Michael George of the Welbeck Hotel writes about the Winter Walking League challenge which takes place tomorrow (Sunday):

"In the previous 'blog' I mentioned the Welbeck Hotel and Restaurant One Hour Challenge, - a novice walk which was very well attended as being the 'curtain raiser' for the coming winter racing season.

"I was actually on my annual training break at the time, so was urging everyone to compete while I was lazing around doing nothing - well not quite nothing as my son likes to keep me occupied and we played a little squash and I enjoyed my first 'off-road' mountain biking.

"Hostilities were resumed with the first round of the Manx Harriers Winter Walking League which took place on October 30 and attracted an excellent entry.

"With no training over the previous two months (I was injured before the End to End) I was delighted to clock 53 minutes and 4 seconds for 10k though I trailed in behind Peter Kaneen, Jock Waddington and Richard Gerrard whilst eventually managing to overhaul Robbie Callister who was in fifth place.

"The next round is at Andreas this Sunday (Nov 20) with signing on from 9.30am at the Village Hall and the handicap race will begin at 10am over distances of five and 10k with various distances for the juniors.

"Remember if you are thinking of having a go wear bright and/or reflective clothing as the event taking place on the open roads.   

"So don't be shy come and have a blast. You'll get fit, have fun and enjoy the opportunity to talk lots of other people with thoughts of entering the Parish or merely thinking of keeping healthy."

More information is available from www.manxharriers.com and www.manxathletics.com. For more information on the Welbeck Hotel click here.