All "reporting" by Murray Lambden unless otherwise stated.

murray@manxathletics.com

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A GOOD WINTER FOR MARTIN ARAM 31-03-03

Dennis Aram reports

Martin's been back in Winter training (mainly weights, plyos, etc) for about a month.  He did three indoor comps which went OK.  He was thinking about doing the AAA's and maybe even another comp the weekend after but decided it would be more beneficial for the (much more important) outdoor season to have an extra two weeks to prepare for it.

HE ADMITS HE IS BIAS BUT I'M SURE WE ALL AGREE     31-03-03

Richie Stevenson comments

I know I am biased but I fail to see how any runner can look at the fantastic scenery in which we run in and not fancy a go. And how refreshing to see three good standard runners going at it hammer and nail at the front with others including Partie not that far behind. It must, surely, ensure our standards go up all the time.

CHECK OUT DETAILS OF ALL THE REMAINING Managraken 2003 FELL RACES

FIXTURES UPDATE    31-03-03

I was talking to Graham Davies at the NSC tonight and he tells me that version 3 of the 2003 fixture list will be published in the very near future. He has also taken up the idea of rolling the list a full 12 months up to 31 March 2004. Great news.

Quite a few changes to the 2003/2004 cross country are promised.

MORE FROM GRAHAM   31-03-03

Graham is thick skinned so I know he can take but I must take "the Micky" out of one of his slips tonight.  We were in agreement that there are too many events but then he said "Why don't Manx Harriers combine one of their runs with the Boundary Stroll?".  This actually happened in around 1988 - I remember it fairly well (even if can't remember the date) as it happened during one of more earlier rants on the same subject.  Since then the Boundary 25km run has been held on the same day as the Boundary Stroll.

MISSING WORDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE   31-03-03

During an earlier visit to the NSC tonight I did some training and was chatting to Peter Kaneen afterwards. I told him I was reasonably pleased with the progress I was making. He looked taken aback when I said I was up to 20 miles already. He thought I meant per session. I actually meant the number of miles I've run this year!

NO RUNNING FOR SHIRLEY FOR A WHILE    29-03-03

I met Shirley Moore downtown later this afternoon. Now I know why she won't be running for a while. The wife of the sidelined Island Games Half Marathon winner Colin, is not injured and not ill but has something else that is preventing her from running for a while.

All will be revealed in due course.

MARGARET SUPPORTS PACE MAKERS    29-03-03

Margaret Lockley, who works for the London Marathon organisers for a week each year, disagrees with my stated view that is wrong to allow male pacemakers for Paula Radcliffe. She sees it as inevitable. What do you think?

TONY OKELL TO RUN HALF MARATHON 29-03-03

There are just three days left t enter Manx Harriers Half Marathon. I'm not sure if he has his entry in yet but Tony Okell confirmed that he will be taking part, quite a surprise given his all out concentration on the Manx Mountain Marathon.

STAN HALL'S VIEWPOINT   29-03-03

As you can see (from his pictures) I try to get to a few obscure places, these photos were in the Snaefell mines at the second check point, Ian gale was in the lead here from Tony with Richard third, it was very interesting to see the different routes approaching the check (even if some people ran past with no intention of stopping) and then the different routes out on the long pull up to clagh ouyr.

NORTHERN 10 MILES ON 18 MAY    29-03-03

Apologies to everyone concerned. I couldn't see this on the fixture list but Mike Garrett emailed me last night and pointed out ot was listed on Sunday 18 May at 10.30.

The event is to be sponsored by Mann Link Travel. I shall do my best to promote it now that my mistake has been pointed out but it would of course be helpful if someone would assist. For example, does anyone have a course map or a list of previous winners?

The event is promoted by Northern AC and I think it was first held in around 1981.

MEN'S LEAGUE TIMETABLE IS A DODDLE SAYS PHIL RILEY    28-03-03

For once it wasn't raining in Liverpool so i was expecting to compete well. My legs had other ideas though. Got off to an ok start winning the Triple Jump with 12.64m. TJ is not normally the first jump on though and i found  long jumpin straight afterwards a nightmare! Combined with the fact that i was throwing the discus at the same time over the other side of the track, i only jumped 6.03m which was appalling, came second.

Don't know where i finished in the discus but i threw 25m and really enjoyed it! To wrap things up i did the high jump, and the events beforehand had left my legs practically dead. It was pretty close between us and Manchester at the time though so the adrenaline got me through. I jumped really well and had more spring than i have done for years, even with my legs being the way they were. I jumped 1.75m but had two very close attempts at equalling my PB at 1.80m, so things are looking good for the Northern Mens.

Can hardly walk today though, three jumping events in three hours is an absolute nightmare i'm never moaning at the Northern Mens timetable again!

SPRING HANDICAP NEXT THURSDAY     28-03-03

I've not received any publicity for this one so I suggest you go directly to Isle of Man Veterans AC website for this one.

DAVE PHILLIPS MEMORIAL ROAD RACES   27-03-03

I make no apology for targeting female runners to the above series, formerly known as the Peel Commissioners races, on the front page tonight.

With 2,000 runners expected to take part in the Race for Life on 11 May, just imagine if just 2% of them could be attracted to take part in other events. A quick bit of maths will tell you that is an extra 40 runners, quite a significant number on our scale of things.

And the Dave Phillips handicap series have got to be one of the most suitable events for such runners to either have a practice run in or progress to later in the year. Everyone stands an equal chance of winning, the distances are not too harsh and the venue is pretty easy to get to.

Its up to each of us involved in the sport to let everyone know how much we enjoy the sport and I think it is the people who are fairly new to it themselves who can be our best ambassadors.

Sometimes we need to tell people what a good sport we have and not to assume that everyone knows the rules, the venues, the dates and the joys of running until you drop!

Going back to the Race for Life, surely members of the clubs will be mixing with the runners afterwards and handing out leaflets about other events and letting them know how welcome they will be.

NORTHERN 10 MILES   27-03-03

Talking again of publicity, I asked recently whether the Northern 10 Miles is to be held this year. I can't see it on the fixtures list but perhaps I just can't read!

If it is not to be held then I would have expected a statement or if it was missed off the list (or I didn't see it), I would have expected someone to be jumping up and down until it was added back in.

Those of us who have been around a long time know that it is usually held at the end of April of early May but if it is on then, that's only 8-9 weeks away.

I stopped to talk to a runner at the NSC last Saturday afternoon who I had not seen before. She told me she was aiming to run in the Close Private Bank Half Marathon organised by the Isle of Man Veterans AC in August. That's great because it shows how well it is promoted that people know its on and are planning it months ahead. My point is that too many other races are only mentioned to the outside world the week before and then the organisers complain of a poor turnout.

MANX HARRIER RAISED £12,000 FOR CHARITY  27-03-03

This is a story I cut out of the Manx Independent dated 7 March which I've just found tonight under a pile of papers.

Kevin Wynne-Smyth raised £11,845 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Charity by racing a 96,000 tonne cruise ship!

The madcap challenge saw Kevin and his colleague Firouz Mal running and clycing over 80 kilometres against P & O's flagship vessel Aurora through the Panama canal. They beat it by over 50 minutes.

Kevin works as a second officer, electro-techincal, with the technical department on board Aurora.

Kevin has represented the Isle of Man in the Island Games in the 400 metres and the long jump.

HALF MARATHON STAR TURNED THERAPIST   27-03-03

Even further down the pile I found the article that many of you will already seen in the January edition of Manx Tails about Paul Clarke, the Island Cross Country champion who last week set the fastest half marathon time of the year.

Paul, whilst still working as a postman, had just started a new business venture with Paul Beckett, Irene Dean and Deborak Hutchinson known as Number Thirty Four Therapy Collective. Offering a range of complementary therapies from 34 Victoria Street they claim that most of us don't look after our bodies, and like a car, we need a service from time to time.

Although its a business venture they were reported to be in it only to make a small profit.

"Its all about maintaining the cage of muscle you live in" said Paul Beckett in the article.

Good luck folks but I'm afraid I'll try and stay away from the causes of modern day stresses and get my relief from the website.

10,000 METRES IS A WALK NOT A RUN   27-03-03

I commented a week ago that I was surprised to see a 10,000 metres back on the track for the first time since 1998.

I was surprised at two other things:

Firstly Steve Taylor emailed to tell me that in fact it is not a run but a walk, although he suggested that there was no reason why a run could not be organised at the same time.

Secondly that no one else seemed to be aware of my misinterpretation.

Perhaps this quashes my mistaken belief that there was a demand for a 10,000 metres run.

LOADS OF CONTRIBUTIONS FROM STEVE TAYLOR   27-03-03

As I checked my email a few minutes ago to double check what Steve Taylor had said about the track race, I was amazed to see just how much unused material I have from Tigger. If you thought he has a lot of comment and information on the website, think again - there is loads more hidden away to release on a quiet day!

LONDON MARATHON PACE MAKING SLAMMED   27-03-03

Whilst flicking through this week's edition of Athletics Weekly tonight it was clear that I am not the only person to condemn the London Marathon organisers for "selling out". They have always been so principled in the past that a women's record had to be set running against women that it is sad to see them changing their mind in an attempt to extract some extra publicity by allowing male pace makers for Paula Radcliffe.

I don't agree with some of the other criticism laid against the door of the London Marathon organisers but I am totally against this.

What do others think?

i

HALF MARATHON ENTRIES    26-03-03

Half marathon entries are arriving with Paul Jackson at the rate of 2 or 3 a day at the moment. Don't forget, if you want to take part, you must enter by Tuesday.

I've hear quite a bit of speculation about female runners aiming for Island Games selection times in this race. It should be very interesting.

KEIRON MURRAY OFF TO MANCHESTER 26-03-03

I had a good chat with Keiron Murray at lunchtime today. He is looking forward to racing in Manchester (see below) and will provide a report for the website early next week.

MANX HARRIERS TEAM NOMINATED FOR PRIZE   

ANDY FOX REPORTS      26-03-03

Manx Harriers mens A team have been nominated and now shortlisted for the Manx Sports team of the year 2002 award. I do not know if we have much of a chance of winning, I do have some mixed feelings about these awards anyway. However, it will be an interesting do with Steve Cram speaking and presenting the awards at the Hilton with a "Jazz Brunch" on offer. This leads to two things we need to publicise :-

1. Any Harriers who want to go, can, but must let me know and pay £5 by Thursday 27/3 - 9pm. at the latest. I have to get our request for tickets to the orginisers early and will be posting cash and numbers on Thursday night!!!

