held on a sunny but nevertheless deceptively cold weather, by winning both individual and team prizes as well as dominating the handcaip awards in an event organised by Enfield & Harringey AC . Pride of place went to protagonist SCOTT DAVIS who proved again that he can win races at will in the South as he jointly, with Aldershot's NICK SILVESTER, headed a 40 strong field from the 'off'. After gauging his opponent's threat Davis pressed the pedal after 1-and-half circuits flat but twisting 5 on offer, and was never again troubled as he pressed-on purposefully to a 38 minutes and 33 seconds convincing victory with over 3 minutes in hand over second-placer Silvester. STEVE UTTLEY showed consistent form to place 4th in 42.52 just 39 seconds adrift of a frame finish, which was denied to him by the host club's PHIL WILLIAMS. Dependable captain DAVE KATES closed home Ilford's scoring 3 to secure 1st team awards clocking 44.13.
In 9th spot Past President BRIAN ARMSTRONG continued to improve since making his comeback and filled 9th position in 45.44. In 13th spot and timed at 46.54, DAVE SHARPE was taking it easy as he was "keeping his powder dry" for the National Masters' Indoor Championships on the following day!
Also walked : 12th Laurence Dordoy 46.31
21st Alan O'Rawe 51.52
30th Mick Barnbrook 54.06
Messrs Kates, Armstrong and Barnbrook all went home with handicap awards for beating the handicapper!
The following day at the nearby newly-opened and impressive Picketts Lock Indoor Arena, DAVE SHARPE came overall 7th in the National Masters' Indoor 3,000 Metres Championship, sprinting his way to a 16 minutes and 42.8 seconds timing. In his Over 50 Age Group he collected the bronze medal, though admitted that he was fortunate that the custodian of 3rd place for most of the race - Leicester's MARK WALL - was disqualified during the closing stages, so enabling the Ilford man to make the rostrum.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 26th February 2007
Southern Area 20K Kilometres Championship (Essex 20K Championship in Conjunction).
No press report was submitted after this race in time for the Monday noon deadlines, which was a pity as we did well - despite having 3 top names unavailable in Messrs. Steve Allen, Scott Davis and Dave Kates.
Despite this we came 2nd team in the Southern Area, missing out to Belgrave Harriers by a solitary point! Overall the top 3 places were taken by athletes the wrong side of 1 hours 50 minutes (which min itself shows where UK race walking is going), the winner clocking 1.52.16, 2nd place 1.56.26 and 1.58.09. All reading these times will have bettered them during their racing careers. The top 3 were Nick Silvester, Chris Hobbs and Nick Culshaw.
The only walkers in the South capable of attaining true Championship-winning times both failed to finish the race - Dominic King got the chop and Daniel dropped out with 2 cards on the board (and presumable before a 3rd could be recorded against him).
In the Southern we our scoring 3 was Steve Uttley 5th, Laurence Dordoy 6th and ever-dependable Dave Sharpe (what would we do without him?) 12th. But...still a point out of winning the team race. But this shows Ilford's potential when 3 top men cannot make the race, and we still come 2nd, so better times lie ahead.
In the Essex Championship, we won the team race with Steve Uttley (gold), Laurence Dordoy (silver) and 2nd claimer Stephen Crane (bronze). it was the latter's first race at 20K and his first Essex County medal. Stephen was in the SWC team that came 3rd team in the Southern - as was his dad Peter).
The course was not a popular one for a Championship and most finishers were well-and-truly f---ked afterwards, having climbed the great hill 17 times. One must question the wisdom of staging that race on that course, though it's the "same for them all".
Mick Barnbrook rung me up on Tuesday night and was pleased to have beaten his 2hours 20minutes' target (by 28 seconds) for 20th place. 2nd claimer Ron Powell clocked around 2.13 I've heard.
Next Saturday (3 March) : It's the Enfield League 5 Miles at Donkey Lane. We really do need a maximum turnout for this one, as some of our Enfield regulars (having paid between £15 and £20(depending whether or not one is in a Veterans' Club) to enter the rip-off 3,000 metres at the Picketts Lock indoor track on Sunday (4th March) are "keeping their powder dry" on Saturday afternoon. Be warned : West Ham are at home to Spurs - and this will generate traffic jams on the North Circular (even though the traffic will be going south). We lost 2 walkers at the last Enfield home race because they both abandoned their journies in heavy North Circular traffic, because Spurs were at home! Also note that the Enfield turnoff (junction 25) is still closed-off westbound - and will be until December 2007.
Hope to see one-and-all at Enfield on Saturday (2.30 pm).
Dave Ainsworth
Walking Team Manager
Walking Section Report 19th February 2007
TITLES RETAINED
Ilford AC walkers retained both their individual and team titles at Sunday morning's Essex 10 Miles Road Walking Championship, held around 6 testing circuits of the Metropolitan Police's Sports Ground at Chigwell.
Defending champion SCOTT DAVIS bolted from the start and was never to be headed as he drew away from the pack and completed the course in a faster time than 12 months' ago, to brake the tape without challenge in 79 minutes and 50 seconds. A long gap ensued to 2nd placed STEVE UTTLEY who finished strongly in 90.48, having confidently saved his fastest 2 circuits to last! Ilford went nap as Captain DAVE KATES claimed the bronze medal with 91.10 on the stopwatch, so proving that recent injury concerns were now in his past. Teamwise Ilford were comfortable victors. The race was started by, and prizes presented by Essex County AAA President Mrs.Jean Teirney.
An improved LAURENCE DORDOY placed 7th in 98.04; which was remarkable as he had lost time when leaving the course to answer the call of nature.
Also walked : 8th Dave Sharpe 100.55
9th Bob Dobson 102.39
10th Mick Barnbrook 109.43
Ilford AC 2nd claimer STEPHEN CRANE performed well to fill 5th position in 97.33 in what was only his 2nd outing over the distance!
Next Saturday (24 Feb) Ilford walkers will be slightly upping their distance to contest the Southern Area 20 Kilometres event which will incorporate the Essex 20 Kilometres' championship and is also an Essex League event. The race commences at Bexley 1pm. Please note that the start line is 5-to-10 minutes' walk from the Cambridge Harriers Headquarters. These are situated up the driveway next to No.60 Glenhurst Drive, Bexley - which is near the railway line at the back of Bexley railway station. There is plenty of car parking space in the Clubhouse grounds.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 12th February 2007
IN THE BAG WITH A RACE TO GO
Ilford AC contested the 3rd in this season's 4-race Winter League Series of 5K kilometres' road walking races in Bexley, held over a testing "around the houses " circuit. A class field field saw the frame places more-or-less spoken for on form, before the starting pistol had been fired. STEVE UTTLEY showed best for the cricklefields-based club as he strongly pounded out 25 minutes and 53 seconds to finish a minute outside of the awards. In 8th place DAVE SHARPE continued his sequence of fine form, and he needed every bit of his ability as he found himself in a charge for the line which saw 5 athletes finish within 3 seconds - and it was Sharpe who dipped over the lone first clocking 27.27. Among the phalanx in dispute was 10th placed LAURENCE DORDOY in 27.29. Teamwise Ilford won again, just edging it from Wimbleddon-based Belgrave Harriers. Ilford's diligent Walking Secretary got out his calculator post race and worked out that with the best 3-from-4 races races counting in the final tally, Ilford had retained their Series team title for a 5th consecutive year as their margin could not be surpassed in the final event next month!
