Wallasey Athletic Club's Christmas handicap run the traditional 3 ¼ mile Leasowe Road and shore course, was enhanced this year by record performances from ladies' captain Barbara Banks and international cross-country runner Ron Barlow. Barbara showed that her recent 2nd placing in the Cheshire Championships, was no fluke by knocking nearly four minutes off her previous best time and making a mockery of her handicap of four minutes with a great run of 19 minutes 44 seconds, to win by 21 seconds from Johnny Jones. Starting from scratch and giving the leaders 7½ minutes start, Ron Barlow ran 'through the field' to snatch 3rd place, just two seconds behind Jones, and edge club captain Barrie Smith into fourth position. Ron's time of 16m. 37s. was a new course record and is some indication of his current form.