Eighth place in first international race
Running in his first international race in the Kosice marathon in Czechoslavakia last Sunday, Brian Woolford of Wallasey Athletic Club finished in 8th position, recording his fastest ever time of 2 hrs. 22 mins. 20 secs. This was only one minute behind his colleague Basil Heatley, who finished in 4th place.
The race was won in 2 hrs. 14 mins, by Buddy Edelen, the American, who earlier this year set up the fastest time ever recorded in England for the marathon. In 2nd place was the Russian, Popov, who has many international victories to his credit, and 3rd was the Czech champion. The next five runners were separated by only one minute and Woolford must now be regarded as amongst the leading distance runners, not only in this country but in the world.
When one considers that athletes from all over the world were competing, no praise is too high for Woolford's performance, even more so as this was only his third race over the marathon distance.
Last Saturday was free from racing engagements so most members of Wallasey Athletic Club enjoyed a training run over the country.
This week sees the first of the league mob runs, from the Liverpool Harriers' headquarters at Woolton, commencing at 2.30 p.m. It is hoped for a good turnout for this run, and in fact for all these mob runs, as they provide a splendid opportunity for tuning up for the heavy forthcoming programme of championship races.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 19/10/1963 by STEPTOE
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