Also walked : 17th Alan O'Rawe 29.59
20th Mick Barnbrook 34.01
Next Sunday (18th February) Ilford's walkers defend their Essex County 10 Miles team title at the Metropolitan Police Sports Club in Chigwell (10 am start).
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 5th February 2007
Dave Sharpe was Ilford's next scorer in 56-34 in 19th place just two places ahead of Dave Kates who recorded 56-52. Laurence Dordoy recorded 57-44 his fastest for some time in 23rd with Bob Dobson recording 66-28 for 31st place, a disappointing performance which he attributed in part to long hours spent on a National Express Coach travelling to the event from his home in Cardiff. A full squad would have meant that Ilford could have challenged Steyning for the overall team title, but it is nevertheless encouraging for the forthcoming season that the Ilford team has strength in depth and could be successful even with a depleted squad.
Steve
Uttley
Ilford AC
01708 854647
07727 187966
GOOD DAY AT ENFIELD
Ilford sent a contingent along to contest the 2nd of this year's Enfield League 5 Miles' races, held around 5 twisting circuits of a public park. Pride of place went to in-form PETER RYAN who was one of quartet forming the van during the opening 2 laps. However as the race the progressed the leading trio stretched the laws of race walking to the very limit in order to pull away from Ryan who gamely battled on to fill 4th place in a commendable 42 minutes and 50 seconds, just over a minute adrift of a frame finish. In 7th spot Captain DAVE KATES celebrated his recent appointment as an Official Coach by showing how it should be done, as he confidently clocked 45.07. Consistent DAVE SHARPE attained another high finish, placing 9th from 47 in 45.23. Teamwise Ilford just nicked the spoils from their hosts Enfield & Harringey AC. In 12th position Ilford welcomed back formed Club President BRIAN ARMSTRONG for his first race since March of last year. Armstrong was quickly into his stride and only faded during the final lap as he eased his way into 12th spot with 46.30 on the stopwatch.
Also walked : 14th Laurence Dordoy 47.48
23rd Alan O'Rawe 49.43
Next Sunday (4 Feb) Ilford's walkers will contesting the London Walking Championships over 10 Kilometres at Victoria Park, Hackney (2 pm start).
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 22nd January 2007
DOUBLING-UP
Ilford AC walkers appeared at 2 events over the weekend, with some members showing their stamina by facing the starter twice.
At Steyning Saturday afternoon an open 15 Kilometres' walk saw a good field fully tested on a out-and-back course through the Sussex countryside. In the men's race a group of 4 pulled clear of the rest causing Ilford's LAURENCE DORDOY to state, "It was like 2 separate races with the leading bunch well-clear and the rest having their own race". Among the elite group was in-form PETER RYAN who came 4th in 79 minutes and 51 seconds - an agonising 8 seconds adrift of a frame finish, which was claimed by Dartford youngster JACK TOMLIN who was making his debut over the distance and who proved to be a thorn in the side of more experienced competitors.
The leading 4 were out-of-sight of the rest, who were led by LAURENCE DORDOY throughout, so he had the thrill of seeing the empty road unwind before him as though he was leading. He kept several rivals behind him to claim 5th place in 89 minutes and 17 seconds.
Also walked : 14th Stephen Crane 96.59
16th Mick Barnbrook 100.55
On a sunny but deceptively cold Sunday morning at Blackheath park, Ilford contested the first of these season's 9 kilometres' league races over 5 switchback circuits. For Dordoy and Barnbrook, they were in action for a 2nd time over the weekend. Pride of place went to STEVE UTTLEY who clocked 48.25 to place 2nd, not far behind favourite NICK SILVESTER (Aldershot). In the closing stages Uttley found Aldershot's former lady international walker VERITY SNOOK to be something of a handful (if you'll excuse the term) before shrugging off her challenge. Stalwart DAVE SHARPE showed good form to take 7th spot in 53.08 and, with ALAN O'RAWE 12th in 56.21 Ilford were convincing team winners.
Also walked : 14th Laurence Dordoy 56.45
16th Mick Barnbrook 60.33
18th Micky Sutton 63.29
Steve Allen also walked, and with rapidity - but alas on the handwritten result sheet which Dave Sharpe gave me, Steve's time just cannot be deciphered, try as I might. But...it was good!.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 15th January 2007
GOOD SHOW ON DIFFICULT COURSE
Ilford members contested the Surrey Walking Club 10 Miles' race in Selsdon on Saturday afternoon. It is one of those courses where top-class times are never likely to be seen as competitors have to slog their way up 1 short sharp hill and 1 long climb - on each of 12 demanding circuits! This course favours the hardy, and Ilford's PETER RYAN fitted the bill to perfection as he continued his impressive sequence of performances. Ryan strode to the head of a good-sized field from the "off" and saw off a stiff challenge from the host club's Peter Hannell. Hannell was determined, but in such commanding form was Ryan, that he broke his rival's efforts so effectively that Hannell faded completely and finished back in 12th spot! From then on the in-form Ilford international was never to be headed as he broke the tape in 89 minutes and 25 seconds to win by a distance - to use a classification from "the turf".
The race was the places was knife-edge stuff as just 1 minute and 1 seconds covered the positions from 2-to-5. Ilford's DAVE SHARPE, a victor last month on the same course over 10 kilometres, settled into 2nd place after Hannell's burst had been deflated before yielding it to old rival CARL LAWTON (Belgrave Harriers) at the end of lap 2. However he held 3rd spot until the last lap and must have been confident of a frame finish. But wily old campaigner RON PENFOLD (Steyning AC) had kept some of his powder dry for a late surge enabling him to outpace the Ilford man over the closing stages and take 3rd position in 96.50, with Sharpe coming 4th in 97.08. LAURENCE DORDOY walked strongly throughout to place 4th in 97.35. Ilford AC easily won the team stakes from their hosts the Surrey Walking Club who were 2nd.
2nd claim members : 15th Stephen Crane 104.15 (10 miles' debut).
18th Mick Barnbrook 118.22.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Notes : Next Sunday (21st January) Ilford AC commence their defence of the Blackheath Trophy series of 9 Kilometres' yacht handicap races from The Old Addeyans' Club, Blackheath Park, London SE3. Start tiome is 11.30 am - enter on the day. Good turnout asked for.
Any walkers who have not responded to Tony Perkins about our Steve King Reunion Function are asked to do so soonest, so as likely support can be gauged. Many thanks.
IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN
Ilford's Peter Ryan was in imperious form at the City of Ely New Year's Eve 10 Kilometres walking race on Sunday, leading from gun-to-tape to clock 54 minutes and 54 seconds, winning by a massive 5 minutes.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 28th December 2006
RYAN'S EXPRESS
Ilford's walkers lined up twice at Enfield over the festive period. On the Saturday before Christmas they contested the Enfield League 5 Miles and enjoyed a thumping good team victory. They had much to thank previous course-and-distance winner PETER RYAN, who had announced that he would not be racing but then made a late decision to go onto the start line. He pounded out 43 minutes and 30 seconds for a high 6th placing in class field of 43. Much of Ryan's race was in close order with former European Games walker ARTHUR THOMPSON (Herts Phoenix AC), with the international man just getting the edge over the closing stages. In 7th place clocking 44.38 STEVE ALLEN showed that his unsuccessful walk of 6 days' earlier had been just a temporary blip in form. The team were closed-in by Captain DAVE Kates who also extinguished memories of his previous performance, which had resulted in disqualification on the same course during November. Kates always looked powerful as he claimed 9th placing in 45.23.