2. They want any video footage of the A team in action or photos for use on the night. I have chatted to them about this to point out what the Indedepent may have, Island Games video etc. If anyone has any photos or video we could use of A team in action in track and field (I'm afraid Xcountry is no use here) please could they pass it on to me By Thursday evening also. I have to get it to Duke Marketing on Friday.

SNAEFELL FELL RACE COVERAGE    26-03-03

I'm hoping to get "a sight on" the race on Saturday. I think it will be te first race that I have taken pictures at for the second year in a row as last year it was held at the end of April.

As always I will also welcome pictures from all the other photographers - the more remote the better!

I'm expecting to publish the results late on Saturday afternoon.

DAVE PHILLIPS ROAD RACES    26-03-03

The recently renamed (in memory of Western AC's long serving official) will be previewed in full tomorrow. They series kicks off on Tuesday 8 April.

JOAN POWELL MEMORIAL WALK   26-03-03

The life of another hard working official will be honoured next month when on 13 April the walk in aid of Joan Powell will be held on the afternoon of the Flora London Marathon.

Several people promised to let me have pictures of Joan last year but unfortunately I still don't have any to publish. Anyone able to help?

EVEN BETTER NEWS OF STEVE CRAM   25-03-03

Recent I said how excited I was that Steve Cram was so visit the Isle of Man - one of the great athletes and personalities. But I assumed he would be motivated by "a hefty fee".

Well I have been corrected by Sports Council publicity officer, Steve Partington. I'm pleased to say he is doing the trip for the cost of an airfare.

MANX HARRIERS HAVE A BUSY FEW WEEKS    25-03-03

reports Paul Jackson

A reminder to all runners that entries close one week today (Tuesday 1st April) for the Isle of Man Half Marathon Championships. The event takes place on Sunday 6th April at the NSC perimeter road at 10.30am. I am pleased to report that a number of entries have been received from novices/newcomers attempting the distance for the first time.

Please don't be put off by the IOM Championship status of this event which is open to runners of all abilities. Get your entry form by clicking here or give me a call on 611179.

Racewalkers don't forget the IOM 10K Championships following the Half Marathon. Click here for further details. 

The Peel-Douglas road run takes place on Sunday 11th May starting from the Town Hall in Peel and following the A1 Peel-Douglas road to the Sea Terminal and finishing along Douglas Promenade at the War Memorial. The scheduled start time is 10.30am, although it is highly likely that this will be changed to an earlier time in to minimise the risk to competitors due to traffic. Also the Race for Life is in the afternoon of the same day, and an earlier finish may assist those officiating,helping out or even competing in both events. More news and publicity of this event after the Half Marathon. 

Signing on for the Manx Harriers Track and Field league is on April 9th at 6.30pm at the Manx Harriers Clubhouse, and don't forget to support the Easter Athletics Festival by clicking here for further details and the entry forms.

 BUSY DAY AHEAD FOR PHIL RILEY    25-03-03

The good news is that my physio has been performing miracles and I'm nearing full fitness a lot sooner than expected. The bad news is though that the Uni have discovered this!!! I'm competing in the Christie Cup tomorrow at  Wavertree (Leeds vs Liverpool vs Manchester), and coming back from injury here is my easy schedule over a four hour period:

Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Javelin (!), Discus (!), 4 x 100m.

I'd normally tell em where to shove it, but the Christie is a competition ranging over all sports and we really need to win the comp hence the reasons for doing so many. I'll let you know how i get on soon, looking forward to the throws though (NOT!!!) Advice for any young multi-eventer or former multi-eventer: NEVER tell a university athletics club this fact!!!!!

 END OF THE ROAD FOR ROAD RUNNING GRAND PRIX?    25-03-03

Although I've always found the whole concept of the road running grand prix, certainly including a marathon, to be a crazy concept it does have a pool of followers.

They think its sensible to run a marathon on the Sunday, the Peel Hill Race on Monday, a 10 mile road race on Wednesday, an extremely tough 6 miles on Thursday and then a four miler to finish on Friday.

As nothing has been heard to the contrary, these people assumed that the grand prix would be held as normal this year.

I understand however that it will not be held this year. I've rarely had cause to criticise the IOMAA for their publicity in recent times but surely a statement giving the reasons for the event's demise as soon as the decision was made would have been order.

Despite it appearing on the official fixture list, my source also tells me that there will me no Southern 10 miles this year as the IOMAA can't issue a permit to itself. Is this true?

 MORE PROBLEMS FOR WALKING?    25-03-03

Australian hero Jane Saville is most unhappy (forwarded by Steve Partington)

Surely a topic for the forum for walking fans and those who think that the walking rules are pointless.

After witnessing the brutal judging of the Race walks at the NSW Little Athletics Championships last weekend (one race had 27 warnings; only 16 athletes started!!!) I didn't think our sport could sink any lower.  But once again, unfortunately, the race walks I was extremely dismayed at the direction our sport is heading.

There were only  4 women and 6 male starters in the Telstra A Series in Sydney on Saturday.  Of those all but 3 women and 2 men were DQed and removed from the race.  Of the "survivors" only two had 1 warning the rest were on 2. So basically, the results say that most of the top walkers in Australia can't walk.  I find that hard to believe.  If the judges are judging the athletes who is judging the judges?

I had one friend watching the race, attending only his second race walk.  His exact words to me after the race were: "I know you love your sport, but that race today was an absolute joke"  I hate hearing our sport spoken about in that way but that's what outsiders saw on Saturday.

One official was heard saying whilst laughing "if this keeps up we'll get an early mark."

How can our sport survive in Australia and remain competitive on a global scale with results and comments like those.

After speaking to athletes after the race all were competely disillusioned with the direction of our sport.  These are athletes who work tirelessly to achieve their goals and for some of us our livelihood depends on these results. I feel there is no incentives or encouragement to keep and attract athletes to race walking.

I know many athletes are frightened to speak out because of possible ramifications from officials.  We need to band together and try and change the direction of race walking otherwise there will be no-one competing or worse, no sport to participate.

Please feel free to have your say, our sport is in DIRE need of change and we need to get started NOW.

Please help.

Jane Saville

Men 20000 metre Walk Road

 1. Adams, Luke, AIS, 12935.00; 2. Tallent, Jarred, VIS, 13719.00; --.

 Mellor, Aaron, NSW, DQ; --. Sundstrom, Troy, NSW, DQ; --. Murphy, Liam, AIS,

 DQ; --. Bown, Darren, AIS, DQ.

Women 20000 metre Walk Road

 1. Saville, Jane, NSWI, 13812.00; 2. Saville, Natalie, NSW, 13848.00; 3.

 Woods, Claire, AIS, 14403.00; --. Webb, Cheryl, AIS, DQ.

FELL RUNNERS MOVE ONTO GRASS   24-03-03

Fell runners training will be on the golf course at Nobles Park tomorrow (TUESDAY). Meet at the main car park behind TT grandstand.

PAUL CLARKE SATISFIED WITH HIS PERFORMANCE    24-03-03

"A satisfactory result" was how Paul described his second fastest ever run of 70 minutes 35 seconds for 40th position in yesterday's Wilmslow half marathon.

The conditions were good.  It was a basically flat course with a few rolling hills although the runners felt the warmth and the slight breeze,

Paul felt the first half was a touch too fast but he held it together well enough considering he was unfamiliar with the course.

He was running within a team unit that packed well and finished 4th county team.

Well done to Paul - I'll be surprised if he doesn't get added to the Island Games team now.

You may remember that Paul just missed out in the half marathon selection last time when the Isle of Man selected Colin Moore, Tony Okell and Chris Quine.

THANKS     24-03-03

Thanks to Graham Davies who found the result of the half marathon after I had gone to bed last night, to Chris Quine who sent me an email this morning and not least to Paul himself who delivered a result sheet and his thoughts on the race with the mail today.

SOME SERIOUS THOUGHTS FROM STEVE TAYLOR    24-03-03

Chatting over the weekend at home it was said that war affects us all either directly or indirectly. Then on going through emails today I see this. I have a friend out in the middle east at the moment. He is only 23 and hails from Foxdale and I have known him for about 10 years now. I met him thorugh his sister who I work with now and worked with previously when at Eagle Star. Every day we talk about the war and I know that she would be devastated should anything happen to her brother, they are very close, and I know that I would feel for her and her family knowing them all so well. 

AND REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL (ALSO FROM STEVE TAYLOR    24-03-03

Nothing wrong with low mileage

Seeing that Colin Moore and you are on low mileage at the moment I realise that I am in good company. Apart from pushing the baby in the pram, which is hard work on its own, I haven't been for a run in quite a few weeks.

However after watching the final winter league last Sunday I was so inspired by the performances of my children, Callum and Kirsty (won the leagues and set pbs in the last race) that I decided to go out for a run the same evening. I took myself from home over to Summerland and back and I was so pleased with myself that I celebrated with fish and chips washed down with six cans of lager.

WILMSLOW HALF MARATHON    23-03-03

I've been checking the website this afternoon awaiting the results to see how Paul Clarke performed but to date (6.30 pm) they are not yet available.

In case they appear before I do my next update, the website is  http://www.wilmslowhalf.org.uk/

FLORA LONDON MARATHON   23-03-03

I'm hoping to start compiling the list of Manx entrants this week somewhat later than planned.

John Watterson has supplied the following for our joint project:

Sue Furner (previous best 4hrs 32mins)

Christina Skelly (women's football and golf) 1st attempt,
for Lysosomal Storage Disorders and the Manx Art Foundation

Lisa Herriott (Maurice's daughter) and sister Andrea Burns

Andrew and  Sally-Anne  Cubbon - Hoping to raise £1200 for St John Ambulance

Jeanette MacGregor, from Douglas, is running the Flora London Marathon in aid of Children with Leukaemia.

Val Kneale, 56,

Please don't assume that I know everyone else - do send me an email as a prompt.

My rough rules for eligibility are either:

• Currently live in the Isle of Man
• Manx born
• Educated in Isle of Man

PERFECT WEATHER FOR MARATHONS    23-03-03

Hasn't the weather been brilliant during the past few days? In the afternoon it might even be too hot for a marathon running but in the morning it has been spot on.

My final instructions for the London arrived on Tuesday this week and I threw them, unopened, into the corner of the room such is my frustration at not being able to take part.

I finally opened them today for long enough to complete the withdrawal section before throwing the magazine in the recycling bin. I wanted to officially withdraw so that I would not be tempted to run when still injured.

