www.manxathletics.com
Archived
News – September 2001
TRIATHLON
The weather brightened up a bit for the thiathlon in
Ramsey today although I’m sure it was still quite windy. Andy Fox and Gianni
Epifani were reported as going well but I don’t have any other details.
(30-09-01)
MANX WALKERS IN BIRMINGHAM
You will probably have seen fron the front page that the
Kaneen family had the most awful of days on Saturday and missed their walks.
When they left Robert Moore was in a good battle for second in his event.Jane
Gibson was fourth in approximately 53
minutes while Allan Callow, who had not been well during the week, was a minute
or so slower. Hope to have more details soon.(30-09-01)
NO FATHER TED FOR
MANX AIRLINES MEETING
Pierce O’Callaghan, the much injured Irish walker, is the
greatest Father Ted fan I’ve ever met. I thought I knew the lines as well as
anyone but he knows every joke and every phrase. Sadly I won’t be able to share
the jokes with him next Februaary as he went off on another long trip with his
great friend Jamie Costin this week. they are in New Zealand until March via
Thailand, Austrialia and Jo berg - although surely not all before New Zealand -
unless Dougal did the booking! To anyone who has never watched Father Ted, skip
to the next story! .(28-09-01)
NOT MUCH TO SHOW FOR TONIGHT’S WORK
Just completed a further achiving of results and features
so there is not much to show for my “sad hour” tonight. The final pictures from
Bridget at the Blackpool meeting are published on the front page. She hopes to
have pictures from tomorrow’s walks meeting in Birmingham. Great
stuff..(28-09-01)
MARIE NOON STILL INJURED
Marie Noon, despite seing a number of physiotherapists,
is still off the road. She was injured before the Island Games and had doubts
about her ability to take part beforehand. As befits an Olympic competitor
however she gave her all in the Half Marathon to take the Gold Medal. Long term
she still harbours hopes of running a decent marathon (her 3.15 in the 1998
London was primarily a fund raiser), and if she can get over the problem behind
her knee, she will undoubtedly get among the top three Manx runners. Faling
this, she would like to compete at duathlon but doesn’t think she can handle
the swimming to do a triathlon. .(27-09-01)
FASTEST MANX FEMALE MARATHON RUNNERS
Margaret Lockley
Fastest time:
2:36:06
Date of birth:
15.05.47
Position:
8th
Race:
London
Date:
13 May 1984
Manx Hall of Fame: No
Brenda Walker
Fastest time:
2:39:36
Date of birth:
24.08.56
Position:
4th
Race:
Rotterdam, NED
Date:
18 Apr 1993
Manx Hall of Fame: No (27-09-01)
FIVE WALKERS OFF TO BRUM
According to the Manx Independent, 5 walkers represent
the North of England in the Inter Area Walks Match at the Alexander Stadium in
Birmingham on Saturday. Showing the great strength of Manx walking, and not a
little weakness in parts of the North of England, Robert Moore tackles the
under 15 5km, Jane Gibson & bridget Kaneen the 10km and Peter Kaneen and
Allan Callow the men’s 10km. Good luck to all five. (27-09-01)
MARTIN ARAM SUCCESS
Also cribbed from the Manx Independent, a snip at 40p
from your newsagent, is the news that Martin Aram jumped 2.05 to win the High
Jump at the National Junior League finals. He was reported to pleased despite
jumping 5cm short of his personal best as it has been such a long season. I
would like to give this site a higher track and field profile but am short of
material. All contributions welcome.(27-09-01)
RON RONAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO JOHN CORRIN
It is so hard to believe that two weeks ago John Corrin
was still out and about walking. His long term friend pays a great tribute to
his sporting achievements in the Manx Independent. I knew some of the facts but
not these ones. John only missed one TT Relay Walk in 30 years and ran a total
of seven marathons. Although these qualties are more prevalent in athletics
than a lot of sports these days, I like Ron’s description of John as an “honest
and fair sportsman.” Those words say as much about John as his trophy
cabinet.(27-09-01)
MANX HARRIERS PRIZE PRESENTATION
Manx Harriers prize presentation has been postponed. It
was due to be held on n Friday but will now take place at the Cave on 5th
October at 7.30 (doors opening at 7pm)
Admission is by ticket only and they cost £4.50 from Amanda
McNair.(26-09-01)
TV COMMENTATORS
Why do TV commentators always say that so and so “is
wearing number 5” instead of just “number 5” and why do they never vary their
commentary after a false start - its always “at the second time of asking?”