Also walked : 11th Dave Sharpe 45.30
12th Laurence Dordoy 46.12
22nd Alan O'Rawe 50.19
The Enfield League 2006 awards were made after the race, and Ilford were 2nd team (after 6 successive seasons at as victors) behind their hosts Enfield & Harringey AC. There were 2 awards for Ilford's hardworking Walking Secretary DAVE SHARPE for he was 3rd individual out of 133 in the final table. He also received a case of lager for being 1 of 3 walkers to have completed all 12 events in the programme.
DARK HORSE COSTS AN ILFORD VICTORY ON BOXING DAY
Dave Sharpe flew Ilford's flag on Boxing Day where a small but nevertheless hardy band of enthusiasts assembled at the same location to race 5 Kilometres over a different course. Most of those facing the starter were "over the hill" and most agreed that, on form, Sharpe would be a racing "cert" to break the tape. Sharpe did indeed walk well and finished in an excellent time of 27 minutes and 56 seconds. However he was upstaged by a "dark horse" in the shape of Somerset boarding schoolboy ALEX WRIGHT who sped off from the gun and was never to be headed as he took the honours in 26.53. With his racing being most done in the West Country, little or nothing was known of him or his current form - but it certainly is now!
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Ilford's walkers lined-up at Enfield twice over the festive period. On the Saturday before Christmas they contested the Enfield League 5 Miles and enjoyed a thumping good team victory. They had much to thank previous course-and-distance winner PETER RYAN who had announced that he would not be racing before making a late decision to go onto the start line. He pounded out 43 minutes and 30 seconds for a high 6th position in a good class field of 43. Much of Ryan's race was in close order with former European Games walker ARTHUR THOMSON (Herts Phoenix AC) with the ex-internatinal just getting the better of it over the closing stages. In 7th spot STEVE ALLEN proved that his previous unsuccessful showing over 10K just 6 days' earlier had been a temporary form blip, as he confidently attacked the 5 laps on offer to record 44.38. The team were closed-in by Captain DAVE KATES who also extinguished memories of his previous performance - which had seen a disqualification on the same course in November. Kates was always looking powerful as he claimed 9th placing in 45.23.Walking Section Report 11th December 2006
CLOSE THING AT BEXLEY
Ilford AC contested Saturday's afternoon's Winter League 5K walking race over 4 undulating laps of an "around-the-houses" circuit along the leafy lanes of Bexley. Former Captain STEVE UTTLEY showed best for Ilford, claiming a frame finish when coming 3rd in 25 minutes and 57 seconds, just adrift of Darford youngster JACK TOMLIN (25.22). DAVE SHARPE walked powerfully to fill 7th spot in 27.35 after an epic battle with former European and Commonwealth Games representative CARL LAWTON (Belgrave Harriers) who got the better of the Ilford man by just 2 paces. In close order came former National Schoolboy Champion LAURENCE DORDOY, 8th in 27.52. This was to prove crucial as Ilford AC and Wimbledon-based Belgrave Harriers tied for the team award - which in such cases goes to the team with the highest placed 3rd scoring athlete. This was Dordoy, so Ilford took the spoils. ALAN O'RAWE finished 14th wearing brand new racing shoes which he had not broken-in, having left his comfortable pair at home. And he suffered accordingly! In 24th position came MICK BARNBROOK in his penultimate appearance for Ilford AC. Barnbrook clocked 34.54 to secure 24th spot, having just returned from 3 weeks in Spain during which he failed to complete any training!
Next Sunday (17 Dec) Ilford AC stage their annual and popular Allcomers' Christmas 10 Kilometres' Walk from Chigwell Row village at 10.30 am
Issued by
Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 4th December 2006
Oh So Sharpe!
Ubiquitous DAVE SHARPE, racing for the 34th time this year, headed for Monks Hill in Selsdon to contest an Inter-Club 5 Kilometres' road walk over 3 and3/4trs testing and undulating circuits of an "around the houses" course. From the start local man PETER HANNELL (Surrey Walking Club) set a blistering pace that few could match - "the few" who could then suffered when the pacemaker himself literally ran out of steam allowing opportunist DAVE SHARPE to cut through them all as they faded, and position himself in the van.
Approaching halfway former European and Commonwealth Games representative CARL LAWTON (Belgrave Harriers)advanced to share the lead with the Ilford man and both gave no quarter until within sight of the tape when Sharpe lived-up to his surname by outpacing the former international to claim victory in 28 minutes and 7 seconds, with his main rival just 4 seconds in arrears. Being level over the closing stages always gave Sharpe the edge, as Lawton's forte is over greater distances while Sharpe is noted for his sprints. Indeed his only other victory in 2006 came in a 3,000 metres dash at Battersea Park some 6 months' earlier.
Ilford's other entrant, former National Schoolboy Champion LAURENCE DORDOY, also showed good form coming 9th of the 23 starters in 29.14 in a highly competitive group of athletes just off the pace. It was Dordoy's first appearance after a month long hamstring injury lay-off, and he went home happy with the severe test that he had successfully come through.
Next Saturday Ilford's walkers tackle another 5 Kilometres road walk in the Winter League race at Bexley (2pm).
Issued By Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 27th November 2006
Walking Section Report 13th November 2006
Walking Section Report 6th November 2006
ILFORD SWEEP THE BOARD AT BLACKHEATH
Ilford's walkers contested the last race in this season's series of 9 kilometres races around hilly Blackheath Park on a sunny Sunday autumnal morning. Pride of place went to in-form STEVE ALLEN whose eye-catching Union Jack shorts sped around the leafy paths to be the 2nd fastest man home, clocking 48 minutes and 42 seconds - an agonising 6 seconds short of victory, which was claimed by former European Games walker ARTHUR THOMSON of Herts Phoenix AC. Former Captain STEVE UTTLEY completed the frame in 49.02. Unfortunately another in-form walker - LAURENCE DORDOY suffered recurrence of an old hamstring injury and was forced to pull out after 2 of the 5 circuits on offer.
Also walked : 4th Dave
Sharpe
52.53
7th Micky
Sutton
57.37
8th Alan O'Rawe
58.22
17th Mick
Barnbrook 65.24
19th Alex Allen
70.06
As it was the final race of the series, the end-of-term awards were made, with DAVE SHARPE retaining his title as "the Man-of-the-Series" following his fine showing in the handicap tables and Ilford AC retaining their team title for a 7th consecutive year.
After the best supported race of the 2006 Series, the presentation was marred slightly by some people booing (and others refusing to applaud) when Dave Sharpe went up to collect his award - as many present were accusing him of fiddling his handicap and not entering into the spirit of the competition. However, it all rolled-off Dave like water off the proverbial duck's back - and he vowed to try and make it 3-in-row come this time in 2007. Dave has now also passed 30 appearances for the year, as proof of his constant activity in walking races!