The big glossy magazine contains very little information (for me) of any lasting value but I guess it is part of the commercial basis of the marathon. I would really like a "useful" small programme that one could put in your pocket when following around with just a list of start times, records, elite runners etc.

I'm traveling down to London on 11 April with Paul Curphey for the 9th year in a row (5 times running; 4 spectating) but it will be Paul';s 10th run in a row. I'm pleased to say Paul completed his normal 15 mile time trial three weeks before the race yesterday and although a good deal slower than his times in 95-97 it was also well above his worst times so he is hoping to salvage a decent performance.

2 WINS OUT OF 2 FOR TERRY BATES IN GUERNSEY  23-03-03

Rob Elliott reports

Sunday March 23rd

Sarnia Walking Club, Guernsey 7 miles Chilcott Cup - Albecq to North Side

1 Terry Bates (M/50) 61.47

2 Rob Elliott (M/40) 62.59

3 Dave Dorey (M/55) 76.06

4 Stuart Le Noury (U/20) 76.13

5 Mick Le Sauvage (M/60) 76.18

6 Rose Drückes (W/55) 82.16

Rob Elliott retained the Chilcott Cup as first Guernseyman over the line but had to settle for second best in the walk as Terry Bates pulled away in the last two miles to take an easy win by just over a minute, after the leading two had beeen locked together for the first 5 miles passed in just over 44 minutes. A close finish for third place was won by Dave Dorey only seconds ahead of junior Stuart Le Noury.

HALF MARATHON   23-03-03

Entries for the Manx Half Marathon Championships, which have been heavily promoted on this site during the past couple of days thanks to Paul Jackson, have been flooding in and have more than doubled in the past week.

Don't leave your entry too late and ensure that Paul has it by 1 April. Aim for earlier than that just in case he is oversubscribed.

Don't let the championship status put you off,  remember that the Flora London Marathon also incorporates the British Championship. Runners of all abilities are very welcome and if you don't believe it, speak to organiser Paul Jackson on 611179.

STEVE TAYLOR ADDS HIS PRAISE TO LAST NIGHT'S BANDS    23-03-03

Like Murray I really enjoyed Friday nights social. It is a shame that it wasn't better supported and the £27 raised is scant reward for the effort that must have gone in to organising the evening.

I love listening to live music, local bands deserve much more supoprt than they get. Although I attended concerts at the Head it was probably some years after Murray and co. I remember more vividly weekend nights at the Cul de Sac, which always received rave reviews from Joshua T. Whalebone. I know that the proprietor Robin Watterson did all he could for local bands, allowing them to proactice in his basement, providing gigs and even to the extent of supplying the equipment. Fridays entertainment would have been typical Cul de Sac bands are and whilst I was never going to mistake Darren Gray for Tony Iomi, Backwaters lead singer Chris did have a look of Ian Gillan about him.

Backwater are obviously heavily influence by Black Sabbath and I was waiting for them to launch into a rendition of War Pigs which I think would have been quite topical .

Twisted Angels on the other hand played more modern music opening with Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne and really had the lads jumping with their version of Alanis Morrisettes Ironic. I have no doubt that DJ Mike Krupp could get them gigs every weekend if they wanted them.

The best of luck to both bands and like Murray I would hope to see them again in the future. It wasn't everyones' cup of tea. My daughter Kirsty whilst preferring the rock music the the concert orchestra's that she has been dragged along too is much more into Gareth Gates or Westlife.

WHILE I'VE BEEN MUCH MORE CONSERVATIVE   23-03-03

I went to support a coffee this morning in aid of the large bank loan that the Cannan Court sheltered housing complex in Kirk Michael where my Mother lives is burdened with.  I had to pinch myself that I was applauding the soloist performing what my parents would have described as "proper singing" less than 12 hours after the same hands were applauding Chris Davies' screaming Black Sabbath impersonations.  

I've always supported progress and  from a distance a few more houses in Kirk Michael do not represent a problem. But to see so many faces I remember from 30 years ago still in a small community make me realise just how precious such a small community is. Its easy to forget the traditional sense of pride such a community has for people who leave to further their education and follow their progress throughout their lives.

I spent five years of my youth working on a milk round on Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays in Kirk Michael rising at 5 o'clock to do so (as well as manning the pumps at Michael Motors garage in the afternoons for part of that time) and knew literally every person in that village at  the time.

MANX HARRIERS SOCIAL NIGHT FUN    22-03-03

Andy Fox's first attempt as a music promoter was a success last night - to the tune of £27 towards Manx Harriers travel fund!

I think most people who attended the Manx Harriers social at Douglas Rugby Club enjoyed the performances of Twisted Angels and Backwater. It was certainly very good of the two bands to play. I would assume, given the tiny budget that Andy was working to, that they played for free.  Hopefully it will give both bands some further exposure.

Its many years since I watched live bands regularly so I am not very well qualified to provide a critical review.  But certainly I was very impressed with the girls in Twisted Angels, with an age range of 14-16, to have learnt the skills at such a young age to play live music. I certainly enjoyed their performance and I wish them the best of luck and hope to see them again in the future. If they make it big I'll be able to sell my pictures to the papers in a few years time!

Backwater featured an all Manx Harriers line up, I was told. They were certainly in their element with full crack heavy metal songs. I'm afraid they didn't really do much for me when they slowed it down, perhaps Chris's microphone was turned down expecting him to be on full bore the whole time. Darren showed some little known skill on lead guitar and it was quite an eye opener to see that so much of the rock music has survived so many years. Thanks lads.

Talking to one or two of the older hands at the bar brought back memories of the nights at the Douglas Head Hotel and the Port Soderick Hotel in the early 70s. Many of us used to watch the same bands every week, principally Black Mass and, as Stewart Gerrard, reminded me, Exile featuring Manx Radio's Mike Reynolds on vocals.

I'll put some more pictures of last night on the website shortly.

ENJOYED THE WORLD CHAMPS     22-03-03

I was talking to Bernie Shimell for a while last night. I was unaware they he had been to the world championships in Birmingham last week together with wife Di and the other husband and wife officials, Colin & Margaret Halsall.

They had booked the trip about 10 months ago in the days when Manx Airlines were still around and got a good deal on their travel and hotels and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.  I was quite envious.

COLIN MOORE ON A PAR WITH MY MILEAGE     22-03-03

I've spoken with Colin a few times in the last few months and he is always fairly pessimistic about getting back to running after his injuries. Last time I met him he had walked in from Onchan to Douglas as he is trying to maintain some exercise as, although it doesn't show to me, he says he has put on quite a lot of weight.

But he has been doing some running as Darren "slowhand" Gray told me last night that Colin had doubled his mileage for the year the night before with a two mile run.

I also doubled my mileage again last night with a 2 mile run and am as stiff as a board today.

MARTYN STRICKETT ILL  22-03-03

I was very surprised not to receive the results of the final round of the Ramsey Firemans' runs from Northern AC's Martyn Strickett and now I know the reason.

Unfortunately Martyn has been in hospital in Liverpool and I trust it will not be a lengthy stay - I don't know. On behalf of everyone who has been grateful for his contributions to the site in the past year and a half, to those who benefit from his timekeeping and officiating at Northern AC and those who just know him as a friend, I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

RACE WALKERS TO RECEIVE TOP COACHING    20-03-03

Paul Jackson reports

Manx Harriers young racewalkers travel to Pingles Sports Centre, Nuneaton on Friday 21st March for the '6th Young Racewalkers Training Weekend'. Robert Moore, Callum Taylor, Ciara Kaneen & Emma Latham will be traveling with Coach Liz Corran for 2 days of training including speed sessions, endurance training, talks, discussion and video analysis.

DAVID GRIFFITHS INJURY FRUSTRATION    20-03-03

Since having (by my standards) a storming 10k race a few weeks ago, beating my pb by nearly a minute and a half, my training has all gone horribly wrong. A house move immediately afterwards put paid to the next couple of weeks' training, then I had to drop out of the Steam Packet 20k race with a tight hamstring (probably caused by lack of training). I rested the leg for a couple of weeks, then went away for a break in the Lake District for a few days last week where I did a bit of gentle hillwalking with no problems.

Last night I determined that it was time to start my Parish training in earnest, so decided to walk the 10 miles home from work to Foxdale via Ballacraine. I had only got as far as Union Mills when the hamstring went 'twang' again, so I had to struggle uncomfortably through the remaining 7 miles at about two-thirds pace, which did it no good at all. It's not a major injury, but hamstrings can be notoriously slow to heal and this will almost certainly rule me out of action for the next 2 or 3 weeks at least.

This is really frustrating as I have been really looking forward to stepping up the training in order to have a real good go at doing a good time to Peel in the Parish this year - and I've been especially looking forward to exploring the hilly roads round the Foxdale area. Now it's going to be well into April before I'll be able to do any meaningful training, which doesn't leave me a lot of time to prepare for a 32 mile race. Bloody annoying !!

I'VE DOUBLED MY YEAR TO DATE TRAINING IN 8 MINUTES    20-03-03

By running two laps of the top field at Nobles Park tonight (just over a mile), I've doubled my training mileage for the year. At least the 8 minutes it took me was a big improvement on my previous attempt three weeks ago when it took me over 10 and I felt awful afterwards. Fingers crossed.

IF YOU THOUGHT I TOOK A LOT OF PICTURES THINK AGAIN   20-03-03

Up to now I've been limited to a mere 164 pictures on my digital camera at one time but with the purchase earlier this week of some more memory I can now take 1300 without downloading!

MANX FELL RUNNING TEAM   Richie Stevenson reports  19-03-03

The team selected for the Knockdhu Home International in Northern Ireland in April is Richard Jamieson,Tony Okell, Ian Gale and Mark Preston. Only four will be sent due to the horrendous cost of flying there.

We feel more than happy with the team. It is probably one of the strongest overall teams we have sent. I think everyone would be impressed with the way the lads are getting stuck into the squad training sessions on a Tuesday night with Ian Gale and Richard Jamieson in particular getting great benefit from Margaret Lockley's expertise. The only problem this year is the closeness of the race to the Mountain Marathon, being only six days after the Manx. However after discussing the matter with Tony, Richard and Ian the general feeling was they would be ready to take on England, Wales, Scotland, Eire and hosts N Ireland.

It is vital that we send teams to events like these to both improve our standards and to make other countries realise that we have a flourishing fell scene on the Island. Already as a result of going to Ireland we received the invitation last year to go to Snowdon and doors will open to other events if we keep on competing on a regular basis. The World Championships will be held in England in the next couple of years and there is a real possibility we will be able to enter a team and who knows we may be able to persuade the powers that be to hold a International on the Isle of Man in the future.