Talking about unnecessary words, I have just realised how unnecessary it is to
type “published” before the date of each addition on this page! (26-09-01)
WALKS DAY
A bit more information (don’t think I have published this
before. There are a few restrictionson the team races, (no ringer teams allowed but at the judges
discretion) however, these ranked walkers can be encouraged to enter as
individuals ( we are offering prizes for 1st man and 1st woman in each race and
1st,2nd,3rd boy and girl in the junior race.These will apply whether the walker
is part of a team or walking as an individual. The team prizes will be
unaffected by individuals.(26-09-01)
ATHLETES DO HAVE GIRLS
Congratulations to Melanie & Mark Stewart on the
birth of their daughter. Sorry that the details are brief but the information
came via a man! (Published 25-09-01)
FIXTURES GO LIVE
Since I started this site I have wanted to provide a
meaningful local fixture list combined with national and international
fixtures. Well, although its only a start, this facility is now available (see
front page). I really need input from all those organisers who have not yet
confirmed their winter programme. PLEASE do not use terms like “usual course”
or “near Ramsey.” Assume that the reader knows nothing about athletics is new
to the Isle of Man. There is no limit to what can be published. If you see a
mistake in the listings, please email me. I would be particularly interested to
hear from anyone using the interactive version. Thanks to Steve Brennan for his
earlier input. If you have already provided information and want to add more
just email it at any time. Thanks. Murray. (Published 25-09-01)
LUNCH TIME MEETING WITH KEN WATTERSON
I had an interesting meeting in the street with Ken
Watterson today. Ken and I have both had letters published in the Manx
Independent with vastly differing views of the cancellation of the TT Course
Relay Walk. Ken still feels strongly that more effort should have been made to
make the roads safe and that controlling dangerous drivers is the answer. He
feels that as in other sports like Hockey and Rugby, where every player has to
take a turn helping out at major events, it should be possible to marshal
courses safely if everyone took a turn. (Published 25-09-01)
PHIL MOTLEY LONDON BOUND
Phil Motley has delayed a decision as to whether to enter
the 2002 Flora London Marathon until he is clear of a chest infection. Until a
couple of weeks ago he was training well with next month’s Syd Quirk Half
Marathon in mind until the illness stopped him in his tracks. (Published
25-09-01)
JANE GIBSON AIMS FOR DUBLIN
One of Jane Gibson’s aims for the year is to tackle a
20km walk in Dublin in December. The organisers are putting the 20km on
alongside the featured 35km (see news story further down page. Before then she
is hoping to represent the north of England in an inter area match. (Published
25-09-01)
NOT ENOUGH TIME
Quite a few things shelved for another night. (Published
24-09-01)
NEWS FROM ANDY GARRETT IN NEW ZEALAND
Andy finished 13th in the 10km Otago Road Racing Champs
on Sunday. He ran 37.30 which is on a
par with his previous run a month a go.
Harder course with a strong wind on a 4 x 2.5km loop. Next race is a 6.9km hill leg (all uphill!!)
in the National Road Relays. He says”I
guess when your the 8th man in the squad (which I am at the moment), you cannot
pick and choose which legs that you do.
I'm just glad to be in good enough shape to run in the Leith Harriers,
Senior 'A' squad.”(Published 24-09-01)
WALKER BROTHERS HILL LEAGUE
The Manx Mountain Marathon Organisation have just
received the all clear from DAFF to run the opening round of the Walker Bros.