Next Saturday Ilford contest the final race in the Enfield League Series, over 7 miles, at the town's King George's Playing Fields (2 pm) where they will also be bidding to retain their team title for the 7th consecutive year - but on this occasion the task looks to be an uphill one with 2nd spot looming, bar a major upset! Ilford Walking Section are seeking a maximum turnout!
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 23rd October 2006
Walking Section Report 16th October 2006
HOT STUFF AT BLACKHEATH
Ilford AC contested the penultimate event in this year's Blackheath Trophy series, around 5 testing circuits of South London's Blackheath Park on a typical Autumnal Sunday morning. Over the 9 Kilometres' distance Ilford's STEVE UTTELY was the fastest man of the day, extending his sequence of fine performances by clocking a rapid 49 minutes and 6 seconds. Only just behind him was ever improving OLLIE BOWNE, who was 2nd in 49.24. Ilford's winning team were closed-in by stalwart DAVE SHARPE, 7th in 55.39. The latter won the handicap prize by a mile! He had won a watch as top prize at an Athletics Dinner in London on the previous evening and he wore it on Sunday morning - and it told him that he had demolished the handicapper's projection of his anticipated timing!
Also walked : 8th Alan O'Rawe 57.56.
Equally known for both his walking and running prowess, all-round athlete STEVE ALLEN opted for the latter code on Sunday morning as he raced The Prince's Trust 10K, starting and finishing at Legoland near Windsor and featuring a single-circuit off-road trail course through forest. In a good class field, Allen ran 41 minutes and 10 seconds to secure 28th spot.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
Walking Section Report 9th October 2006
TEAM SUCCESS AT ENFIELD
Walking Section Report 2nd October 2006
Walking Section Report 25th September 2006
HI-HO SILVER FOR STEVE
Ilford AC members contested the annual Essex 10,000 Metres' Walking Championships at Thurrock Track on Saturday afternoon. Defending champion STEVE UTTLEY strode to the head of the field and set the pace for the opening 6 circuits of the 25 on offer. After that, the 2005 silver medalist PHIL BARNARD (Canvey island) made his impact and pressed on to won his first Senior County title in 53 minutes and 57 seconds. Uttley was never troubled in maintaining 2nd place which he claimed in 54.28. The Essex bronze medal went to LAURENCE DORDOY, who shrugged off an injury which had forced him out of his previous race, in 58.05. It was Dordoy's 2nd individual Essex medal this season, after his silver over 20 Miles in May.
Also walked : 6th Steve Allen 59.41
7th Dave Sharpe 60.03
The following morning over 9 Kilometres at hilly Blackheath Park in South London, some hardy soul lined-up for a 2nd race in successive day. OLLY BROWN, who had kept his power dry on the Saturday, was in fine form clocking exactly 52 minutes as he confidently filled 2nd spot. MICKY SUTTON, who normally prefers long distance events, was 3rd fastest in 59.44. However DAVE SHARPE, who had picked-up an injury during the closing stages of Saturday's race, unwisely lined-up hoping to it would not hamper him. He sank to 13th position in 65.37 - his slowest of the season for the distance!
Also walked : 5th Steve Allen 62.30
7th Mick Barnbrook 63.56
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382
Walking Section Report18th September
NATIONAL TITLE FOR ILFORD AC
Ilford AC contested the British Masters 10 Kilometres' Athletics Championships at Enfield over 6 twisting circuits of a public park in pleasant conditions, coming away with the National team title.
Although having no members in frame positions, it was close packing of 3 in the top 10 which "brought home the bacon" for the Cricklefields-based outfit. Pride of place went to STEVE UTTLEY who claimed 6th spot on a course which he knows well. His time of 53 minutes and 48 seconds was commendable, though Uttley was personally disappointed to have been pipped by old rival JOHN HALL (Belgrave Harriers) who knows the course even better - his back garden overlooks it! A position behind came Captain DAVE KATES whose strong action throughout saw him clock 56.38, while the team were closed-in by STEVE ALLEN who shrugged off recent injury disappointments to fill 10th spot in 57.59. This saw Ilford home-and dry in the team stakes, from host club Enfield & Harringey AC.
A couple of Ilford walkers picked-up injuries on route, none worse than LAURENCE DORDOY who again was in good form until a hamstring strain forced his retirement in mid-race. A similar complaint befell stalwart DAVE SHARPE at the beginning of the final circuit, but he eased back and nursed himself to the finishing line to claim 13th placing in 59.06.
Also walked : 26th Mick Barnbrook 66.45.
Next week, Ilford's walkers contest the Essex County 10,000 Metres' Track Championship at Thurrock (noon start).
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report11th September
GREAT SCOTT
Ilford's 30 year old London Underground booking office clerk SCOTT DAVIS was bang-on-track at the Earl's Colne Airfield on Sunday to retain his status as National 50 Kilometres Walk Championship title-holder. It was a brutal affair as temperatures rose above 30 degrees, on an 'out-and-back' course which offered no protection or shade from the searing sun.
Indeed the field had to stand around in the sun while waiting for a delayed start, as dithering officials could not accurately determine where a turning point should be. When finally established Davis was among a phalanx forming the van over the opening 15 kilometres - at which point favourite, Nuneaton AC's STEVE ARNOLD broke clear. Things were not going well for Davis as severe stomach pains prevented him from matching the leader's efforts, and at 19K the Ilford man had been forced to stop for attention. When he got going again his courage was given an extreme test as he dug deep and clawed back Arnold's lead to be on even terms by 25K, at which time he upped his pace to a level which none could match as he maintained his speed until passing the 40K marker. Over the last 10K he conserved energy and enjoyed a comfortable lead over the closing stages to break the tape in 4 hours 52 minutes and 51 seconds. It was just 5 minutes' adrift of his 2005 wining time, but in far more testing conditions.
In conjunction with the National Championship, were the Championships of both the Southern Area and the Essex County AAA -so Davis went home with an armful of trophies and medals after his endeavours.
In 3rd place, representing the London Vidarians Walking Club - but an Ilford 2nd claimer - was ED SHILLABEER, who at 67 years of age became the oldest competitor to receive a place medal in the National 50Kilometres Championship.
On the undercard, LAURENCE DORDOY continued his sequence of fine form with a rapid 58 minutes timing on the Allcomers 10 Kilometres event.
Issued By Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 7th September
A GOOD TRIO
The Civil Service 10 Kilometres' Walking Championship was held over 6 flat but twisting circuits of a public park in Enfield on a hot Wednesday afternoon. Ilford's trio of entrants all acquitted themselves well, particularly STEVE UTTLEY, who held a frame position in the early stages before being narrowly edged out of 3rd place by long time rival JOHN HALL (Belgrave Harriers). Clocking 54 minutes and 38 seconds, despite arriving close to start time and having no warm-up, he filled 4th place and nevertheless went home with an award as the 1st veteran walker home, but still expressed disappointment with his performance.
STEVE ALLEN started cautiously before opening-up with a rapid final circuit - his fastest - to claim 7th spot in 61.46, while MICKY SUTTON pounded out a solid 68.25 for 11th position despite racing with a nagging toothache!
