Waterloo Athletic Club's annual Waterloo Road race for athletes over 18 again proved popular with both spectators and competitors last Saturday.
Wallasey had fifteen members competing, and did not fare as well as anticipated, as Ron Barlow, our star junior runner, had to drop out soon after the start with foot trouble. Also, Peter White had a poor day and was a long way below his performance when finishing sixth at Woolton three weeks ago.
The race was over a seven miles 'out and home' course starting and finishing at Waterloo Town Hall. Competitors were unfortunate in having to contend with heavy traffic almost throughout.
About 250 started, out of 310 entries from all over Lancashire and Cheshire, with one or two teams from Yorkshire and North Wales and even one from Eire.
Fred Norris of Bolton was soon out in front, followed by O'Gorman, the Irish international, and was setting such a fast pace that he had soon opened a gap of over a hundred yards. He never slackened pace and went on to win easily in the new record of 33 minutes 21 seconds, to knock 18 seconds off his own course record.
John Wright was always well placed and was pulling back places almost all the way. He was Wallasey's first runner, finishing in 16th place and he was awarded the prize for the first Liverpool & District runner. Well done, John!
Brian Woolford ran his usual consistent race and did extremely well to finish 38th. Tony Townsend 75th could have been much further up had he not tried to pull some of his team mates along.
The team awards were not presented, as there is some doubt whether O'Gorman, who finished second, can represent the Irish Club, Avondale A.C. as a second claim member. His entry for the race was received as a first claim member of St. Alban's A.C.
The matter has been referred to the A.A.A. for adjudication. If O'Gorman is allowed to represent Avondale A.C., then first team prize goes to the Irish club with Airedale second and Manchester A.C. third. Should his claim be disallowed, Avondale A.C. are out of the reckoning, Airedale winning with Manchester second and Blackpool A.C. third.
Today Wallasey's seniors and juniors travel to Kirkby for the second of the season's league fixtures. The race, at 3 p.m., is over six miles. Club members competing are asked to meet at the Pier Head Bookstall between 1-15 p.m. and 1-30 p.m.
Next week the club are promoting the annual Wallasey Schools Cross-Country Championships, and as many club members, both past and present, as possibly can attend are asked to come along and assist in the organisation of the races. Members intending to help should report to Ramsey.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 15/11/1958
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