Hill League on the same course in Glen Maye as last year. The race is on
Saturday 27th October starting and finishing at the village hall. (Published
24-09-01)
VETERANS 10 MILE
There were ideal conditions this morning for the above.
Peter Kaneen was well clear when I left with Neil Bates in good form in second
place. Mike Gellion has promised to email the results so hopefully they will be
online in the next day or two.Union Mills garage were the sponsor so I wonder
if Peter presented the prize to himself! (Published 23-09-01)
FOOTBALLERS IN GREAT NORTH RUN
Sitting on the bench was taken a bit far when three travelled
from the Isle of Man but only one of them took part. Chris Arrowsmith was
delighted to run 2.02 on his watch, faster than when he first ran it 13 years
ago. Chris is a partner at advocates Simcocks (he used to be at Manx Harriers
sponsor, Mann & Partners and proposed that the firm accepted the proposal I
had made to sponsor the Millennium Way Relay). He used to play for the Police
(good for referral work!) but gave up because of a knee injury. St Georges
players Gary Blackburn and Les Coates still play football but pulled out of the
Great North Run with injuries. In Gary’s case it was understandable given the
seriousness of his toe injury a couple of years ago. Les (who I used to share
an office with at Coopers& Lybrand) has always followed Gary around clubs
but this time he followed him around the bars - he also had a toe
injury.(Published 23-09-01)
JUNIOR WALKS
Allan Callow and Liz Corran are holding Junior Race
Walking training sessions on Thursday evenings from 5pm to 5.45pm at the
National Sports Centre. It always amazes me that coaches do so much for nothing
and this is another wonder example.injury.(Published 23-09-01)
TRIBUTES
Although my thoughts are still with Derek Harrison, his
family and the family of John Corrin, I have moved the tributes to them from
the front page. Use the links from their names to read. (Published 22-09-01)
REEBOK CHALLENGE
Graham Davies has confirmed that the above will be held
on Saturday 20 October 2001 not as previously published. (Published 21-09-01)
CAR WASHING
Manx Harriers young athletes are having a fund raising
car wash (£2) next Saturday 29th September at McDonalds, Peel Road, Douglas.
The Manager will also be handing out awards to the
athletes and Olympic Silver medallist Maurice Herriot will be presenting AA
standard badges to those that have achieved them.(Published 21-09-01)
ISLAND CROSS COUNTRY SEASON
Does anyone have full details of the Island Cross Country
season? Are the venues as per the fixture list or will foot and mouth cause
changes? Indeed, wouldn’t it be wonderful to actually publicise the rules of
the series before it starts. (Published 21-09-01)
10 MILE WALK SPONSORED BY UNION MILLS GARAGE
If you intend walking on Sunday and haven’t entered yet,
don’t forget that entries close today. You can download an entry form from the
front page of this site.(Published 22-09-01)
CIRCUIT TRAINING
Graham Davies reports “Mike Callow and I had a brilliant
turnout of athletes for circuit training and indoor athletics on Wednesday
night. High jumpers, Endurance, Sprinters, Middle, Fell runners all turned up,
I’m told even more will turn up next week as the word spreads.” Contact Graham
at Roadrunner@manx.net (Published 20-09-01)
BRIDGET’S PHOTOS
Thanks again to Bridget Kaneen for sending me photos of
the Boundary Stroll. I have several still to publish but I delayed publishing
more tonight as I searched for some memories of John Corrin. (Published 20-09-01)
GOOD LUCK
To all the junior athletes competing in Blackpool this
weekend - good luck - and enjoy yourselves at what has always been a great end
of season meeting (Published 20-09-01)
ATHLETES PRODUCE ALL BOYS (but it took a female to point
it out - thanks Cal!