Ilford's walkers will be back on the same course for another 10K very soon - on September 16th at 2.30 pm for the British Masters' 10K Championship (in conjunction with the Enfield League)
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 29th August 2006
IMPERIOUS SCOTT
Ilford protagonist SCOTT DAVIS strode to victory in his 2nd comeback race after suffering a long term groin injury, with an imperious display at Enfield on Saturday afternoon over 20 Kilometres. Scott took the Enfield League field by the scruff of its neck and led unchallenged from start-to-finish to dominate proceedings before breaking the tape in 105 minutes and 10 seconds - almost 5 minutes' ahead of the second-placer, Hillingdon's TREVER JONES who clocked 110 minutes exactly. In terms of the turf it would have been described as winning "by a distance". The spectators were impressed as he clearly still had plenty of "go" in him as he finished, and could easily have maintained his pace for longer if required!
Ilford's DAVE KATES, another making his impact after early summer injuries, was also at the top of his game to pound out a solid 114.40 for 6th position in good class company. A place in arrears with 118.25 on the stopwatch came STEVE UTTLEY to close in the winning Ilford AC team.
Ilford's Pauline Kates was on hand as part of the officials recording/timing team on the line.
Also walked : 8th Laurence Dordoy 121.14
12th Dave Sharpe 124.37
19th Mick Barnbrook 139.40
23rd Alan O'Rawe 143.16
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
Walking Section Report 21st August 2006
HI-HO SILVER FOR KEVIN
Ilford's ultra-distance international race walker KEVIN MARSHALL lined up for the British 100 Miles' Championship at the Isle of Man National Sports Centre in Douglas on an overcast Saturday afternoon for the noon start. On a multi-lap circuit the race continued through the night, and had a 24 hours' deadline, with the stopwatch being put away at noon on the Sunday. The race had a high standard, attracting a number of top European athletes onto the start line!
Kevin didn't need the full 24 hours, as he went sub-4 hours' for his opening two 20 miles splits (3.49.38 and 3.52.55 respectively). From then on he walked a consistent pace throughout with his remaining three 20 miles' splints being respectively timed at 4.14.14, 4.12.12 and 4.20.15. Walking overnight he finished in overall 5th position clocking 20 hours 29 minutes and 14 seconds, for what was truly a great performance. He was the 2nd British man to finish and therefore took the UK silver medal, beaten by hometown entrant, clear favourite and overall victor SEAN HANDS. He has now been selected for International duty again - at next month's Roubaix 28 Hours Classic in France.
Nearer home, Ilford put up a team in Sunday morning's 9 Kilometres walk around hilly Blackheath Park in South London. With clear favourite NICK SYLVESTER from Aldershot certain to be the fastest man, the race was on for the frame places. Ilford's STEVE UTTLEY was in good form throughout and was the 2nd fastest in 48 minutes and 46 seconds. LAURENCE DORDOY continued his fine form to fill 4th spot in 54.04, while veteran ALAN O'RAWE closed home the scoring trio by filling 9th position in 57.35. It was a "red letter" day for Alan, as it was his 100th race at Blackheath Park, and the organisers presented him with an engraved commemorative clock after his endeavours. Alan also had suprise visits on-course from his family and other athletes from Canvey Island, who also presented him with a birthday cake (Alan becomes a true UK pensioner on Monday 21st August)! Among those cheering him on were international sons Andy and Jamie, daughter Maggie and fellow Canvey athlete KIM HOWARD. Former Southend colleagues KEVIN PERRY and CHRIS CATTANO came along to race and join in the post race celebrations.
Also receiving a post race award was a suntanned MICK BARNBROOK who attended with his new wife SHARON. Mick's been getting-in some warm weather training during a month's stop in Southern Spain. He completed his 100th race in April, and also received a smart engraved commemorative clock to mark the feat.
Micky Sutton defied injury to clock 61 minutes exactly, for 11th spot and just a second ahead of a fit-looking MICK BARNBROOK on scratch times.
Also walked : 17th DAVE AINSWORTH 69.53
18th EDDIE TROTTER 69.59
It was a good turnout when considering how many Blackheath regulars were on 100 miles duty in the Isle of Man.
Issued by
Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-3773822)
Walking Section Report 14th August 2006
ILFORD'S WALKERS ARE HERE THERE AND EVERYWHERE
Ilford's walkers appeared at 3 different venues over a hectic weekend. Pride of place went to the squad which secured team bronze medals in the National Veterans' 30 Kilometres championship at Coventry on a cold afternoon. Although not a veteran, Ilford's reigning National 50K Champion SCOTT DAVIS was permitted to compete as a guest in order to give himself a tryout after being absent since February with a groin injury. Wisely he chose not to mix it with the leaders and cautiously covered the distance in 2 hours and 41 minutes and 3 seconds to secure 4th place in a large and classy field.
In the veterans' stakes, DAVE KATES led home the Cricklefields-based contingent in 10th spot clocking 3.02.18, despite having to overcome the obstacle of collecting 2 yellow warning cards at 7 and 8 kilometres. As in soccer referee's referee Graham Poll's World Cup game, in walking it takes 3 cards for a dismissal - so Dave took it steady from then on in order to ensure that the Club's team prospects remained sound. Dave won the gold medal for the age 55-59 category. Three places behind came the in-form LAURENCE DORDOY who really is having an inspired season. He filled 13th position in 3.11.08. and also won his age group gold medal, for those between 50 and 54. Closing-in the Ilford team was ultra-distance international KEVIN MARSHALL, who came 17th in 3.17.49 and achieved silver medal status in the 45-49 age grouping. Kevin has much more distance ahead of him, for on Saturday and Sunday next weekend (19th/20th August) he lines up for the National 100 Miles Walking Championship at the Isle-of-Man Sports Centre in Douglas, with strong prospects of a frame finish!
Dave Kates was so impressed with the arrangement of the meeting that he sent an email to organiser Glyn Jones and his backroom helpers; expressing the Club's delight at particpating in such an enjoyable and successful meeting!
Nearer home, Ilford had 2 walkers representing Essex at Crawley Arena on Sunday morning in a Home Counties' Match. Over 3,000 metres STEVE UTTLEY pounded out 15 minutes and 8 seconds to come 8th in a top-class field, while DAVE SHARPE came 12th in 16.23.
On Saturday afternoon at Battersea Park's Millennium Arena, BILL SUTHERLAND's impressive comeback hit the buffers big-time. Buoyed by his own recent success, which had seen him beat the handicapper in successive races, Sutherland blazed off in the London Inter-Club Challenge 3,000 metres; only to blow-up and finish at a trudge in the penultimate spot with 20 minutes and 48 seconds on the stopwatch! Dave Ainsworth plodded around in 20.29 for 8th spot.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 7th August 2006
HOT FORM ON A HOTTER AFTERNOON
Ilford AC contested the Enfield League 5 Miles around 5 circuits of a public park in Enfield on a bakingly-hot Saturday afternoon. In fact, in the opinion of most, it got hotter as the race progressed as what little breeze was about appeared to die down. Fortunately parts of the course were tree-lined, so enabling gasping athletes to seek shade.
