Last Saturday members of the club took part in the biggest race of its kind in the country - the Waterloo Road Race, which is held over a course of 7½ miles. This year
there was a record entry of nearly 300 runners and included in the field were several of the top middle distance runners such as Bruce Tulloh, Brian Craig, Gerry North, Michael Freary and milers Brian Hall and Stan Taylor, thus ensuring a tremendously fast race.
Wallasey has a particularly - fine record in the event, having won it in 1957 and being placed third in 1960. In spite of the increased competition, the club again took 3rd place
behind Blackpool and Bolton, a record that has not been surpassed by any local club in recent years.
After the usual fast start, Blackpool runners North and Craig were soon leading the field closely followed by Freary and Hall, with John Wright and Ron Barlow further back.
Tulloh was in the sixties at this stage, but he soon began make ground and passed John Wright after 2½ miles. Brian Woolford also moved through the field rapidly to join John Wright.
At about four miles North, Craig and Freary had a lead of 200 yards over Tulloh, but the Portsmouth runner was moving with great determination, and over the last mile he sped away from Craig to win by four seconds in a new time of 38 mins. 17 secs. North, last year's winner, was third in 38 mins. 36 secs., Freary (Bolton V. H.) was fourth in 38 mins. 40 secs.
John Wright ran a great race to just beat Brian Woolford by 2 secs, for seventh place with a time of 39 mins. 37 secs. Ron Barlow finished 21st in 40 mins. 37 secs. to give the club of a total of 36 points.
Blackpool and Fylde were placed first, with 23 pts., followed by Bolton V. H., 27 pts., 3rd. Wallasey A. C., 36 pts., 4th, North Staffs and Stone, 38 pts., 5th. Manchester A.C. 39 pts. Other club finishers were Brian Chalton (122nd) and David Field (182nd). Altogether 208 runners completed the course.
To-day there is a friendly fixture at West Derby Village against Sefton starting at 3 p.m.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 18/11/1961 by P.W.C.
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