Since March, the Partingtons (Steve and Cal), the Kneales
(Karen and Michael), the Walmsleys (Kevin and Jenny) and the Callows (Danna and
Gavin) have all had babies - and they have all been boys!
With Mark Stewart and his wife about to join the above
list can they break the mould and produce a girl??? (Published 20-09-01)
WELCOME BACK IF YOU WERE BOOKMARKED TO THE OLD SITE
The easy to remember (well I think so) address
www.manxathletics.com actually redirects you to another site or sites where I
publish the files. Until last month it took you to www.murrayandmarie.com/manxathletics
which is a sub directory of a website I set up for our family business. Last
month I had problems with this location and temporarily republished the site to
http://uk.geocities.com/murraylambden Since then, I have continued to publish
it there as it was working fairly well. Tonight I have just been checking some
tracking stats and see that a few people have bookmarked the old site - if you
have been wondering why there have been no updates for a while - welcome back!
I’ll publish it at both locations for a few days just in case. (Published
19-09-01)
ATHLETES ON TOUR
Chris Quine is enjoying his usual end of season tour this
week. No Bernie Cannan to prop up the bar this year - instead he is joined by
Dave Newton, Jim Anderson and Phil Crowe. .”(Published 19-09-01)
ARCHIVING NEWS STORIES
In order to improve the speed of access to this page I’ve
archived last month’s news. You can still access it - see the link at the foot
of the page. .”(Published 19-09-01)
IRISH 35km WALK
Walkers may be interested in the above. Pierce O'Callaghan reports “In reference to a
number of queries regarding the above Championship, I can confirm that it will
take place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin (On Dublin Grand Prix 2km circuit) on
Saturday December 8th 2001.Any queries drop me a mail at pierceoc@yahoo.com
.”(Published 17-09-01)
REEBOK CHALLENGE
Graham Davies reports that Manx Harriers will be sending
teams in most age groups to the Reebok Challenge cross-country races at Sefton
Park, Liverpool on 6 October. Email Graham at Roadrunner@manx.net for details.
According to my new fixture list, this is the same date as the Northern 6
Stages relay. Can this be correct? (Published 17-09-01)
DEREK HARRISON PROGRESS
Does anyone have any news of Derek’s progress? I called
in to see him at hospital tonight but he was fully engaged with his family so I
didn’t want to disturb him. When I was compiling the Manx race walking lists
last night it reminded me of how great his achievements were - quite apart from
being the Parish Walk record holder and Manx Marathon champion - and
footballer, cyclist, etc etc before he even took up walking. .(Published
17-09-01)
NICE THINGS TO SAY ABOUT MANX TELECOM FOR A CHANGE
Tonight has been the first evening for as long as I can
remember that Unmetred Access has not meant that they are not counting the
number of disconnections. .(Published 17-09-01)
FIXTURES PAGE
It has long been my intention to provide a fixtures page
on this site. Up until now I have had two problems. Firstly there has been a
lack of detailed information and secondly when I had a stab a few months ago I
made the classic mistake of making the page look like a page of a book rather
than using the power of the computer. The best results are gained when you use
hyperlinks (the highlighted tect that connect you to another page). Try this
one. The fixtures with hyperlinks take you to existing pages promoting events,
those without the links are without the detail. Feedback and help will be
appreciated. Note my comment of 4 September below - not many organisers have
seriously promoted their winter events yet. .(Published 17-09-01)
PAUL CLARKE INJUSTICE?
