Though they had only two entries in the Northern Counties marathon championship at Liverpool yesterday, Wallasey Athletic Club made a decisive mark on the event for their runners finished first and second, each in their first race over the distance.
From the 10-mile stage it seemed that Ron Barlow, Cheshire cross-country champion, would win comfortably, but in the later stages it was the patience and careful planning of Brian Woolford, Cheshire. 20-mile champion, which proved the winning asset. Woolford covered the 26 miles 385 yards in 2hr. 23min. 41sec.
He finished 2min. 19sec. ahead ot Barlow, his club mate, and 4min. 2sec. ahead of Fred Howe (Blackpool), the marathon international.
Barlow made the common mistake of under-rating the demands of the last six miles. Having won the intercounties 20 miles he assumed the extra six would be no great problem.
He readily admitted he was wrong and despite a good race vows he would never run another marathon.
Woolford, who is 26 today, was more patient and harder to beat. He was 11th at five miles, seventh at 10 miles where Barlow took the lead and did not strike until the decisive stage where Barlow began to crack.
At 18 miles Howe caught Barlow. Then when he heard that Woolford was moving up, Barlow left Howe but at 22 miles he was so exhausted that he stopped and considered dropping out. By that time Woolford had passed him to complete a well controlled run.
RESULT - B. Woolford (Wallasey A.C.) 2hrs 23min. 41sec., 1; R. Barlow (Wallasey A.C.) 2-26.6, 2; F. Howe (Blackpool) 2-27.43, 3; L. Doyle (Wirral A C.) 2-33.30, 4; M. Nunn (Longwood Harriers) 2-34.50, 5; B. Gomersall (Leeds Harehills) 2-35.15. 6.
Ends
Source - Sunday Times - Saturday, 07/07/1962
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