STEVE UTTLEY showed best for the Cricklefields-based outfit as he claimed 3rd place in 43 minutes and 30 seconds. Always adrift of 2nd spot he nerveless had a 'battle royal on his hands for the honour of completing the frame, as former international ARTHUR THOMSON (Herts Phoenix) proved a right handful. A streetwise campaigner, his frequent pace changes left rivals bemused and only Uttley hung on as Thomson staked a strong claim for 3rd spot during lap 3. Trailing by several yards Uttley managed to claw back the deficit in the closing stages and finished the stronger of the pair after racing which spectators called a great nip-and-tuck encounter.
DAVE KATES walked a solid race to fill 5th spot in 45.12, while STEVE ALLEN closed home the team a position later in 46.06. Teamwise, Ilford enjoyed a comfortable victory over their hosts - Enfield & Harringey AC. In 7th LAURENCE DORDOY enjoyed his best outing of the current campaign with a confident 7th position. with 46.11 on the stopwatch.
DAVE SHARPE performed well in the early stages but dropped back after completing 2 circuits on account of a leg strain. He finished 8th in 47.21.
ALAN O'RAWE came 18th in 57.13, while former Club president BILL SUTHERLAND came 29th in 58.29.
Ilford cleaned-up in the handicap stakes taking 3 of the 6 prizes on offer, courtesy of Bill Sutherland, Laurence Dordoy and Alan O'Rawe. Sutherland, who took the bronze medal in the 1970 Commonwealth Games 20 Miles Walk won a handicap prize for the 2nd successive race - a feat almost unheard of, as the handicapper had hammered him hard after his prize of a month ago. Such is Bill Sutherland's improvement from one who's recently returned to competetiton in order to shed weight , and at one time was even having trouble trying to squeeze into his Club vest!
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
Walking Section Report 17th July 2006
A SIGN OF THE TIMES
Walkers turning-up for Sunday morning's 9 Kilometres Walk around 5 circuits of hilly Blackheath Park in South London found that their changing rooms in The Old Addeyans Club had been vandalised over the weekend. Nevertheless the show went on in baking conditions and it proved a "red letter day" for young Canvey prospect PHIL BARNARD (Castle Point AC) as he led from start to finish. Ilford's STEVE UTTLEY, who frequently gets the better of Barnard turned-up just as the starter was about to set the field into action. He changed behind his car in minutes and with no warm-up, mustered enough of a challenge to give the victor plenty to think about. Barnard broke the tape in 49 minutes and 21 seconds with Uttley coming 2nd in 51.24. In 3rd spot came Ilford stalwart DAVE SHARPE with 54.18 on the stopwatch - and he received plenty of attention from his backslappers for it was his 150th finish at this testing venue. LAURENCE DORDOY completed the winning Ilford AC team by claiming 4th position in 55.34, while a place in arrears came sprightly veteran ALAN O'RAWE in 59.22 - which was his 99th finish on the course!
Also walked : 7th STEVE ALLEN 60.35
8th MICKY SUTTON 61.35.
10th BILL SUTHERLAND 68.45
Issued By Ilford Ac Walking Section (01708-377382)
CHICKENS ARE COUNTED BEFORE THEY'RE HATCHED
Ilford's STEVE ALLEN had a tough battle on his hands at Copthall Stadium in North London on a balmy Monday evening when contesting a Southern Veterans' Track & Field League Over 40s 2,000 metres' walking race; for lining-up as favourite was the Welsh No.2 walker PHIL WILLIAMS of Enfield & Harringey AC. From the 'off' Allen didn't give anything away and was always in contention until the mid-point when the Welshman suddenly ground to a halt and bent down to tie a flapping shoelace - allowing the Ilford man to get away and open up a gap. The Ilford supporters on the sideline were convinced that Allen's good fortune, and Williams misfortune, would ensure an Ilford victory in the event. But they didn't count on Williams' emphatic response to his setback, as he clawed back the deficit and surged ahead inside the final lap to break the take in 10 minutes and 7 seconds with Allen taking 2nd spot just 3 seconds in arrears.
In the Over 50s race 2,000 metres' was former
Ilford President Bill Sutherland, who has made few appearances
of late. He toed the line donned in an extra
large white T shirt, as he couldn't fit into his Ilford vest.
The starter was one for the rules and wouldn't let him start
without his Club vest . The match referee was called
over and Bill explained, "If I had to fit into my Club vest, I'd
die". The referee was one for common sense and
stated, "If you die, I doubt if you find a coffin to fit you.
Let him walk in whatever he wants" The referee
didn't know that Sutherland is an expert on coffins, having
recently recently retired an an
undertaker in Forest Gate.
Sutherland settled for a 13 minutes and 10 seconds middle-order
berth and afterwards vowed to shed some of his 17 stones in
order to recapture better form of past days!
Walking Section Report 6th July 2006
Ilford comfortably won the Enfield League team race on
Saturday in scorching
temperatures. Back at Donkey Lane
after last month's sojourn to Moulton
near Newmarket the
Enfield course offered more shade than Moulton had done.
However, it was as hot if not hotter than at Moulton and also
humid. The
men's race went off at an unusually sedate
pace, led by Aldershot's Nick
Silvester, with Ilford's
Steve Allen and Dave Sharpe up in the leading
group
with Steve Uttley. The heat took it's toll and the first
two fell
away after the first of five one mile laps.
Steve Uttley hung on as part of
a leading group of three
until the third lap at which point he also found
the going
tough and began to lose ground. Nick Silvester won the
race in 42
minutes 57 with Steve Uttley, the first Ilford
scorer dropping to fourth
place with 43-47. Steve Allen
and Dave Sharpe hung on well for 6th and 7th
respectively in
times of 46-11 and 46-42. After a steady start Laurence
Dordoy worked his way through to 7th in 47-59. In addition
Alan O'Rawe was
17th in 52-59 and Bill Sutherland was 28th in
62-13.
Steve Uttley
020 7210 8578
FOUR IN A ROW FOR UTTLEY
Ilford's in-form STEVE UTTLEY made it four 3,000 metres walk successes in a row when he led from start-to-finish in Saturday's London Inter Club Challenge Walk at Parliament Hill Fields track on a blisteringly hot afternoon. Indeed in such conditions he was the only one to better 15 minutes, which he just did when breaking the tape in 14 minutes and .56 seconds. DAVE SHARPE was a commendable 5th positioned finisher, clocking 16.24 in a field which contained a number of streetwise competitors. In 12th spot came former Ilford President BILL SUTHERLAND who was competing on the track where he made his name in the 60s and 70s. Sutherland, now in his 2nd spell with Ilford and who took the bronze medal in the 1970 Commonwealth Games' 20 Miles Walk in 1970, made his name with the home club - Highgate Harriers - before crossing London in the mid-70s to Ilford for the first of his 2 spells at Cricklefields. Sutherland ground out a 21.31 timing.
For Dave Sharpe it was a busy weekend of athletics, for having raced on the Saturday he then gave up his Sunday to officiate as a field official at Ilford's Sunday home meeting.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
RIGHT ON TRACK
Ilford's STEVE ALLEN continued his impressive sequence track performances on a warm but blustery Wednesday evening at the Hendon Police Training School when leading from gun-to-tape in the annual triangular athletics match between the Civil Service, Metropolitan Police and the London Business Houses' Association. Appearing for the latter, Allen was hard-pressed in mid-race by ex-International Carl Lawton before finishing strongly to record victory in 15 minutes and 45 seconds.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section (01708-377382)
Walking Section Report 19th June 2006
On a hot Wednesday evening Woodford Green with Essex Ladies AC held the first of this season's Open graded Athletics Meetings at Ashton's Track, Woodford Bridge, with the curtain-raiser being an Open 3,000 metres' walking race.