NEIL BATES UPDATES FROM BIRMINGHAM     19-03-03

Off the plane and onto the track:

Arriving back into Birmingham I almost thought I had got the wrong plane. I was welcomed to sunshine and a warm breeze. Before even un packing or catching up on correspondences etc I was out in shorts and vest and sweating my way along the canal. 

The weekend has done me the world of good. I feel ready to face the last two weeks of my term ready for an Easter filled with training and revising.

Guernsey is a lovely place and Mum and Dad pass on all their best to everyone. I was lucky to use the Track on Sunday afternoon (however at the time I didn't think I was lucky) its a lovely track. very much like what the NSC was like once it was first resurfaced. Not a very strong wind - however rumour has it there is a prevailing wind on the back straight.  But very warm and very fast.

The grandstand is still being built but the plans look very impressive and all looks good for a good Island Games...however I'm not sure where all the competitors will fit in Guernsey, its very small!!!!

Look forward to seeing everyone again in 2 weeks time.

Neil

10,000 METRES ON THE TRACK   19-03-03

As someone who campaigned to see the 10,000 metres back on the track I was somewhat slow to notice its inclusion in the IOMAA fixture list for 4 June.

Although some of the leading runners may be unavailable lets make sure that this event is well promoted and made into a lot of fun for a good sized field.

Do athletes have to pre-enter, be a member of a club etc?

 PEEL TO DOUGLAS RUN LAUNCH SOON    19-03-03

Manx Harriers are promoting the Peel to Douglas run on the morning of Sunday 11 May. This is the one of the oldest road races on the Island but still one of the most popular.

Although it clashes with somewhat with the Race for Life in the afternoon it is nevertheless an important date to put in your diaries.

Incidentally I can't see the Northern 10 Miles in the IOMAA fixture list. Is this event to be held this year? Could someone let me know please.

 TRACK LEAGUES APPROACHING   19-03-03

The track leagues are approaching and as usual the offer is there to publicise these leagues with as much information as you can throw at me if you want to promote your league.

The diehards know the score but if the leagues are hoping to attract new competitors, now is surely the time to be explaining and promoting.

RICHIE STEVENSON PREVIEWS THE SNAEFELL FELL RACE   18-03-03

We are very lucky to have some fantastic sponsors for our fell races with many of them supporting us year after year. The Snaefell race, as well as the North Barrule race held in July, has been sponsored for five years now by Sean Craig & Sons from Sulby  and their support is very welcome. Such is their enthusiasm to help they actually still gave us their sponsorship cheque in 2001 when both the races were victims of the Foot and Mouth restrictions. 

The 5 miles Snaefell course is certainly one of my personal favourites. You definitely know you have been in a race by the time you get back to the Bungalow finish after some really tough running with two demanding ascents. If the mist is down then it becomes very interesting as there is a couple of places where navigation is critical, especially for those near the front. Having said that it is a good course for any newcomers to have a go as it usually attracts a reasonably good field and anyone not sure of the route will always be able to tuck in behind a more experienced runner. On a clear day the views from all the summit checkpoints are stunning if you have time to look. I had a run around today ( Monday ) in the glorious weather and it was absolutely gorgeous on the tops and  really brought home to me why we all love running the fells so much.

I think we could be in for a tight race as a few will fancy their chances. Tony Okell will hopefully be fully recovered from the cold that has hampered his preparations for Easter and will start favourite. Richard Jamieson is one of the few to beat Tony in a fell race in the last couple of years and will be getting fitter by the week as he returns to full time running following the end of his rowing ambitions. Another who could be in with a shout is Ian Gale who by his own admission did not go as well as he expected at the recent Bradda race, although this set- back can probably be explained by his increased training regime. There are others like Brian Osbourne, Mark Preston and Ian Ronan who are well capable of getting amongst the favourites and of course as previously mentioned bad weather could affect the result.

There has been a number of enquiries from runners from off the Island whose standard we no little about. There is always a possibility another Lloyd Taggart could turn up and make a big impact on the result.

Start time is 2.00pm Saturday 29th March from the Bungalow. Minimum age is 17 years. Whistles and waterproof jackets must be carried.

We are hoping for some new female runners to have a go. A few have been training on a regular basis in our squad sessions and are certainly fit enough to master the course, they just need a bit of confidence. 

If there is any interest shown we will run a junior race to the top of Snaefell and back from the Bungalow starting just after the seniors have departed. Minimum age for this is 14 years.

STEVE TAYLOR ANALYSES THE HALIFAX INTERNATIONAL WINTER LEAGUE   18-03-03

76 different people took part in the league

1996km were walked in the series. (Actually over 2000 if we count the retirements)

A total walking time of 220hours 52mins 20seconds

The first race was again the most popular with 53 walkers taking part

Ten people competed in all 6 winter league races, this includes all league winners

Seven people competed at more than one distance

15 people set their fastest times of the winter in the last race.

Highlights for me

Callum and Kirsty (obviously) winning their respective leagues and setting pbs in the last race.

Abbi Moore - winning the league overall, when she first started she struggled to race walk, big up to the coaching staff

All the juniors for giving us a great display of race walking and some very exciting races.

Alan Kinvig, got faster in every race and provided a great sprint finish on Sunday along with Mick Holgate and Dave Wilkinson

Sean Hands almost snatching a second overall victory.

David Cain for winning the league

Neil Bates - an excellent 10km at Ronaldsway

Robert Moore - a great series of 5km times

Marie Latham - showing us what she is capable of, lets see her do it at 20km now.

Bridget Kaneen - an excellent walk on Sunday as well as all the organising she does, Leamingtion awaits

Dougie Corkill - watching him walking in the style of........

The last race - nine people under the hour for 10km

The standard of race walking generally much better than last year.

In the Tynwald In for the Christmas walk.

Lowlights?

Helen Anstead no longer walking.

Jordan Cain no longer walking.

Cal Partington not competing at all.

Steve Partington not competing at all.

Kevin Walmsley only managing one race.

Me not managing to do more than races than I did.

UPDATE FROM ISLAND GAMES GOLD MEDALLIST KEIRON MURRAY    18-03-03

W/c 17th Feb – 19 wks to go

6x60m stride – tweaked hamstring on 150m	LAO2 / Aerobic 1 Anaer / Speed End 0 Speed ½ Conditioning0 Technique ½ TOTAL 2
Drill stretch stride – hamstring tight
40mins steady

W/c 24th Feb – 18 wks to go

Circuits – 4x300m in 45s off 3:15	LAO2 / Aerobic 2 Anaer./ Speed End 2 Speed 0 Conditioning 1 Technique 0 TOTAL 5
Fell runners [5:06-4:56-4:51-4:46-2:01-2:02] off c.2mins
Shins sore
20mins brisk
LtSwit [85,85,85,87 off 3:30]

W/c 3rd Mar – 17 wks to go

Weights - 6x60m stride, 3[120m-1min-50m] off 8min	LAO2 / Aerobic 3 Anaer./ Speed End 1 Speed 1 Conditioning 1 Technique ½ TOTAL 6 ½
Fell runners [1:59, 2:03, 2:02, 2:05] off 2mins (felt tired)
Track: 6x60mstride; 4x250m in 32, 33, 33, 34 off 5min
Easy 20mins
VictRd-Little Mill-Strang-QB-St.Nins – 59:15 steady

W/c 10th Mar – 16wks to go

2[400-1min-200-30s200] off 4min; 6x60m; 3[120m-1min-50m] off 8min	LAO2 / Aerobic 3 Anaer./ Speed End ½ Speed 1 Conditioning 0 Technique ½ TOTAL 5
Fell runners 2:08,2:03, 2:06, 2:07 off 2mins (shin sore)
25mins hard
2x1mile off 3mins [5:16, 5:28] struggled from 800m on 2nd] plus 3x150m

I’m showing some big improvements on my reps on Little Switzerland and with the fell runners, which is the main focus of my training at this time of year to give me a good aerobic base before the event specific work in May and June.

Any potential injuries have proved to be minor, although I’m off to an osteopath to get my lower back checked out, which is playing up in the same place as last year. Fortunately, so far it has not affected the co-ordination and ‘strike’ in my right leg, which was the big problem in 2002. My right shin has splintered (the tendon tears away bits of bone) and calcified leaving a small nodule on the bone, which sometimes causes quite a lot of pain in the tendon which runs over it. The one good thing about it is that it is manageable and stops overuse injuries elsewhere.

One thing I do appear to be lacking at the moment is gym fitness / conditioning so I’ll be trying to do a few more weights and circuit sessions to work on my core stability once I’ve been to the osteopath. My weight seems to have levelled off at about 71kg for the time being (which is as heavy as I’ve ever been) so I’m trying to put in three morning runs per week over the next few weeks to try and lose a bit of bulk.

My new weighted 5kg vest is proving its worth and making me really work hard in my speed sessions. My next race is indoors in Manchester at the end of the month. It will be quite a busy day with an 800, 400 and 200 but I’m looking forward to it after a good few weeks.

JOIN THE LACE FAMILY THIS AFTERNOON  18-03-03

Allan Callow tells me that all of Dennis Lace's friends will be most welcome to join the Lace family for tea and sandwiches at the Manx Harriers clubhouse this afternoon after the funeral service and cremation.

Dennis certainly considered the sport as second only to his family during his life and so it is fitting that those close to him should meet to remember him there.

WALK FOR JOAN 2003

A walk to celebrate the life of Joan Powell

SUNDAY 13th APRIL 2003

1.30pm

Start; Mill Road, Peel (East Quay) following the old Peel-Douglas

Railway line to Quarterbridge, Douglas. Finish

You will have the choice of finishing at

St. Johns (3miles), Crosby (6miles) or QB, Douglas (10 miles)

(Followed by refreshments at Manx Harriers Clubhouse, NSC)

£5 for adults £2.50 for children

(Pay at the start)

All funds raised will go towards the Joan Powell Fund for Young Athletes.

Further details from Paul Jackson tel; 611179

MARATHON RUNNER STAYS AT HOME   18-03-03

Northern AC runner Richard Radcliffe has ended speculation that he may stand for the House of Keys, the Isle of Man's lower house of Tynwald (parliament) reports the Isle of Man Examiner. He feels it is the wrong time for his family to make such a commitment if he were to stand in the forthcoming by-election.

