Last Saturday the Wallasey Athletic Club Novice Championship was held over the short 5½ course. There were nine starters, those eligible to compete being confined to runners who had not, previous to this season, won a place in a race of any sort since leaving school.
The conditions were very bad for running, for in many parts the course was still flooded and a strong wind threatened to make the going difficult. The race proved an easy triumph for J. S. Arkless, who led throughout and finished well ahead of his nearest rival in 38 mins. 5 secs. His success was well deserved. Arkless has run consistently throughout the early part of the season and counted regularly in the team. He has proved himself easily the best of the club novices and his victory in the championship only confirmed this. He is a big, strongly-built runner who is very little affected by the conditions, being equally at home on a light or heavy course. Without a doubt, if he fulfils the promise he has so far shown he will make a fine athlete and a valuable addition to the strength of the Wallasey club.
Behind Arkless in the race came J. Whittingham and he also had reason to be pleased with his performance. This season his running has shown amazing improvement, and on this showing, he should obtain a place in the Wallasey junior team which is now regarded, accidents barred, as a certainty, for the forthcoming district championships.
Close after Whittingham, A. J. Clough, a newcomer to the club, caused some surprise by beating more fancied runners into third position. He was only four seconds behind the second man and with a little more experience he might have done even better. Another runner to come up well was A. Swain, who with an allowance of four minutes, carried off the sealed handicap prize which, was awarded in conjunction with the race.
Result
1. - J. S. Arkless (38.5).
2. - J. Whittingham (39).
3. - A. J. Clough (39.4).
4. - J. F. Largey (40.43).
5. - A. Swain (40.43).
6. - C. R. Hewson (41.47).
7. - J. M. Rimmer (41,52).
8. - E. Basson (46.53).
9. - R. Mullin (50.40).
To-day the club stages its Christmas Handicap race over a short four-mile all-road course. As prizes are awarded to all finishers be they ever so far behind the winner, the usual big turn-out is confidently anticipated despite the proximity of Christmas. The race will start at 3.15 prompt so that all runners even R. G. Hyde, most recent addition to the vice-presidential ranks, should be home before dark. Spectators are reminded that, if they are to get a good view of the race, they should be on the course early as no vantage points can be reserved. They are particularly requested, however, not to crowd round the clubhouse and so hamper stewards and starters in their already arduous duties.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 24/12/1938
Ref 1795