Very cold but bright conditions for the penultimate round of the Friends Provident International Walking League held at the Ronaldsway Estate. First away was Dave Griffiths, intent on recording a mark at 20km, he walked a few laps solo before the main field was set off at their handicap intervals.In the junior event Sinead Kaneen came out top on handicap after a thirty second improvement on her time in the last round at Andreas.  Second was Kirsty Taylor, now a consistent sub thirteen minute performer. Third was Sinead's sister Bronwen who along with Fay Latham carried on to complete 3k, with Fay being the quickest walker at both the 2k and 3k distance. Seven year old Terence George was the only boy to finish taking the final point in fifth position.

The 5 kilometre event suffered a drop in numbers also in this round with only three starting. Enid Watson was the first to cross the line after posting a minute improvement on her Andreas time.  Neil Bates tried his legs in his first race since being diagnosed with glandular fever which has marred  his training this winter. While not feeling fit Neil still managed to record a respectable 25 minute effort.

Numbers were much better in the more popular 10 kilometre event, with everything to play for in the last couple of rounds.First to cross the line was Donna Workman after posting a big improvement of over two minutes on her last outing. She also showed an advance in her technical ability and there is surely more to come.  Judy King was second finisher also two minutes faster than her effort in January. Third was Andrew Boardman who recovered after registering a DNF in the last round.

Quickest walker on the day was consistent performer Sean Hands who recorded another sub 53 minute effort. Second fastest was David Griffiths with 55.37,  who walked with 10k already in his legs to complete a 20 kilometre time trial, in which he was delighted to record a huge personal best of 1.51.05 - an improvement of around five minutes on his previous best time for the distance. Third quickest was Dougie Allan who enjoyed a race long battle with Les Brown, Ian Callister and Eammon Harkin.  Fastest woman was  Jackie Campbell, though not quite breaking the hour this time round after suffering a chest cold recently. Lisa Motley managed to go under 64 minutes for the first time to become second fastest lady and Jane Leece, another caught up in a race long battle was third fastest female.

Thanks to all those who helped out or came to offer support to those walking, Special thanks also to judges Doug Corkill, Steve Taylor and Liz Corran.  Judy Morrey and Peter Clague for timekeeping, Gordon Corran for marshalling as well as Jim Cottier for the use of the facilities at Ronaldsway.

Don't forget that entries for the Manx Harriers Open Meeting close on Monday 28th February. If you require an entry form ring Bridget on 852884 or download hereIf you don't wish to compete then come along to support or help. Olive Loughnane who has represented Ireland in the last two Olympic games tops the bill, and it is a rare opportunity to see walkers at the highest world level racing locally.

There will also be a walks coaching session on the morning after the race Sunday 6th March at the Manx Harriers clubhouse. Walks coach Andi Drake will take the session and this will be suitable for walkers of all standards who are keen to improve their walking technique.