Some readers may recall that Richard was nominated for the Legislative Council (upper house) a few years ago, a rare nomination from outside the House of Keys, but was unsuccessful.

Richard does, however, intend to continue as a Ramsey Commissioner, if elected.

Richard's wife Helen was one of the first photographic contributors to this site nearly two years ago and Richard will be running in London again next month.

MARATHON RUNNER LEAVES   18-03-03

South African runner Gerald Diepeveen leaves the Isle of Man to return with his family to Pretoria in South Africa tomorrow.  Gerald ran in the Manx Airlines runs three times, the Close Bank half marathon once and once in the Flora London Marathon during his five years in the Isle of Man.

Gerald is a former work colleague of mine and I met him for lunch yesterday. He recruited me as the third employee of the South African packaging group Nampak International in February 1999 - they now have 12 staff in the Isle of Man and have since made two large acquisitions in the UK including Plysu, the largest manufacturer of plastic milk bottles in the UK. Although I chose to further my career elsewhere at the end of 2001 I've remained on very good terms with the Nampak staff and shall miss Gerald.

Although we ran at different speeds we enjoyed immense rivalry at the Manx Airlines events by speculating on the number of laps there would be between us.

One thing that Gerald has made me aware of as much as anyone is the difficulty of making our running events attractive to joggers and the less serious runners. It a great feature of South African sport that there are many large running races open to all.

Although most of us feel that there us always a warm welcome awaiting anyone who joins one of our races, the perceptionof many is that slower runners will be shown up.

If you share this concern then one of the best people to speak to is Paul Jackson who only started running a short time ago but is now organising races on behalf of Manx Harriers. He is very keen to open up the sport to people of all abilities and would like you to join the field for the half marathon on 6 April.

PAUL JACKSON

Tel; 611179

email; paul.jackson@manx.net

DEFINITELY OPEN TO ALL 1   18-03-03

The Race for Life on 11 May, whilst only open to women, is likely to attract thousands of walkers and runners this year. I've heard the most unlikely people discussing the possibility of entering and it should be a great afternoon raising millions of pounds for women's charities across the country. Click on the logo above for details.

DEFINITELY OPEN TO ALL 2   18-03-03

Entries are flooding in for the Clerical Medical Parish Walk. The big problem that organisers have faced in recent years is that the majority of entries arrive in the last couple of days before closing.

Do this at the risk that the event will be oversubscribed. 36 people had entered at the end of the last week and so it is quite likely that there will be over a 100 entries by the end of March - that was the average number of entries in total up until the CMI years which started in 1990.

Link to www.parishwalk.com to download entry forms.

ENTER TODAY

Lancashire Track & Field Championships 2003 18-03-03

The Isle of Man Athletics Association is organising its annual trip to the Lancashire Track & Field Championships on the weekend of 10 and 11 May 2003. This event is open to all athletes under 13s to Seniors.

The proposed travel arrangements are to depart to Liverpool on the 07.00 Seacat on Saturday 10 May, stay overnight in Blackpool and return on Sunday 11 May on the 20.30 sailing from Liverpool.

Please remember it is important to have paid your current year membership to your club.

Anyone interested please phone Caroline brand on 611971 or email caroline@oceanweb.org for further details.

GRAHAM DAVIES WOULD LIKE TO IDENTIFY ISLAND GAMES POSSIBLE  18-03-03

102

Maggie

Watkins

LV35

Manx Vets

LV35

1:31:16

Doncaster Half Marathon, S. Yorks

16th March 2003

GAMES STANDARD IS 93 mins

Can anyone tell me who the above athlete is.

Graham

email roadrunner@manx.net

BANK OF SCOTLAND WINTER LEAGUE RESULTS    17-03-03

I've not received the results for the above as yet but hopefully I'll be able to publish this evening.  The update to the website is unlikely to be before 9 pm. Tuesday evening's update will be much later at night.

PEEL HARBOUR ROAD RACES POSTPONED    16-03-03

In response to my enquiries about the arrangements for the Peel Harbour Road Races in 7 days time, Western AC have advised me that they have been postponed until a date to be advised.

They have a new sponsor and hope to make an announcement about the event in the near future.

GBRATHLETICS WEBSITE OUT OF THIS WORLD   16-03-03

I've always been a fan of Martin Rix's website www.gbrathletics.com and marvel at the amount of information available from what is a free amateur site but I was still amazed with what I learnt today.

I was chatting with on the phone tonight with my brother Mike and we were raving about the excitement of today's world indoor championships. Mike told me he had looked up on the internet to find out just how much Kelly Holmes had removed from the British indoor 1500 metres record. He had found the four second 4.09 second improvement on Hayley Tullett's record on the above site but what was so amazing was that the list of all time British performances had been updated with full details within an hour or two of it happening.

BANK OF SCOTLAND LEAGUE WALK MOVED     16-03-03

After writing yesterday about the great facility we have at the NSC and how it was to be the venue for the final round of the league today, I was somewhat concerned as I drove down towards the Quarter Bridge to see a large group of athletes gathered on the TT access road. I awaited the "telling off" that someone would give me for not checking the venue before writing my piece.

I was therefore relieved to find that the mistake was not mine but allegedly that of the NSC management. They had the roadway booked for 16 April (a Wednesday) rather than 16 March.

PEEL HARBOUR ROAD RACES   16-03-03

The above event is scheduled (according to the IOMAA fixture list) to be taking place next Sunday but as yet I've not seen a single bit of publicity. I've been asked by several people for more information but as I've never taken part in it myself I don't know what the course is let alone what the entry fees are etc.

I am hoping to can provide some further details this week.

MANX HARRIERS HALF MARATHON   16-03-03

Although I was never keen on the date, just one week before the London Marathon and not in their interests to take part, Paul Jackson has done a great job promoting the Manx Harriers Half Marathon which incorporates the Island Championships on 6 April.

Although entries are not huge at this stage there is always a possibility that numbers will have to be restricted if the demand is too high due to lap scoring limitations so please don't do the usual Manx thing and leave your entry to the last minute and then wonder why it is rejected.

Download an entry form here

I think the event should really appeal to the following types of runners:

1. The Island's top runners looking for selection for the Island Games.
2. As above if they are looking for the honour of being Manx champion.
3. Club runners who race regularly who have the first chance to race a long distance on the roads since last November.
4. Fun runners or newcomers to the sport. They really assured of a big welcome and loads of encouragement on a safe traffic free course with drinks and regular split times en route.

Further information available from;

PAUL JACKSON

Tel; 611179

by email; paul.jackson@manx.net

BIG MISTAKE BY LONDON MARATHON / PAULA RADCLIFFE  16-03-03

There was only ever one athlete of the year last year as far as I was concerned. I don't care if other performances could be proved statistically better, the way Paula Radcliffe destroyed the opposition in the World Cross Country Championships, the Flora London Marathon, the Commonwealth Games, the European Championships and the Chicago Marathon was absolutely fantastic. Although I love statistics, the enjoyment that one athlete can give to so many other people overrides any other form of measurement as far as I am concerned.

The great thing about her performances was that she took on people who were more experienced than her, particularly at the marathon, on the standard terms.

She was paid a massive bonus by the London Marathon last year because they refused to recognise the world records set by women in mixed races. That is why I am so disappointed that they appear to be doing a massive U turn this year and providing male pacemakers for Paula. This is incredibly artificial and so just not needed.

I guess I'll still be supporting Paula and trying to get some pictures of her for this site. But if one of the other top runners comes through to beat her and will have a feeling of "serves you right". It might even be a little different for me if she did not already hold both versions of the marathon record but this change of policy by London is a complete sell out and only in the short term not the long term interests of the event.

CHRIS BRASHER   16-03-03

Whilst writing the above I realised that I had not yet commented on the death of the founder of the London Marathon, Chris Brasher. Whilst reading the many obituaries to him during the past couple of weeks it became clear that he was very much his own man. I doubt if anyone else could have established the London Marathon as we know it today and we owe him a huge amount of respect.

It just goes to show that you don't have to be universally popular to be a great person.

Thinking back to the first London Marathon in 1981 does anyone recall that the race started later in the day than it does now? I remember that it was held in March on the same day as the Boundary Stroll which was sponsored by the Steam Packet! I thought that it was still taking part when the Boundary Stroll was on in the afternoon. It could be just that the TV coverage was not live and they showed it on TV in the afternoon. Does anyone remember?

BANKING ON A BIG TURNOUT TOMORROW    15-03-03

The final event in the Bank of Scotland International walking league will take place at the NSC tomorrow and the organisers are expecting a big turnout.

I fully support the rotation of venues and its only right that some of the events are held in the north, the south and the west. But there is no doubt that King George V Park, home of the National Sports Centre since 1991, is the spiritual home of race walking in the Isle of Man and there are always good turnouts at the venue. The great thing for me, and I know that I am lucky to live less than a mile from the NSC, is that when events are held there, the athletes and sport benefits a lot more from casual supporters.  It has been a noticeable feature of the events held there during the past two weeks, the Steam Packet Walks and the Castletown Health Store 20 miles, that a number of athletes and friends of the sport have "popped in" to see how the event is getting on. I always saw one of the benefits of the NSC that people would see more of each other where one member of a family might be in one part and another somewhere else. We really do have a wonderful facility.

There is another chance to see the group of top junior walkers who have received so much praise this winter for the their dedication and commitment. Its not always easy to commit yourself as a youngster to a sport that is not "cool" but whether the youngsters remain in the sport throughout their lives or not, the skills learnt through perseverance, the acceptance of loosing as well as winning and the general enjoyment that they have taken from the sport will benefit them in everything they do throughout their lives.

One thing I'm not personally keen on at the winter league walks however has been in the increasing tendency to hold the races as "sealed" handicaps where everyone starts together and then the handicap is taken off afterwards.  I really think this takes away from the excitement on the day and when I used to promote the series in the newspapers for many years it was always on the basis that no one was going to get "blown away" and there would be a "grandstand finish" to every race. Is it not possible to determine a exact start time for the first senior walker to start within minutes of the end of the junior walks?

BEST WISHES TO PETER McELROY    15-03-03

Whilst I would rather not have read about his bowel movements in this week's Chit Chat in the Manx Independent, I was very sorry to learn that he had been for another operation in Liverpool recently.

Mac was an addicted runner in his time and given a choice I'm sure he would still be running regularly as a veteran athlete. It must be very frustrating for him to restrict himself to a daily stroll and to suffer so many health problems.