Despite having pounded out 20 Miles only 4 days earlier, STEVE UTTLEY showed his versitality by switching effortlessly to sprint mode and rattling off the distance in 15 minutes and 10 seconds, leading from gun-to-tape; leaving an experienced pair of former internationals - Belgrave Harrier Carl Lawton and Surrey Walking Club's Shaun Lightman - in his wake. Two impressive scalps for him to claim! LAURENCE DORDOY, another who raced 20 Miles on the Saturday, also looked sharp as he confidently strode into 4th spot with 16.40 on the stopwatch.
MICK BARNBROOK was absent from Saturday's 20 Miles' race as he was getting married. With a delayed honeymoon booked, he had time to pop into Ashtons Stadium and, understandably, turned in his worst-ever performance for the distance, clcking 21.23 for 8th spot!
On Saturday Ilford's walkers will be heading for the Suffolk Countryside, for the annual Moulton 5 Miles near Newmarket. A wise local organiser has brought forward to start time to noon, so enabling walkers and supporters to watch England's World Cup Football efforts against Paraguay at 2 p.m.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
01708-377382
INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS AT COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP
A trio of intrepid Ilford walkers contested the annual Essex 20 Miles' Walking Championship around 18 circuits of a deserted industrial estate in Basildon under the searing sun of Saturday afternoon.
Best to show early on was defending champion PETER RYAN who was quickly into his stride and who built up a commanding early lead. But the heat took its toll and Ryan retired after 10 circuits. That left stalwart STEVE UTTLEY heading the Essex walkers and he showed coolness on such a hot day be using even-paced tactics throughout his long journey. It proved a successful strategy as he claimed the title in 3 hours 26 minutes and 59 seconds, so winning a Championship that he last won back in 1990! He was presented with the Gower Shield, which was put up to commemorate the late Steve Gower, an Ilford International walker who won this title twice in the 1970s. Uttley was a comfortable victor as 2nd placed LAURENCE DORDOY gained the silver medal in 3.49.54. Dordoy looked in good form for most of his race, but had to dig deep into his reserves and show fortitude over the closing stages. He was delighted with his silver, which is the highest individual award that he has yet gained in Essex Championships.
Both hardy athletes suffered after they efforts, with Uttley throwing-up and Dordoy needed treatment for painful cramp. But they both went home with the spoils!
Issued by Ilford AC Walking section
For the first time in many seasons Ilford AC failed to get a walker onto the podium in the Essex County AAA 3,000 Metres Championship on a surprisingly cold Sunday afternoon at Chelmsford's much improved Melbourne Stadium. However with the top 5 men needed for an Essex representative match in Crawley on August 13th, Ilford did not come away empty-handed, as those selections were earned by STEVE UTTLEY and DAVE SHARPE.
Former winner STEVE UTTLEY had a good encounter with Canvey Island prospect PHIL BARNARD for the honour of completing the frame in the wake of the 2 hot favourites - Colchester's King twins - and it was the up-and-coming youngster who found the extra pace neede to secure bronze in 14 minutes and 36 seconds with Uttley just 8 seconds in arrears.
DAVE SHARPE pounded out a steady 17 minutes exactly to claim 5th spot, while MICK BARNBROOK was the penultimate finisher in 19.17.
Meanwhile in Prague STEVE ALLEN defied injury to appear in the City's marathon - details still awaited.
Next week (Sat 20th May), Ilford will be hoping to get their Enfield League season back on track with a good turn out at Donley Lane (2.30 p.m.) for a 5 miler!
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
01708-377382
2nd Spot For Uttley
The 2007 Blackheath Trophy series of 9 Kilometres' handicap races got under way on a cold Sunday morning around 5 hilly circuits of Blackheath Park in South London. The race started and finished at The Old Addeyans Club in Blackheath Park, an establishment managed by former Sheffield Wednesday, Everton and England footballer Tony Kay.
The star athlete on view was Canvey Island junior prospect PHIL BARNARD who was the fastest with a rapid 47 minutes and 18 seconds on the stopwatch. Not far in his wake, but never quite able to mount the necessary burst that was required to close the gap, was Ilford's STEVE UTTLEY who finished 2nd just 35 seconds in arrears. LAURENCE DORDOY walked to form with a 53.48 clocking for 4th position. Sprightly ALAN O'RAWE who has just recovered from a back injury came 5th 58.58, while DAVE SHARPE who raced despite having a back injury suffered and came home 11th in 61.38.
Also walked : 11th MICK BARNBROOK 64.31.
Walking Section Report 27th February 2006
6th
POSITION IN TOP CLASS COMPANY
Despite struggling with a groin strain, Ilford's top walker SCOTT
DAVIS lined-up in an all-star invitation 20 Kilometres' Walk at the
Isle-of-Man National Sporting Centre in Douglas on Saturday.
While winning the Essex 10 Miles' Championship at Chigwell the preceding
Sunday, he picked up a groin strain and had considered scratching, but
having already forked-out for his air fare, Davis decided to at
least get his moneysworth and attend. The race, which
saw a number of Commonwealth Games entrants enjoying a last competitive
workout before their own big race in Melbourne during March, was staged
over a 2 Kilometres' flat circuit, which despite the odd speed hump
here-and-there, is a course noted for fast times.
Davis was hampered by his injury but still came home in a commendable
6th position clocking 97 minutes and 53 seconds which he achieved by
adopting a steady and comfortable pace throughout.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
ESSEX 10 MILES ROAD WALKING CHAMPIONSHIP 19th Feb 2006
This annual event was held around 6 undulating circuits of the
Metropolitan Police Sports ground at Chigwell on a cold Sunday morning.
The event followed the form book as SCOTT DAVIS regained a title that he
last held in 2001. For the opening 2 laps he was always near
the van before opening up during the 3rd circuit when he headed the
field and was never troubled again, breaking the tape in 80 minutes and
25 seconds. The victory puts him in confident mood for
a major 20K race on the Isle of Man this coming weekend. The
2nd Essex man home was the defending champion PETER RYAN who clocked
87.58, but afterwards stated that he was not happy with his performance.
To make it an Ilford clean sweep, Captain DAVE KATES claimed bronze in
92.31.
A word for stalwart DAVE SHARPE who sustained
a painful back strain on his way around, but gamely battled on to finish
15th in 101.34. For BOB DOBSON, who finished 17th in 102.07,
it was his 38th completion of this long-established annual Championship!
Another plucky Ilford competitor was former event winner STEVE UTTLEY,
who fell victim to a Sunday rail works being forced to use a replacement
bus service. He arrived as the starter DAVE SEARLE's gun was
already in the air and the field under his orders! Much to
his chagrin, he heard a loud retort and then watched the field wiggle
off into the distance - but he changed and joined in 13 minutes' after
everybody else. Uttley clawed his way through the
back-markers to attain 19th spot in 108.04 (athletics laws not allowing
for late starter's elapsed times to be deducted!)