I may have done Paul an injustice. I believe he may have
only intended to run with Kerry. Perhaps he did so and then abondoned her for a
few extra places towards te end. Does anyone know.Results link - previously on
front page. (Published 17-09-01)
TONY OKELL
Tony Okell has been very quiet since the Island Games. He
was, however, seen on the road on Sunday and at the NSC tonight. If you are
reading this Tony, what are your plans?.(Published 17-09-01)
JAVELIN COACH REQUIRED
My son Ben, who had no interest in athletics until a
couple of months ago, is now hooked on javelin. Unfortunately, he has found he
cannot train at the NSC on Tuesdays and Thursdays when others are training for
the discus. Is there a javelin coach around who could help? Unlike many in
athletics, I’m not expecting to get everything for free. Telephone 675536 or
email murray@manxathletics.com .(Published 17-09-01)
RILEYS OFF TO UNIVERSITY
Hannah Riley goes to Chester University in 10 days time,
she has signed up to play Netball, Football and Athletics. Phil Riley goes to
Leeds University and hopes to team up with long jump Coach Wilf Paish. (He took
Graham Davies on his first coaching course about 25 years ago) (Published
16-09-01)
PETER KANEEN TO GO DUTCH?
Peter Kaneen is considering travelling to the Netherlands
next month to race 50km as he attempts the Commonwealth Games qualifying
standard of 4 hours 20 minutes. At the very least Peter hopes to improve his
position on the Manx ranking. I’ve researched the all time Manx race walking
lists for him as a target. (Published 16-09-01)
GATEWAY GAMES
Graham Davies reports: “It was nice to see so many local
Inter Island games athletes helping out at the NSC today along with Colin
Halsall (Timekeeper) and Steve Higgins (starter).Star of the show was Northern
AC athlete Lawrence Dyer and Manx Harrier David Carroll; Two gold’s each.
I also notice Lawrence did the Boundary Stroll in the
morning. He then along with David and the rest of the Special Olympics team,
played football, Tug of War and Handball. Before winning more gold in the
swimming pool.
Norman Wisdom was great with all the athletes and even
had time show Hannah Riley a couple of football tricks.” (Published 15-09-01)
PETER HUGHES CONFIRMS LONDON GOAL
Peter Hughes, Manx Marathon champion and winner of
today’s Boundary Stroll, is the latest runner to confirm he will be tackling
the 2001 Flora London Marathon. He had the sense to ease down after the Grand
Prix Week (“I could hardly face running at all the first week”) and didn’t do a
lot of milage specifically for today’s run. He will tackle the Syd Quirk next
month. I recall (correct me if I am wrong with this one), he set the 5th, 6th
and 7th best Manx times in 2000. I see no reason why he can’t crack the 2.50
barrier in London on 14 April. (Published 15-09-01)
PAUL CLARKE
I am sure that Paul Clarke will be disappointed to finish
207th in 1.21.05 in the Great North Run today. He was certainly injured a few
weeks ago (he retired from the Ramsey Half Marathon). If anyone has any news of
what went wrong or the results and news from any of the other Manx runners,
please let me know.(Published 16-09-01)
GREAT NORTH RUN GENERALLY
At a time when athletics is struggling to attract people
to the sport and to maintain its profile against other sports, you have to give
credit to Brendan Foster and his team who, like the London Marathon organisers,
wouldn’t take no for an answer to get the event established on a scale no one
would have believed.
Having run it in 1998 however, I have to say I was a
shade disappointed when I compared it with London. There were no controls as to
who started where and the course lacked the interest of London. Brendan Foster
said himself today that the slower runners are running almost a mile extra.
I’ve always thought Brendan Foster has a conflict of interest in any event. Can
you imagine Bernie Ecclestone being allowed to commentate on Formula 1 (it may
be the only part he doesn’t control!).
I always find it amazing that (in this day and age) they
can only show the times of the leader and not (say) the top 20 so that you can
plot movements up and down the field. Unless I missed it (I was fast forwarding
the video quite a bit), I also thought they were very slow to pick up on the
fact that Paul Evan’s time was so fast for a veteran.
Agree or disagree? Use the forum!