KEITH GERRARD OVERLOOKED BY ATHETICS WEEKLY   14-03-03

Athletics Weekly's coverage of the English Schools is generally very good. In fact their leader column raves about the importance of the English Schools championship because it is so difficult to spot the future champions as Ovett and Coe finished 2nd and 9th in one of their rare races against each other.

They tell their readers what a good race the senior boys was but they fail to give even two lines to our hero, Keith Gerrard. Surely they should have spotted that he beat the lad who had beaten him in the National, the fact that Keith is only 16 and the fact that he has improved so dramatically with every race. Lets not worry too much however as they said themselves that no one recognised the talent of Seb Coe at that age and although a bit more recognition wouldn't have gone amiss, its better to be the underdog at future events.

2003 UK Inter-Counties Half Marathon Championships, taking place at Wilmslow on Sunday 23rd March, race commencing at 10.30am   13-03-03

Men's team is as follows:- Paul Clarke, Brian Cole, Darren Hale, Brian Hall, Paul Muller and Alex Rowe.

"Hopefully I will run a fast time given the right conditions on the day as training is going well presently" reported Paul Clarke today.

LEAMINGTON WALKS GRAND PRIX  - 26 APRIL   13-03-03

The race website is now up and running.

http://mysite.freeserve.com/LeamingtonGrandPrix/

More news to follow soon!

RAMSEY FIREMANS   13-03-03

Sorry that I didn't publish the results of the final round as I don't appear to have received them.

STEVE CRAM TO VISIT ISLAND   12-03-03

What an inspired move by the Isle of Man Sports Council to invite Steve Cram, no doubt for a hefty fee, to present the Sports Personality Awards and to be involved in  the announcement of additions to the Hall of Fame and the annual grant aid next month.

Cram is the former world record holder for the mile and 1500 metres and made his debut in the GB team as a 17 year old. After a distinguished career be began a great broadcasting career, first on Eurosport, then Channel 4 and most recently in the overcrowded commentary booth of the BBC.

COUGHING WELL 1    12-03-03

Unfortunately one of the Sports Council's members, ace walker Steve Partington, is still struggling with a nasty cough and has prevented him from getting back into training.

COUGHING WELL 2    12-03-03

Mike Garrett who made a reasonably successful comeback last Summer after nearly 6 years out of the sport with back injuries, is also suffering badly with a cough after fighting back from further injuries. Every time he tries to run he gets a coughing fit.

PAUL DICKINSON (not Tim)    12-03-03

Apologies to 20 mile third placer Paul Dickinson for referring to him as Tim in a couple of places, as Steve Partington has pointed out.

I compiled the pages before I had seen a list of starters or results and remembered he had the same name as a top athlete. I used the name of a leading cross country runner rather than the former international hammer thrower and BBC commentator who shares the same name in some places.

NEIL BATES RECOVERING AFTER BEING ATTACKED      11-03-03

Neil is off to  a photo ID parade tomorrow. The details he gave of the attacker are very similar with quite a few other people's descriptions of other attacks. "So they think they may find them!" said Neil today.

He is still shaken by his mugging in Birmingham and plans to visit his parents in Guernsey this weekend followed by a few days in the Isle of Man.

MIKE GELLION BACK AFTER 4 YEARS   11-03-03

Mike Gellion, who is better known these days as a race organiser than an athlete, ran in the Ramsey Fireman's Race last Thursday - his first race for nearly four years. He said this week; "After the saga of knee injuries and operations. I was thrilled to bits just to take part and it went fine, but one knee is now feeling a bit dodgy so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I haven't overdone it!"

ANOTHER BRILLIANT RESULT FOR KEITH GERRARD 11-03-03

from the front page

Tony Okell commented as follows:

Another belter from Keith gaining revenge on Oliver Freeman who beat him in the National. A great way to end the Championships for 2003.

A quick comparison on National/English schools/Inter Counties finish:                           

ESAA 1	Sam Jacobs	Junior National 4	Inter Counties U20 10
ESAA 2	Tom Humphries	Junior National 3	Inter Counties U20 1
ESAA 3	Tom Lancashire	DNS	Inter Counties U20 21
ESAA 4	Ryan Mcleod	DNS	Inter Counties U20 3
ESAA 5	Jon Blackledge	Junior National 5	Inter Counties U20 9
ESAA 6	Keith Gerrard	U17 National    2	Inter Counties U17 21
ESAA 7	Oliver Freeman	U17 National    1	Inter Counties U17 DNS
ESAA 8	Matt Barnes	U17 National    3	Inter Counties U17 4

FULL MANX RESULTS (thanks to Graham Davies)

Seniors

Keith 6th

Intermediate

Chris 76th

Juniors

Andrew 183

Ryan 188

MANX RUNNERS WERE A CREDIT says Andy Fox 11-03-03

Andrew and Ryan in the Junior boys (years 8 and 9) came 183rd. and 188th. respectively. This was in a field of over 300. They were unlucky being 5th and 6th. in their pen and on the outside of the course. Hence they were behind alot of slower runners early on and found it hard to force a way through. Even so they ran well and will have benefitted from the experience as a whole but a mass start in particular. Ryan is only Y8 and so will have another year in this age group!

Chris Shimmin was also 6th. in his pen so a little way back at the start of the intermediate race (Y10 and 11). He was between 120th and 130th. with a lap or about 2,500m. to go. He came through very strongly to finish 76th. This lad has a great deal of potential as I would guess his training at the moment is playing football and a couple of long steady runs every so often. Chris also had to borrow spikes on the day as British airways managed to lose his bag with his spikes in on the journey over. They were new as well!!!!

Keith 's sixth place was better than his run in the national in my opinion. To be 20 seconds behind lads selected to go to the World Champs was excellent. You have to remember he is not yet 17 and beat all the 17 year olds in the race ie. the Y12 lads. All the others ahead of him were Y13 or 14 as it is basically an under 19 race!!!! He showed Oliver Freeman (the u17 national champ) a clean pair of heels by 14 seconds. The course was longer than the national in distance and although hilly was less severe as it was good running underfoot and not muddy. Keith sat in the lead pack of 10 or so at the beginning and as the first three broke away he stayed where he was. He held 5th. for a time but was in sixth at the start of the last lap with Freeman on his shoulder. On this occasion he pulled away strongly and at the end finished as fast as anyone ahead of him!!! It was an excellent run in every way.

I think the lads all did well. Their behaviour was exemplary, as was the behaviour of the whole Merseyside squad, and the results overall were very pleasing. Keith is now in a 2 week easy period as he has had 7 races since Christmas! After that he will be preparing for Easter and in particular the track season. It will be interesting to see how things go!!!

Update on the UK team for the World Junior X Country Champs    11-03-03

by Tony Okell

Selected

Sam Jacobs

Tom Lancashire

Tom Humphries

Ryan Mcleod

All in Keith's race on Saturday.

Keiths deficit to each man (24, 23, 23, 10 secs respectively)

What does that say about Keiths potential over the next couple of seasons?

Athletics Level 2 Coaching Course   10-03-03

Manx Sport and Recreation in partnership with Isle of Man Athletic Association  and with the support of Uk Athletics are running a Level 2 coaching course at the NSC on April 26 and 27 and will include 2 full days ( 9.00am - 5.00pm ). Any coaches wishing to attend the course must have the Level 1 qualification or equivalent.

The course is being heavily subsidised by the IOM AAA and MSR, applying for the course in the UK would cost £100. The cost on the Island for the same course in April is £50.00. If candidates have already taken the ' Working with children in athletics module' and do not intend taking an additional module that include: speed, jumps, endurance, throws and fitness in running and walking the cost is only £40.00.

Although the cost is still a considerable financial outlay and indeed a commitment on time, individuals wanting to climb the coaching ladder will find the course a worthwhile exercise.

For further details regarding the course or for an application form please contact Gianni Epifani on 688555 or 482942.

CHRIS QUINE GIVES PRAISE TO CHRIS SHIMMIN    10-03-03

As well as heaping further praise onto the excellent Keith Gerrard, Chris Quine pointed out just how well Chris Shimmin ran at Brighton.

"Twenty seconds would have been 30 places higher!"

He also spotted an Island Games athlete in the field. "Interestingly, Jonathan Blackledge - 5th place - ran for the IOW in the last Island Games - third in the 10,000m. No doubt he will be in Guernsey."

DI SHIMELL GOES ONLINE   10-03-03

The latest person from the athletics fraternity to go on-line is one of the Island's top coaches and many times Island Games team manager, Di Shimell.

She has promised to send future information about events she is involved with to the website.

BEST WISHES TO BERNIE CANNAN     10-03-03

Bernie is one of those loveable rogues that we all like to take "the Micky" out of because he takes the stick so well. As a result, it is sometimes harder to imagine Bernie not being in top form and laughing and joking with him.

I only appreciated just how poorly he had been last month when I spoke with him at the Manx Harriers quiz on Saturday evening. He collapsed without warning when officiating in Ramsey and was in hospital for several days. When his parents were told their son was in hospital they assumed it must be rugby playing Alf and got a big shock to find Bernie in Nobles Hospital.

Bernie has been off work even since and is not allowed to drive. When he does return to work he won't be able to work poolside at the NSC.

He told me how much he had appreciated the support and feeling he felt from the people of Ramsey when he was on the mend. Well, we've always liked you Bernie - its just you give us so much to laugh about that we can't help laughing at you!

OUT OF GAS    10-03-03

About 40 or so athletes ran a relay around the gasworks steps, Douglas Head Road and the South Quay tonight, to raise funds for the Island Games team. When I saw them, towards the end of the junior run (30 minutes) they were certainly getting low on gas after climbing those steps so many times.

The juniors ran for one hour.

WEATHER AT 20 MILES   09-03-03

Most people who read this page are either athletes, have been athletes or live with an athlete so you know what we are like. When we put in a bad performance there is always a gale force headwind, a heat wave or a tropical storm but when we exceed our expectations the weather is never mentioned!

Well the weather at today's Castletown Health Stores 20 Miles couldn't possibly be as bad a last year (or any year that I ran!) but before those who have run much better times on the day when the weather wasn't mentioned slag off today's times, it has to be said it was very windy. Putting your head down into the wind 40 times on the swimming pool side is never compensated by having the wind on your back 40 times on the other side. Having said that, it seems to have been windy in most years and so, rather like the theme below, it makes you realise that comparing the times from one year with another, is interesting but inconclusive.

FUN BUT NOT IMPORTANT    09-03-03

When there was some debate recently about which was the best ever performance by a Manx athlete, I largely sat on the fence.  

