I joined Wallasey AC in approximately 1965 at the age of 14 under 'friendly' persuasion of Ian Wilson. Ian was in the same 'House' as me at Oldershaw Grammar School and he been a finalist in the English School's Junior Boys 400m. He wanted to improve our chances in the Inter House Cross-County and Athletics Competitions. The best I can describe my School Athletic performance is mediocre and didn't make it to the Cheshire Schools until my final year. I persevered with the Club and was managed to break 2 min for 880 yards in my final school year at age 17.
Soon after beginning at Durham University in 1968, I was 'adopted' by the running team lead by Mike Bateman of Manchester and District. They were a really enthusiastic bunch and I began to improve steadily. The first summer returning home to run for Wallasey I had my first championship success winning the Northern Junior 440 yards at St Helens in 50.9 sec. By the time I left Durham in 1971 I had been awarded University 'Colours' and had represented the English Universities Team (UAU) at 800m. By this time running had become as important as my career and my decision to complete a Masters degree at Birmingham University was due more to the fact that they were the leading University Athletics team rather than the merits of the MSc course. During my years at Birmingham 1971-75 I won the UAU 800m Championships twice and Captained the Athletics Team to in the English Universities Championships in 1974. It was not until nearing the end of my time at Birmingham that I reached National/International Level. In 1975, still a member of Wallasey AC, I made the final of the AAA Championships running a then PB of 1.48.85 in the final. I was then selected to run in the World Student Games in Rome. I had also become a regular member of the Welsh team at 800m. Pete is on the back row second from the right.
After leaving University I took a teaching position at Bromsgrove School (private boarding school) were I was actively involved in coaching cross-country and track. I went on represent GB at 800m and reached a PB of 1.48.38 in 1977 which I am surprised to see is still on the UK all-time list top 100, We immigrated to Canada in 1982. I was active with Toronto Olympic Club for a number of years but increasing age and lack of (relative to the UK) racing opportunities led to a gradual decline in racing performance. I made the final of the Canadian Outdoor 800m in 1983, placed 2nd in the Ontario indoor 800m 1984 and ran in the Maple Leaf Games on a couple of occasions. After moving to PEI in 1993 then on to Nova Scotia in 1997 persistent recurrent injuries (when I attempt to run at any sort of pace) have reduced me now to "jogger status". Still try to keep active with Orienteering, Skiing, and Canoeing We are currently living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I am meteorologist with the Canadian Weather Service. I met my wife Avril through running when we were both attending Birmingham University. We have a 14 year old son (2006) Daniel who has shown some interest in carrying the family tradition but we feel it is not his 'passion' at the moment!
200m - 22.8 (Stretford)
400m - 49.2 (Nuneaton)
600m - 78.7 (Crystal Palace 1976)
800m - 1.48.35 (Crystal Palace - Coca-Cola Meeting 1977)
1000m - 2.22.1 (Crystal Palace - 1977)
1500m - 3.50.0 - Indoors, Cosford Games 1977
Mile - 4.06.0 (Oxford, BMC Race 1977)
3000m 8.35.0 (Stretford) (1 and only attempt!)
Road Performances Include
51m 11 Sec - 10 Miles, Worthing 1979
2hr 37mim 35 sec Marathon Winchester, 1980 (Only Attempt!)
Notable Performances;
2nd UK - 800m Championships 1977
Welsh 800m Champion 1977, 1979
Universities Athletic Union (UAU) 800m Champion 1973, 1975
AAA Outdoor 800m finalist 1975, 1978
3rd AAA Indoor 800m - 1973
British World Student Games Team 1975
British and Welsh International
Pictured left are the Wallasey Athletic Club team which has set two club records in the 4 x 400 metre relay. From left to right are Doug Hanna, Pete Lewis, Mike Teahan, Phil Wealthy.