Wallasey Athletic Club held their first club championship on Saturday, trail being laid over 8¼ miles of rough country.
T. J. Brookes took the lead at the start attended by Thornton and Bale, the two first leaving the field after a mile had been covered. The marshes were in a terrible state, and the runners had indeed a severe test. At the half-distance Brookes led Thornton by 40 yards, and the former taking a good jump at the Birket, gradually began to leave his plucky young clubmate at every stride, eventually winning by 300 yards in the excellent time of 45 min. 50 secs. Thornton's being 46 min. 33 secs., and Bale's 47min. 28secs. Ladyman put up probably his best race, and finished fourth in 48min. 1 sec., and owing to a somewhat liberal allowance in the sealed handicap gained first place therein. Willie Lace (much worn) running a close second.
To-day a training spin takes place from headquarters (Seaview-road), and on Tuesday, at 8:30, from 13, Trinity-road, Liscard.
Next Saturday the Liverpool & District Championships take place starting from Bebington Showground at 2:45 p.m., when Wallasey hope to make a good show in the Junior Championship. Given a fine day, folk could spend an enjoyable afternoon by witnessing some of the finest long-distance runners in England, including Clarke, the well-known Marathon man, Straw ex-international champion, and many others too numerous to mention. There is a covered stand which will afford ample protection to the spectators in case of rain or snow.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 30/01/1909
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