For Wallasey Harriers' first official home run of the season last Saturday, there was a splendid turn-out of 22 members.
This was all the more pleasing as the conditions were as unpromising as they could be. Rain and wind threatened to make the going very difficult but despite this it was decided to organise a handicap race over the 6½ mile course.
R. Hyde, who for one who has retired to the dignity of vice-president, is showing remarkable and very laudable energy in turning out every Saturday afternoon, and R. Williams a newcomer, were the first away, to be followed at varying intervals by the other runners. J. Edwards, conceding 6 mins. to the limit men, was off scratch, half a minute, behind N. Marples his nearest clubmate.
As anticipated the going was very hard. It rained steadily throughout the race, and in parts of the course, particularly over the Bidston marshes it was a matter not so much of running as wading. Some of the new members found things too difficult, and following the example of the vice-president MR. Hyde, they took a shorter 5-mile course.
The race itself was a close affair. Over the marshes J. Whittingham went into the lead, closely followed by R. Fishwicke and J. Richardson and these three maintained there positions through to the halfway stage. But the back markers had been gradually making up the leeway, and by Upton Village, Marples and Edwards had gone ahead with Fishwicke hanging on in third place and Andrew rapidly coming up, fourth. Richardson had now fallen well back, though it must be said in justice to him that he was severely handicapped by a pair of running shoes four sizes too large which were held on very insecurely with string and which on the muddy ground acted rather as a pair of skis.
On the last mile of the race down Leasowe Road, Edwards was pressing the leader hard, but Marples had plenty in reserve and on the final stretch be was able to get away to win comfortably, returning the fastest time of the day - 40 mins. 8 secs. This was a remarkable performance especially in view of the weather conditions, and the fact that the season is yet in its infancy. It augurs very well for his chances in championship events later.
Edwards, with the second fastest time to his credit had also every reason to be satisfied. On this showing he is bound to be up with the best in the district. Several junior runners also promise well. Andrew with the third fastest time and Fishwicke who ran consistently throughout, together with Marples and Grisedale should form the nucleus of a fine junior team. Whittingham in the fifth position in the race had another good day and his running shows a remarkable improvement on last season's form.
Result. - 1, N. Marples (40 mins. 8 secs.); 2, J. Edwards (40 mins. 24 secs.); 3, R. Fishwicke (43 mins. 40 secs.); 4, K. Andrews (42 mins. 48 sees.); 5, J. Whittingham (44 mins. 43 sees.) ; 6, J. Richardson (44 mins. 49 secs.).
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 15/10/1938
Ref 1794