Next year’s event is on Sunday 29 September. (Published
15-09-01)
WALTER KENNAUGH (again)
Richie Stevenson (who also provided details of the Hill
Races - see below) has passed on details of Walter Kennaugh. His address is 59
Malew Street Castletown and this phone number is 822480. We think he would
welcome a chat with anyone who wishes to call. (Published 15-09-01)
WINTER HILL RACES
The Winter Hill League will start on Saturday 27th
October ( not 28th as in fixtures book ) at Glen Maye. the Manx Marathon
Organisation are waiting for final
approval from DAFF to use the same course as last year. They seem to think it
will be alright but they will confirm next week. Next will be at Peel on
Saturday17th November which will also include the Junior Fell Championships.The
final round has yet to be finalised but hopefully it will be at Glen Helen
again if approval is recieved from DAFF.Walker Brothers have given generous
sponsorship again this year so we are hoping for a good turn-out.Full details
shortly. (Published 15-09-01)
BABY KNEALE
We met Karen & Michael Kneale with their baby son
Alexander last night (born on 12 August). Karen, who represented the Isle of
Man in the 1998 Commonwealth Games 10km walk, hopes to resume training in a few
weeks time. (Published 15-09-01)
WHO IS BRENNY?
One of our newer residents asked recently, who is
“Brenny”. This is unsurprrising given that he is not involved in athletics on a
day to day basis. Better known as an Island Games cyclist I had forgotten that
he was one of the Isle of Man’s Gold medallists in the 1985 Island Games. He
won the 10km walk. Its a pity that the picture I found of him from the papers
at the time is too small too publish. (Published 13-09-01)
SOUTHERN RUNS
Graham Davies reports an encoraging start to the Monday
night runs although Dave Ronan arrived late. (Published 13-09-01)
WALTER KENNAUGH
It was hard to find any good news to report on Tuesday
but we have found some. Walter Kennaugh, who was reported to be ill recently,
was spotted timekeeping for Margaret Lockley’s training group on Tuesday.
(Published 13-09-01)
CONGRATULATIONS TO ERIC NELSON
Eric Nelson, who contests his 1,000th game for Rushen
United on Saturday, an all time Manx record, has been a frequent cross country
competitor over the years. Whilst the number of races is probably less than 10%
of the number of football matches he has always been a tough competitor.
(Published 13-09-01)
BOUNDARY STROLL INCENTIVES
A cup of tea and a rich tea biscuit was the traditional
reward for completing the Boundary Stroll. Well things have moved to new
heights...this year finishers will be rewarded with a pice of Bridget Kaneen’s
gingerbread recipe!(Published 13-09-01)
WORLD EVENTS
In some ways, the bigger the world event, the more
important it is to have sport as an outlet. But it takes time to recognise
this. Last night, given the hopelessness I felt for the many thousands of
sufferers and their families in the USA, I could not see the value of typing
any nonsense onto these pages but now I shall try. I hope to resume the Syd
Quirk build up tomorrow Thursday (late). (Published 12-09-01)
BOUNDARY STROLL
Are you walking or running on Sunday? The Boundary Stroll
is a great event for endurance athletes starting and finishing at the National
Sports Centre. The walk starts at 9 - the run at 10.(Published 12-09-01)
SOUTHERN RUNS
Manx Harriers Southern pack runs started tonight, Monday
10th September.Meet at Shoprite car park, Port Erin. 6.30pm under the
supervision of Manx Harriers Club coach Graham Davies.Athletes from all clubs
and even none club runners will be made most welcome. Graham adds encouragingly
“Come and enjoy the beautiful south before the nights draw in.” (Published 10-09-01)
VETERANS GALORE
In addition to Colin Moore, Tony Okell and several other
runners joing the veterans ranks in the last year or so, Peter Kaneen sneaked
into the same category in July. Peter is still training hard for the 50km walk
and despite being so old, is cabable of improving his personal best. All his
best results to date have been on unfavourable courses. (Published 10-09-01)
DAVE McCUTCHEON
I asked recently, where is Dave McCutcheon? Well, I’m
pleased to report I had an email from him last week. He still keeps fit and ran
sub 11 seconds hand timed ever year until last year. He doesn’t sprint over 100
metres these days but says he aims to run sub 52 before he is 42 which he says
is still a few years off but I’m not sure! Injiry prevented sprinting this year
but Dave reports that he is weight lifting far bigger weights than when he was
young. He also enjoys skiing and karate (2nd dan black belt).If you want to get
in touch, his email address os davidmccutcheon@yahoo.co.uk (Published 10-09-01)
NORTHERN MEN’S LEAGUE
Well done to all the lads on Saturday (see front page).