Also walked : 10th
Ed Shillabeer 94.54
12th Kevin Marshall 99.57
13th Laurence Dordoy 100.12
Ilford confidently retained the team award.
Issued by Ilford AC Walking Section
London Open Walks - Victoria Park Hackney - Sunday 5 February 2006
Ilford AC finished 1st and 2nd teams in the London Open
Walks held in
Victoria Park, Hackney in spite of having no individual
in the top 4 places.
The race was won by Colchester international Dan
King in 43-03, 39 seconds
in front of his brother Dominic.
Scott Davis, led home the Ilford A team in
5th place in a time of 48
minutes 43 seconds. Although this was a solid
performance Scott is
still a little rusty after his enforced break over the
Christrmas
period and he never managed to get on terms with the leading
group.
Pete Ryan lost a couple of positions in the second half after a fast
start but hung on well to finish 10th in 52-26, one place in front of
Steve
Uttley in 52-40. Dave Sharpe in 16th place led home Ilford's B
team with a
time of 57-43, with Laurence Dordoy, 21st in 60-31 and
Kevin Marshall 22nd
in 60-58 in support. This gave them a total of 51
points, 8 ahead of the
Enfield A team. Ilford also had
Bob Dobson in 26th place in 62-39.
Metropolitan
Police Open 11 kms Walk at Imber Court, East Molesey on Sunday 8
January.
New signing Peter Ryan led Ilford AC to the team
award in the last ever
Metropolitan Police Open 10kms race walk on
Sunday. Peter who signed for
Ilford shortly before Christmas, after
many years competing for Sheffield,
finished 4th in 51 minutes 55
seconds in near freezing and wet conditions.
He also took the bronze
medal for 3rd place in the Southern Championships
held in conjunction
with this race. Lying around 7th place for the first
half of the race
Peter moved past Graham Chapman of Headington Road Runners
in the
second half of the race and was also aided by the disqualification
Daniel and Dominic King of Colchester Harriers for technical
infringements
while leading the race. The brothers, both GB
internationals, have an
unfortunate history of disqualification in
both national and international
events. Steve Uttley held off a
pack of 4 just a few seconds behind to
finish 6th in 52 minutes 27
seconds with Laurence Dordoy completing the
Ilford scorers in 19th
place in 59-18. Ilford tied on points with Steyning
Athletic
Club, who had the winner in Nicky Ball an under 20 international,
but
won the team competition on countback thanks to Laurence beating the
final Steyning scorer by 4 points. The win was particularly
remarkable
because Ilford fielded only 6 walkers in place of its
usually large squad,
due to a combination of illness and injury, and
was without its National
50kms champion Scott Davis. To make
matters worse Dave Sharpe was forced to
retire while in a scoring
position owing to a hamstring injury. The Ilford
squad was
completed by Bob Dobson in 24th place and Mick Barnbrook in 33rd.
With the demise of this event after 65 competitions another traditional
event has disappeared from the calendar. The organisers are calling a
halt
due to a combination of traffic conditions, cost and declining
support.
Walking is a part of the Olympic athletics programme and the
declining
numbers of events and increasing difficulty of holding
events on public
highways in today's traffic conditions make it
difficult to see how the UK
will have any representatives in the 2012
London Olympics if present trends
continue.'
Steve Uttley
Ilford
AC Walking Section Report - August 2005
Ilford's Steve
Uttley has always liked the Ashtons track in Woodford Bridge, and many a
good performance has been recorded there. He maintained his
sequence of fine form with a second successive impressive victory on the
track during the current month. On Wednesday evening,
Woodford Green with Essex Ladies AC held the penultimate in this
season's series of evening graded athletic meetings - with the
"curtain-raiser" being the 3,000 metres' walking race.
Uttley lead from start-to-finish, clcking 15 minutes and 24 seconds.
However was slightly relieved when his main rival, Peter Hannel of
Surrey Walking Club just missed the start and had to watch and fume
among the spectators.
Ilford's hard working Walking Section
Secretary Dave Sharpe was a distant second in 16.27, while
near-neighbour Peter Cassidy of Loughton AC completed the frame in 16.51
despite suffering from tennis elbow, which prevented him from swinging
his right arm with full vigour.
NEAR MISS FOR THE FRAME - (Press Enfield League 5m 2nd July 2005)
Ilford contested Saturday morning's Enfield League 5 Miles' walking
race around 5 twisting cicuits of a public park. Ilford's leading
light proved to be Steve Uttley, who narrowly missed out on the placings
when he misjudged his final challenge when stepping up a gear just a
shade too late. Custodian of 3rd spot - Essex
Policeman Peter Ryan - began to fade badly and Uttley came within 2
paces of snatching the 3rd prize. Another few yards and the
feat would have been accomplished, but Uttley just ran out of road.
Ryan came 3rd in 42 minutes and 30 seconds with Uttley just a place and
2 seconds in arrears. Dave Kates, 5th in 44.41 and Dave
Sharpe, 7th in 46.01 closed home the Ilford team in a comfortable
winning position.
Also walked : 8th Mike Hinton 46.02 and 13th
Laurence Dordoy 48.06.
All-action Sharpe was not yet finished with athletics, for he shot
over to the New River Stadium in White Hart Lane in time for an
afternoon track 3,000 metres walk in the London League series of
meetings. He suffered from having given it his all earlier
on, and came 6th in 18 minutes and 23.9 seconds.
lIford A.C. Walking Section - Press
Report
Two of Ilford's walkers recorded firsts, though in
much different circumstances. In-form Dave Sharpe, who
currently cannot put a foot wrong, won the inaugural Walking Section
race which was a separate part of the established Nicola 5 Miles' run on
Canvey Island. The run is a memorial race for the late
Nicola Kemp, and this year the organisers put on a walking race -
allowing those using the slower mode of progression to start 15 minutes'
before the main event. Sharpe led from start-to-finish
breaking the tape in 47 minutes and 22 seconds, bettering times by a
number of those opting to run the distance! Sharpe didn't
have it all his own way as he was continually pressed by local Canvey
Island youngster Philip Barnard who was just 26 seconds' benind the
victor. The front two had stolen a march on the rest and a
long gap ensued until Ilford's Laurence Dordoy picked up the award for
being 3rd man home in 52.05.
On Wednesday at Tally Ho park in
Birmingham there was another Ilford first. In the annual
British Police 10 Kilometres' Championships, respected Ilford runner and
Life Member John Mackenzie, 50, made his debut as a competitive walker
after decades of distinquished service running over both road and
cross-country. Mackenzie, who works for the IEssex
Police in civilian capacity appeared as an "Army Style" volunteer -
being cajoled at the proverbial eleventh hour by an enthusiatic team
manager, who gave Mackenzie a crash coaching session in pedestrianism
literally as the marksman was lining-up the starters!
By all accounts
Mackenzie aquitted himself well as he pounded around the 6-and-half
circuits finishing just adrift of the middle order in 73 minutes and 52
seconds, so helping Essex to take the silver team awards behind their
West Midlands Police hosts. "Even four days after the race I
am still suffering, as the technique required me to exercise muscles
that normally don't get used" stated a weary Mackenzie on Sunday
evening.
Quotes : Sharpe 020-8507-4980
Mackenzie 01277-374923.
Issued by Ilford A.C. Walking section
(01708-377382)