I find there are always two extremes in such debate in all sports. There are always those who talk about how much harder it was in the old days and how beating 4 minutes for the mile for the first time was so much harder than running 3.44 now. Then there are those that belittle everything that went before and today's performances are always so much better because the people are so much fitter, healthier and wiser.

One thing I did think about (but I don't think I ever got around to writing) was that if Keith Gerrard's wonderful performance in the National Cross Country was the best ever performance then surely we would have to say the same thing time and time again. Certainly his performance on Saturday in Brighton was even better than the National Cross Country as Tony Okell's analysis on the front page demonstrates.

I look forward to reading Andy Fox's report (Andy traveled with the Manx party).

Rather than worrying about who is the greatest of all time let's enjoy for the moment. Keith is providing everyone in Manx athletics a lot of pleasure. Long may it continue. Well done also to the three other Manx runners who I am sure committed themselves equally.

MORE SUPPORT FOR KEITH FROM TONY OKELL    09-03-03

The team for the World X/C Champs is being announced on Tues via the UK Atheletics web site.

It will be interesting to see who of the U20 guys in Keith's race Saturday get selected. It will be a good measure of Keith's potential for next year, and a good incentive for him to aim at selection, when at 16 he is so close to the U20 men.

Particularly considering this result would have got him in the top 10 in the Juniors National!

Keith's English Schools performance is arguable a classier one than his National run.

Keep an eye on the team.

PHIL RILEY THE COACH     09-03-03

Phil Riley, who says he is slowly on the road to recovery from injury, has passed his Level 1 coaching award.

Well done Phil.

MANX AIRLINES (and world) WALK RECORD HOLDER, GILLIAN O'SULLIVAN  WINS AGAIN      09-03-03

(report forwarded by Bridget Kaneen)

Tim Seaman walked his fastest time in nearly three years at the Mexican Walk Week 20 km (12.4 miles) in Tijuana, Mexico last night to finish 14th in a world class field with a mark of 1 hour, 25 minutes, 28 seconds. Meanwhile, Susan Armenta, 18th place, was the top US woman (1:43:20) in a racewalk won by Ireland's Gillian O'Sullivan in 1:29:55.

In a stacked field that included the last two Olympic Champions, World Record Holder Bernardo Segura of Mexico won a thrilling race in 1:19:06. After battling Spain's Francisco Fernandez, owner of the 20 km world best on the road, and three-time Olympic Champion Robert Korzenowski for 19 km, Segura pulled away on the final straight away to the delight of the crowd which chanted "Mexico! Mexico!" for the entire race. Fernandez was second; just two seconds back with Korzenowski five ticks off the winner.

A large lead pack had dwindled to four by 10 km (39:54), with fourth place finisher Alexandro Lopez also in the mix. Seaman, who competes for the New York Athletic Club was midway in 42:30, with the US Army's John Nunn at 42:57. Sean Albert (43:51) and Kevin Eastler (44:45) followed for the US contingent.

Lopez fell off the pack before 18 km and finished in 1:19:49. Mexican teammate Christian Verdeja was fifth in 1:22:43. Nunn finished behind Seaman in 1:26:59.

"When I woke up this morning, my whole body ached and my chest was congested. I was really feeling it by 4 km, but I wasn't going to quit. I kept breaking it down, telling myself to just get through the next lap. I ended up OK for how I felt. I should get the "B" standard in my next race," Nunn said.

For Nunn, it was his second fastest time ever, behind his 1:24:49 in Germany last year. Albert (1:29:37) held off Eastler (1:29:39) at the tape.

The women's race was much less dramatic. O'Sullivan, who recently broke the world record in the 3 km, got away from a pack of five before 7 km and never looked back. At 45:03, she was already 26 seconds ahead of Norway's Kjersti Platzer by 10 km. Armenta was 50:04 halfway through.

O'Sullivan cruised to victory, widening her margin as the race wore on. Nadejda Ryashkina of Russia came on strong in the second half of the race to finish second (1:31:37). She was followed by Portugal's Susana Feitor (1:32:34), Platzer (1:32:46), and Jane Saville of Australia (1:33:34). Cheryl Rellinger of the US finished 25th in 1:54:54.

Armenta, who has been focusing on her studies in Physical Education, was pleased with her performance.

"I had done 1:53:00 in training, so I was hoping to go under 1 hour, 50 minutes. Considering my training has been on and off, I'm pleased with my result," she said.

The 20 km races were the first stop on the inaugural IAAF Racewalk Challenge, which carries a purse of $30,000 to the winner who will be crowned at this August's World Championships in France.

The Mexican Walk Week 50 km will be held this morning at 10 AM PST in Tijuana and is part of the Pan American Racewalk Cup. Curt Clausen and Philip Dunn lead the US Team hopes.

£700 RAISED FOR WALKERS     09-03-03

Such was the excitement about the success of last night's quiz night that four different people told me about the fantastic sum of £700 raised at the quiz last night.

ENGLISH SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY  08-03-03

Has anyone heard the results from today's English Schools Cross Country?  I've found the site http://www.esaa.net/ but there are no results published yet.

GREAT TURNOUT FOR QUIZ  08-03-03

There was certainly a good turnout at the Glen Helen Hotel tonight for the Roy Moore quiz to raise money to send junior walkers off the island.

Well done to everyone who helped to make the night a big success.

SIX ENTRIES FOR THE PARISH WALK   08-03-03

Entry forms haven't yet been mailed to previous year's competitors but Liz Corran reported tonight that she has now received 6 entries for the Clerical Medical Parish Walk on 21 & 22 June. via forms downloaded from the website.

Keep them coming. Its feasible that by the end of March entries received will be greater than used to enter the walk up to CMI's sponsorship.

There will be many more features on the website.

DENNIS LACE A LITTLE BETTER    08-03-03

A number of people having been asking after Dennis Lace who is very ill. People who have been to see him in report him to be in slightly better spirits in the past few days. He takes comfort from chatting about athletics and the committees that he has been involved with.

HOPING FOR BETTER WEATHER FOR  THE 20 MILES   08-03-03

It was desperate last year so I hope it will be better tomorrow than it was today - it has been raining in the Isle of Man for much of the day.

I'm hoping to have some pictures of the run online around 12.30 tomorrow with a larger selection around 2.30.

QUIZ NIGHT A SELL OUT     07-03-03

When I spoke with Brenda Charlton tonight she only had four tickets remaining out of 150 available for tomorrow night's quiz night to raise funds for the junior walkers. It is surely safe to say it will be a sell out.

SYMPATHY FOR NEIL   07-03-03

I didn't want to overdo the following report like the front page of the Manx Independent every week, but I was extremely sorry to learn today that last week's Steam Packet 10km winner, Neil Bates, was mugged in Birmingham yesterday.

Here is Neil's story.

"After afew days off training after the Manx Steampacket -having sore back and legs- i was hoping to get back into full training again starting tongiht with 2 x 4km reps.

However. taking a break from studying last night I decided to go for a  stroll down to the local supermarket to get some food in and to clear my  head. Unfortunately i was mugged!!

They took my wallet which had my cards and about £5 cash, (and a manx £1 note) I didn't have my mobile or anything else valuable on me.

So needless to say, I am not too bothered about a 2 x 4km session tonight. But am hoping to go and do some sort of training. Not sure what yet.

20 MILE RUN ON SUNDAY    06-03-03

The Castletown Health Store 20 mile run is to be held at the National Sports Centre at 9.30 on Sunday.

Its had a very low key build up despite me attempt to start the publicity back in November so I hope there are plenty of entries.

It was certainly well featured on the two main Manx web sites today. Manx Radio headed it "Marathon Training Run" which caught my eye as I didn't twig is was a headline for the 20 miles.

Entry is being allowed on the day for a £1 premium.

40 laps of the NSC roadway may nit sound particularly exciting but there is a usually a good atmosphere with loads of encouragement from supporters, officials and other runners. Not an event to enter at the drop of a hat, but if you were going to do it but fogot to enter, get yourself down there.

SPARKY ADDS TO DATABASE   06-03-03

It was thanks to Steve "Sparky" Parkinson that I've been able to add 1983 and 1984 to the 20 mile database tonight.  I've also updated the file with all times sorted by time and alphabetical by runner's name.

Sparky featured well in the races himself with a second and a third.

Two men clearly dominate the rankings, Tony Okell for his super fast time in 2001 and Steve Kelly for his super consistency.  I think there are more of Steve's times in the missing years.

Did you notice (from the selection on the front page) that Colin Halsall is the fastest to finish second and he is also the second fastest to finish second. Always the bridesmaid.....

PHIL RILEY NOT TOO IMPRESSED WITH THE NATIONAL HEALTH   06-03-03

Been to see a GP today with regards to my back in the hope i could get more physio on it. I was basically told that mechanical back problem is no concern of his, and even though he could see that it needed treating pretty soon he told me that the earliest he could refer me was... 4 months! Fair enough he's the professional but 4 months doesn't seem like fairly soon to me! Looks like i'm gonna have to pay through the nose in order to save my season and go to a private physio, just what i need!

Will keep you updated, but looks as if i'm gonna have a race against time to be fit for the start of the track season come May.

FORMER DOUGLAS TO CASTLETOWN WINNER IN GOOD FORM  05-03-03

Chris Quine spotted that, Steve Wylie who lived here for several years in the late 1990's before returning to live in Scotland, finished 2nd in the Scottish National Cross Country Championships.

Steve was fairly inactive whilst he lived here although he did win the Douglas to Castletown in around 1997a few days after he arrived. He started training with Chris and Colin Moore in around May 2000  for a few months before returning to Scotland.

Athletics Weekly reports that Steve was a GB reserve for the European cross country championships in 1996 before injury intervened. An earlier report stated that he needed to massage his foot with a golf ball for about 20 minutes before he runs as he has to manage his injury.

STEVE TAYLOR THINKS WE HAVE MORE RECORDS    05-03-03

According to my records two Manx bests performances were set on Saturday. These of course will be subject to ratification by the IOMAA and I have forwarded them on to the assocation.  

Mens 40+ 20km Peter Kaneen 1.35.49 beating the previous best by Allan Callow set in 1985 by two and half minutes.  

Interesting to note however that the 45+ record is also 1.35.49 again by Allan Callow set in 1994. 

Under 15 gilrls 1 mile. Emma Latham 8.41 beating Ciara Kaneen's time from last year by over a minute.

PICTURES FROM THE FIREMAN'S    05-03-03

After a record four photographers in action at the Bradda Fell Race, there will be at least one at Ramsey for the Fireman's presentation on Thursday.

