So that’s it then. The End to End is over, the Parish Walk a distant memory so we can all put our trainers away for the winter and relax.
Er, no actually. Because of the power of the Parish Walk, the Manx race walking is actually turned on its head compared to most places and though we do have a smattering of events in the summer, autumn and particularly October heralds the start of a busy season.
Let’s face it, it’s far easier to shed a few layers of clothes than a ring of blubber when the weather relents and the days get longer, so keep the sports shoes within easy reach. Anyone hoping to make a real dent in the PW needs to retain their fitness base throughout the year.
First up 7th October is the Julie Brew Memorial Walk, a brilliant 10 mile course centred on Peel. It is well run by Western Athletics Club with lots of great prizes and a very friendly presentation afterwards.
14th October is the Welbeck Hotel & Restaurant One (and half) Hour Challenge on the N.S.C. Perimeter Roadway. The basic premise is to see how far you can travel in the set length of time you choose and it is primarily a novice event with most of the prizes awarded to beginners, though all are welcome and the best performance of the day is also rewarded.
Juniors are also encouraged and there is a half mile and a mile race for the little ones. It is all followed by a buffet in the Manx Harriers Clubhouse.
18th October in the evening is the Isle of Man Veterans Athletics Club 5k Autumn Handicap. For this event, you must enter before 13th October so a fair handicap can be set but as usual all standards of walker are made very welcome and it is an excellent opportunity to join the host club whose membership rates are very reasonable.
Two weeks later 28th is the first of the ‘Up and Running Winter Walking League.’ The senior distances are 5k and 10k and whilst the first round is a ‘Scratch’ race, this series is also primarily aimed at the novice with the biggest improver over the course of the winter taking the spoils.
Of course, as far as I am concerned, it’s do as I say, not as I do because unfortunately for the second year in succession, I shall miss JBM 7th October, as I am travelling to the Netherlands to compete in their national 50k championships and then taking a bit of a training break.
However, I will be there in some capacity, either as judge or sponsor for all the other events, so don’t think for a second I’ll let you get away with missing them ;) !
(With the exception of Robbie Callister who has also done the odd round, all of the Parish Walk winners this century have come through the winter leagues).
