This coming Sunday will see our local posties defending the honours achieved in 2012 in what will be the sole surviving uniform race-walking event in the British Isles.
Could we see the female winner? Ramsey's Michelle Turner, National Champion at 10 kilometres last year, will be competing in this novel event for the first time. The race distance will be marginally different: an old-fashioned six miles. Starting at the Toll Gates, Marine Drive Douglas, at 10:15, competitors will race half a mile to Pigeon Stream, and return and loop through the Toll Gates six times. The event will be started by new Chairman of Isle of Man Post Office Mr Graham Cregeen MHK.
Michelle's closest rival on paper is likely to be the first man across the line in 2012, Luc Legon. On that occasion he competed as a guest wearing athletic strip. This time he will be" legitimized", and compete in uniform, as he has in the interim experienced the rigors of postal service at his Mum Geraldine's workplace. She too will be representing East London District Office, but unfortunately they are short of a third walker to compile a team to compete against the Edinburgh regulars, Birmingham, and the defending Manx team.
Richard Creer will be trying to repeat his 2012 victory, but the demands of being a farmer, father, and postman have curtailed his preparations of late. Also in the frame for individual honours will be the determined Colin Scott from Edinburgh.
Following on their heels, there ought to be an interesting battle between Dave Looker, currently in preparation for the Liverpool Half-Marathon Run, and Tony Mackintosh, in training for the Parish Walk. They finished equal last time they clashed.
Deeper in the field there are a few welcome new faces who will no doubt match strides with regulars of the calibre of stalwart John Cannell, six times Parish Walk winner.
Former Douglas postman, who went on to become Chairman of the IOM Post Office, David Cretney MHK, will don postal uniform for the first time in many years. He looks a safe bet to stay the distance, as his regular training spins for the Parish Walk are always in excess of this relative sprint. However he is likely to find the pace a little hotter than norm.
Next favourite in the ladies race is Voirrey Bratty who had a near eight minute margin on Lindsay Wood eighteen months ago.
Graham Young, Race Secretary, said “We are delighted Isle of Man Post Office are once again sponsoring this event. It proved to be very popular last time and I’m sure it will be a very enjoyable event again this year. We hope as many people as possible will come along to watch. I wish all competitors the very best of luck.”
The roadway will be closed to vehicles, but responsible dog walkers are welcome to use the footpath as normal.