Paul Jackson will be taking his camera with him to Ramsey. I'd like him to go for some "on board" shots but I think I'll have to rely on the presentations.

SUBSCRIBE TO ATHLETICS INTERNATIONAL     04-03-03

This is the sort of coverage you are missing - I've just received my email copy in the last few minutes

Email for subscription details

SWEDES – AND BORZAKOVSKIY – STAR IN STOCKHOLM

New world leading marks in the men’s 800m, pole vault and triple jump, the ‘greatest 800m race ever indoors’, plus world record attempts – which were much more than just symbolic – in the women’s high jump and pole vault highlighted the 14th GE Galan meeting, reports A Lennart Julin.

The last track event was the 800m, and although illness forced world champion André Bucher to withdraw, as the race unfolded it became something to treasure. Wilfred Bungei had to settle for fourth place despite recording 1:45.07! The race also marked the return to the top of the somewhat enigmatic Russian talent Yuriy Borzakovskiy. As usual ignoring the pacesetter – this time David Kiptoo who took Wilson Kipketer and Wilfred Bungei out to a sub-51-opening – Borzakovskiy executed a textbook “even pace” race with laps of 26.4, 25.7, 26.1 and 26.2, finishing in 1:44.34, a time only Borzakovskiy himself and world record holder Kipketer have ever surpassed indoors.

THE FASTEST INDOOR 800m TIMES

1:42.67 Wilson Kipketer DEN 9 Mar 97

1:43.96 Kipketer 7 Mar 97

1:44.15 Yuriy Borzakovskiy RUS 27 Jan 01

1:44.34 Borzakovskiy 18 Feb 03

1:44.35 Borzakovskiy 30 Jan 00

1:44.49 Borzakovskiy 11 Mar 01

1:44.68 Kipketer 18 Feb 03

1:44.78 Pawel Czapiewski POL 3 Mar 02

1:44.82 Mehdi Baala FRA 18 Feb 03

1:44.84 Paul Ereng KEN 4 Mar 89

1:44.88 Nico Motchebon GER 5 Feb 95

1:44.91 Sebastian Coe GBR 12 Mar 83

MY COMMENT ON THE 800 METRES     04-03-03

I can't believe its 20 years next week since I watched Seb Coe run his fantastic indoor record on TV. Neither can I believe that such a performance is now only 12th on the old time list.

I'm a great fan of Yuriy Borzakovskiy and am quite convinced he will win the Olympics next year. Big Bren rattles on about him not doing every major championship but does anyone remember how "in the old days" athletes used to have quiet years and then peak for the big years. Watch this space.

NOT QUITE AS FAST BUT PRETTY IMPRESSIVE     04-03-03

Guy Bullock who has PB's of 32.73 (300m) and 45.76 (400m), although both from about 1996 is over on the Island for a few months reports Keiron Murray. He will be training down the track tomorrow at 6:00pm and Keiron is hoping to some sessions with him to get in shape for Guernsey.

Manx Harriers Do Friday 21 March     04-03-03

Douglas Rugby Club 8 to 12pm. Food, Disco, Bar, good company and live music featuring Twisted Angels (all girl band with a club connection!!!) and Darren Gray's band Backwater. (The food is a light buffet only).

The aim of the night is a bit of fun all for £3. If we make any profit it will go towards the club travel fund.

All are welcome but athletes and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult due to the bar regulations. One adult could come with a group of youngsters, but must stay with them!!!

So why not chat about sharing a taxi or car and contact Andy Fox on 626415 to book your tickets.

and don't forget Manx Harriers funding raising this Saturday    04-03-03

This Saturday at the Glen Helen at 7.30. The Roy Moore quiz night. Funds in aid of junior walkers competing off the island.

or WESTERN AC'S AGM    04-03-03

Although I've not been notified of this one I seem to recall from a notice in the paper that it is on tomorrow night and they were inviting new members to attend.

FELL RUNNERS TRAINING     04-03-03

There will be another run around the Snaefell course this coming Sunday 9th March for anyone wishing to have a look. Start times will again be 9.00am at Windy Corner and 9.15am at the Bungalow.

If you have any uncertainty about the route you should consider joining this training session.

WHERE WERE ALL THE ENGLISH WALKERS?    04-03-03

Graham Jackson asked the question before the Steam Packet meeting

I looked  at the start lists last week and could not believe that there are no top uk walkers in either 20k or 50k. Where are all the wanabbee 50k walkers who want to walk in the European Cup in May? Iits the ideal time and place to post a qualifying time. I think 50k walking in the UK at a top level is finished. I'm sorry to say there is no body wanting to put the hard training in.

Manx walkers should note that the north of England 20k is now on May 3rd also the national veterans 20k held in with the northern 20k.

LAMBDEN MAKES THE INEVITABLE DECISION    04-03-03

Some of you will recall that I damaged my knee badly in a fall on 30 December just when I was making progress with my plans to run the London Marathon. Since last year (when I sneaked inside 3 hours due to injury problems compared to 2.43 the previous year) my running has been geared towards getting back under 2.45 and the top 20 in the 45-50 age group.

When I had my leg heavily bandaged the first week and missed the Lancs cross country I thought I would be running in the following week's CC at Port St Mary...then the champs...then by the end of January and so on. I did a single 10 minute jog the Saturday before last but after my knee got worse again last week after my first week walking to and from work again, I've had to accept the inevitable.  

I can't see me competing in the next few months as the longer I am out of the action the slower the comeback. At the moment I have gone down with "the bug" for the second time in three weeks after boasting that I'd not had a cold for a year!

RICHIE STEVENSON ADDRESSES THE FELL RUNNING PROBLEM   04-03-03

It was very disappointing from the organisers point of view to hear about runners cutting across private land in Sundays race. In fairness a number were told mistakenly by a MFR member to go along that particular route as he had seen some earlier runners going that way and thought that was the way to go. This was not the case for everyone though and I really can`t find any excuse for people to knowingly cut across private property. We are proud of our relatively easy going attitude to races and we try to avoid unnecessary rules for competitors. However this puts a great deal of trust and responsibility onto the runners themselves and if this trust is abused then we have problems.

Part of the fascination of running the hills is to try a different route that may be slightly quicker than your opponent is using. This can only be done on the open fell side though where most races become point to point. Unfortunately we have a very small number who seem hell bent on finding short cuts even if this means going on private land which is not part of the course.

I have been told of this, or similar occurrences, in at least four races over the past year but as nobody wished to make a formal complaint we couldn't do much about it apart from a quiet word with the transgressors which seems to be going unheeded.

Another daft thing to occur in Sundays race was a few runners were jumping over walls, and in so doing dislodging stones, in places where it was just as easy and quick to go through gates.

We will be issuing all competitors with a letter reminding them of their responsibilities in the near future and hope we will have seen the last of these thoughtless actions. If it happens again we will very reluctantly disqualify any offenders. 

TERRY BATES LOSES HIS FIRST RACE IN GUERNSEY BY THE A STOMACH WIDTH ........so says the man who beat him, Rob Elliott   04-03-03

Guernsey's Athletic Development Officer and experienced racewalker Terry Bates almost pulled off a win in the Sarnia WC 5000 metres track walk on Sunday. Slightly down on early leader Rob Elliott at 3000 metres he caught up and opened up a gap of 15 metres until Elliott closed the gap on the final lap and inched ahead in the final metres, with both walkers credited with the same time.

Stuart Le Noury in his first Championship walk as a senior finished two and a half minutes faster than his last effort at the distance.

Sarnia Walking Club 5000 metres track walk

1 Rob Elliott (M/40) 26.33

2 Terry Bates (M/50) 26.33

3 Kevin Le Noury (M/45) 31.42

4 John Dedman 31.52

5 Mick Le Sauvage (M/60) 32.36

6 Stuart Le Noury (U/20) 32.47

7 Rose Drückes (W/55) 35.11

Junior Under 17 3000 metres track

1 Jason Le Noury 16.59

CLERICAL MEDICAL PARISH WALK  04-03-03

Entry forms were published on the www.parishwalk.com website ( the sister site to www.manxathletics.com ) on Thursday of last week. Liz Corran received her first entry the following day!

Liz has promised to keep me up to date with entry numbers but please help the organisers by entering early.

With another year's experience of websign design and operation up my sleeve, I wasn't prepared to just load this year's information on top of last year's site so I have started another re-design. I hope there will be more features than ever this year and the popular databases, the publication of which saw the birth of this site will be back online in a better format soon.

NEWS PAGE BACK ....just   03-03-03

Regular readers will know there have not been many days in the past two years when this page has not been updated but although I've put more time than ever into the websites during the past few days, the energies have gone elsewhere. Even tonight I'm not going to stay on this too long tonight as I've already put in quite a bit of time. So most of the things I had up my sleeve will have to wait. Except for....

RICHIE STEVENSON REPORTS ON THR BRADDA FELL RACE   03-03-03

Lloyd Taggart is well known in fell circles across scoring many good results particularly in the High Peaks races in Derbyshire. He was back on the Island visiting his parents and took the opportunity to have a go at his first fell race here. He ran very impressively leading most of the way reading the race route from his map as he ran along. Although Manx born he could only remember the road crossings, and great credit to him for having the confidence to lead out the race.

I think his time is the second fastest ever recorded on the 15 miles course although I stand to be corrected on that. Richard Jamieson had a go at holding the Buxton runner but to no avail. He was passed by a slow starting Tony Okell just before the climb to South Barrule. Tony never looked like catching Lloyd and really he did remarkably well to run such a good time given his heavy cold. Brian Osbourne ran well to take a relatively lonely fourth  ahead of a chasing group consisting of Ian Gale, race sponsor Ian Ronan, Simon Skillicorn, Mark Preston and Dave Young.

Rose Hooton showed lots of determination to finish even though she was carrying a injury and it was great to see Christine Barwell successfully tackling her first fell race.

Many thanks to Ian Ronan for sponsoring the race again and of course to all the people who helped on the day

PHIL RILEY REPORTS ON HIS GLASGOW INDOOR PERFORMANCES    03-03-03

Just to let you know my performances from Glasgow last week.

Long Jump - 6.30m

Triple Jump - 12.80m

Jarred my back the wednesday before so as a result was pleased with both performances. Haven't trained since however on recommendation of my physio, nightmare time to get injured as well!

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Copyright (c) 2001 - 2003 Murray Lambden. All rights reserved.
murray@manxathletics.com