Chris Quine had let me know he would be reporting on Manx Radio so I was able
to “steal the headlines” but I hope to have a more detailed report soon.
(Published 09-09-01)
PAUL CURPHEY CONFIRMS MARATHON INTENTION
Paul Curphey has confirmed that he will be tackling the
Flora London Marathon for the 9th consecutive year in 2002. To date he has not
been outside the fastest 3 finishers. In fact during that whole period, the
only Manx runners to have beaten him were Robbie Callister (1994), myself in
1998, Peter Kaneen and Chris Quine in 2000 and myself again in 2001. Andy Fox,
Kevin Albinson, Peter Costley and Bernie Cannan have all beaten him in the Manx 20 miles only for
him to reverse the positions in London where he has always aimed to peak.
A number of factors have kept Paul away from his best
form since 1998 but he still believes believes a sub 2.35 time is possible -
hot weather in 1995 and 1996 held him back to a 2.37 PB. I suspect his PB will
live until 2003. He is still not fully fit at present although he intends to
tackle this Sunday’s Boundary Stroll and the Syd Quirk Half Marathon. Its the
work over the following four months that will really count however. (Published
09-09-01)
PEEL TO DOUGLAS AND OTHER DATABASES
If you have not already noticed, I’ve now published the
database of all finishers between 1965 and 2001 and, because of the time it
takes to download such a big file, I’ve also published the fastest 100, fastest
500, all women (surprisingly few), the 1996 result when a short course was used
and finally, a record of Steve Kelly’s performances. As soon as I extracted the
latter from the database I saw I had Steve’s 2000 time as 1.35 instead of 1.15.
It will therefore be incorrect in some of the other extracts. If you spot
errors elsewhere, please email me at murray@manxathletics.com
Once again I would like to thank Peter McElroy for the
loan of his faithfully maintained black book. Gordie Brew (did you know he once
ran the Peel to Douglas?) has also offered to loan me his Western 10 records
but it may well take me a while to do this, especially as I’ve now started a
Database of the Syd Quirk Half Marathon. I do not have results from all years
of this one. Anyone got them all in one place? (Published 09-09-01)
GREAT NORTH RUN
In addition to Paul Clarke and Kerry Clarke- Smith, I
learnt today of a formidable trio who will be tackling the event this year.
Better known for their football skills , Les Coates and Chris Arrowsmith will
be tackling the event for the second time along with debutant Gary Blackburn..
Good luck lads. (Published 07-09-01)
THANKS
Following my “cry for help” , I have been overwhelmed
with the support shown. It is much appreciated. So long as people find the site
beneficial I am happy to put the work in but sometimes when the feedback dries
up and I’m not sure if the novelty of a website has dried up, I wonder how good
a use of time it is. The trouble is, as soon as I stop putting new material on
line, the number of visitors declines.(Published 06-09-01)
I NEED MORE PICTURES
Stan Hall and Helen Radcliffe (plus my scrapbooks ) are
my only sources to date. More please! (Published 06-09-01)
ALTERNATIVE TO THE TT RELAY WALK
First news the new event will be published here over the
weekend(Published 06-09-01)
DEREK HARRISON
I hope to write more about Derek Harrison (see front
page) yet but I must admit to being a bit overcome by the news. For the past 17
years he has clung to the belief that he would, eventually, get back to race
walking at some level when he finally had his hip replacement operation.
