Residents in the Leasowe Road area may have been somewhat surprised on Saturday to see nearly 200 runners in brightly coloured vests, hurry past, instead of the usual two or three.
This was not, unfortunately, due to a rise in the club's membership, but because Wallasey Athletic Club were promoting the popular 'Monstre Meet' for the first time since 1947.
The 'Meet' is a grand opening to the season since it provides opportunities for runners to renew acquaintanceships and also to do a small amount of serious racing. Ten clubs took part from as far away as Sutton and Warrington.
The race started at 3:15 p.m. and the three packs - senior, novice and boys - were ably led by Ramsey Hewson, Jim Rimmer and George Mason respectively.
The senior, run consisted of six miles gentle running with a mile break down Leasowe Road. The race was won by Ron Davies of Liverpool Harriers and Wallasey's men were: 25th, John Lynch, who provided an exciting finish with well-known Johnny Green of Wirral, 48th and 49th were Bill Farrell and Brian Woolford (neither are racing fit yet); 55th, Colin Harris; 55th, John Ryan; and 57th, Alan Clarke, suffering from lack of training and a bad cold.
The novices ran three miles with the mile break, being won by Hughes of Warrington. Ian McIvor ran very well to gain 4th position and Ray Wood also finished well up in 14th position. Unfortunately only the first 14 places in the novices and boys races were taken.
In the boys' race, however, real class was shown when Ron Barlow the young 880 runner, took the lead after 200 yards and ran on to win by five yards. Tony Farrell came through the field to gain 12th.
The prizes were presented by club secretary and treasurer Ron Hubbard: and Mr. S. Lubbock of Sefton thanked the club for the good course, good accommodation and good day's sport.
The club would like to thank all who helped to make the meeting successful particularly Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. White, Mrs. Rimmer and Mrs. Gilliver and also the police who were so patient with our efforts not to cause traffic blocks. Anyone interested in joining the club is asked to contact R. Hubbard, 44 Tollemache Street, Wallasey.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 09/10/1954 by P.D.W.
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