Strong winds on Bidston Marshes did not prevent an extremely enjoyable afternoon down at Wallasey Athletic Club headquarters last Saturday.
The 3¼-mile Sealed Handicap race was held over the marsh course, and although the strong wind was in the faces of the runners on the way to the half distance mark this did not prevent a number of club members attaining their individual best performances of the new season. On returning to Leasowe Playing Fields after their 3¼-mile journey, Brian Woolford nearest rival, Barry Smith, with was eight seconds ahead of his Dave Lockley the third runner to cross the line.
As this was a handicap race it was discovered later that Brian Chalton, who actually finished in 9th place, was first, after the handicap times had been deducted. His time for the distance was 20 mins. 12 secs., but his handicap time of 3 mins. 40 secs. brought him down to 16 mins. 32 secs., which was two seconds ahead of Barry Smith who finished both second in the handicap and the race itself. Smith's actual time for the distance was 17 mins. 29 secs.
WOMAN RUNNER'S SUCCESS
In third place was the captain of the women's section of the club, Barbara Banks, who certainly deserves this success following her concentrated running during the past months. Her actual running time was 23 mins. 40 secs., and after her handicap was taken off, Barbara's time was 16 mins. 56 secs.
The remaining final times and places of those taking part were as follows: - 4, Les Watcham, 19 mins. 12 secs.; 5, Dave Adair, 19 mins. 15 secs.; 6. Mike Teahan, 18 mins. 59 secs.; 7, Dave Lockley, 17 mins. 49 secs.; 8, Brian Woolford, 17 mins. 21 secs.; 9, Neil Hampson. 20 mins. 34 secs.; 10 Johnny Jones. 18 mins. 21 secs.; 11, Carl Gee, 21 mins. 8 secs.; 12. Peter Lewis, 21 mins. 17 secs.: 13, Ken Roscoe, 19 mins. 56 secs.; 14, Ian Wilson, 21 mins. 6 secs.; 15, Paul Spencer, 20 mins. 33 secs.; 17, Dave Warrilow, 21 mins. 9 secs.; 18, Bobbie McCaig, 20 mins. 59 secs.; 19, Robin Tarrant, 22 mins. 8secs.
Today the Club Championships are being held at Leasowe Road H.Q., when we hope that the club turnout will be befitting this main cross-country event in the club's calendar.
Next week the Wallasey Schools' Championships will be held from the club, when a number of our younger members will be competing.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 06/11/1965 by J.M.
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