Despite what I hear were fairly atrocious conditions, last Sunday (28th October) saw 73 hardy competitors enter the first round of this year's Up & Running sponsored Winter Walking League.
At the risk of repeating myself (Boring George), whether you are really serious about becoming a top race walker or just avoiding gaining some winter padding, you can meet new people while having a chat a good hot cup of tea, so this really is the best best way to do it.
Although, you have missed the 'Scratch' race where the handicaps are set, don't worry Steve Taylor, Manx Harriers official handicapper and Olympic Chief Judge will squeeze you in somewhere and you only have to walk in three of the five rounds to be counted in the final league standings.
At the N.S.C. last Sunday, the race was won by one of our top juniors and regular race winner since the summer, Adam Cowin who showed Manx Telecom Parish Walk winners, Jock Waddington, Richard Gerrard & Vinny Lynch a clean pair of heels.
Rising star, Michelle Turner gatecrashed the male party in 4th place with a fantastic new personal best of 52:25 in fourth place which makes her the 4th fastest woman in the UK this year and by far the quickest W40 (sorry for giving that one away Michelle.)
It was also good to see Manx Telecom Parish Walk competitor Tufty Nash make his debut in the league with an electric 56:03, ahead of former junior champion, Richie Wild.
Although they were some of the quicker racers, the good thing about our branch of athletics is that everyone is welcomed equally and there is no need to feel shy about coming along and of course once you have your handicap, everyone has an equal chance of winning, especially newcomers who work hard.
Training and technique sessions are run by Allan Callow at the N.S.C Manx Harriers Clubhouse on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 6pm. However, he does ask that total newcomers meet him if possible on Mondays by prior arrangement:
Ring 473354.
Junior training is at the athletics track Monday afternoons 5pm and multi commonwealth games athlete and former UK no1 @ 20k Steve Partington runs sessions @ 6pm Mondays by the new swimming pool at Ramsey and at the same time Thursdays on Laxey Promenade. All ages and abilities are welcome but you can ring Steve on 489582.
On a personal note, that's probably it for me this year. Having won the Netherlands 50k and The Guernsey Church to Church on my last two outings, I'm taking a rest. Hopefully, I will be there at St Johns 18th November to judge round 2 and help to make sure that everyone finishes the race whilst also being fair to all.