One of the humbling things about Derek was his
willingness to help others despite his obsessions. Several times he had
disappointing results and then mentioned that he had given blood the previous
day. (Published 06-09-01)
MANX HARRIERS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Member of Manx Harriers? Not happy with the way the club
is being run? Get yourself down to the AGM on 8 October and take your
turn.(Published 06-09-01)
TYPOS
Please let me know if ever you notice any of my typos -
on the first draft of the Hill Race feature tonight i reported that “until the
Foot & Mouth Crisis, (fell races) had been enjoying ever bigger entrants”
instead of “entries”.(Published 05-09-01)
TT RELAY WALK
The cancellation of the TT Relay Walk will finally be
announced to the wider public (yes the Manx Independent has a wider readership
than this site by a factor of at least 800) tomorrow (Thursday). I can’t
believe anyone living on the Island doesn’t buy this paper if they follow sport, but just in case, its out
tomorrow for the price of a bar of chocolate.
(Published 05-09-01)
WALTER KENNAUGH ILL
Unfortunately Walter Kennaugh has been unwell of late.
Anyone involved with athletics on the Isle of Man for any length of time, and
particularly the fell running fraternity, will know that Walter is one of the
diehard supporters. He has turned out in all weathers for many years to
officiate and, although there have been so few fell running events this year,
this has only served to make his absence all the more noticeable. (Published 05-09-01)
TT RELAY WALK
Sorry if I offend anyone with this one, but its now 2
weeks since I followed up the rumour that the TT Relay Walk was to be cancelled
- a decision I supported. The event is still being listed in the local press
and with only 26 days until it is due to be held its not really fair on people
who could be training for the event. Nor the best way to drum up support for an
alternative event. (Published 04-09-01)
WINTER EVENTS
The Island offers a superb range of competition for
novice and experienced athletes during the winter. The Halifax Winter League
should appeal to the many “Power Walkers” on the streets these days as well as
maintaining our reputation for producing top class race walkers. Races are
handicapped so all entrants have an equal chance of winning. The same goes for
the Ramsey Fireman’s Runs. These are also handicapped over 6 miles on Thursday
evenings over the winter months. The Island Cross Country League is very
competitive at the front but runners of all standards are made most welcome and
it is the main outlet for the juniors during the winter months. With the foot
and mouth crisis continuing its not known whether the 3 event Hill Race series
will proceed but these are some of the best organised and supported events.They
act as a taster for the fell running scene which is due to kick off on NewYears
Day at St Johns.Pencil in Boxing Day for the Mann & Partners Millennium Way
Relay. This is another handicapped event and with teams of 4 the winners are
hard to predict. The rationing of road
races in the winter gives the road runners much more focus to the Syd Quirk
Half Marathon in November and the Manx Airlines 10km at the NSC in February.
The guys who have been competing in the above events for
the past 20 years know they are on. Time to target the new residents, the
joggers,the power walkers, the dog walkers and the pub goers.
If you are responsible for organising any events during
the winter please send me a full preview NOW but also use the press and the
radio to promote your event NOW. Its no coincidence that the CMI Parish Walk
and the Close Brothers Marathon attract the biggest fields of the year. They
build the event up for months beforehand so PEOPLE KNOW THE EVENTS EXIST. The
Syd Quirk Half Marathon is being promoted at a sensible time and I am doing my
best to continue the build up on this site. I can do the same for any other
event. I can publish entry forms on line. Isle of Man newspapers and Manx Radio can do so much to help you - IF
YOU PLAN AHEAD (Published 04-09-01)
MORE PEEL TO DOUGLAS STATS
I asked Graham Davies tonight who held the record for the
most retirements - knowing that he had. He tells me that he is also the only person
to have run the course bare foot ...and this was the guy who used to run a
sportswear shop! Remember Alpha Sports. It is now the rear entrance to the
Strand Shopping Centre.(Published 04-09-01)
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