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There was a good turn out
this evening for the Manx Harriers club walk held
in sunny but very windy conditions at the NSC, reports
Steve Taylor. Eight juniors racing over 1km
toed the line alongside seven seniors competing
over 3km.
In the senior race Peter
Kaneen the local number one shot to the front and
was never headed. He showed incredible speed for
someone who less than two weeks ago completed the
Parish Walk.
Peter looked solid
throughout finishing in 13.18.7, some 20 seconds
quicker than his effort last week when representing
the North of England at the inter area match. Next
on the track was Neil Bates. Neil looked comfortable
early on but struggled to maintain the same level
of sound technique over the last two laps. He would
still be pleased with his sharpness as he is gearing
his training towards 20km these days.
There was a great battle
between Allan Callow and Bridget Kaneen both having
gone with the very fast starting juniors early on.
Allan gradually pulled away to dip under 15 minutes
by less than a second whilst Bridget set a pb going
almost 10 seconds faster than her previous best
set only last week at the inter area match. Robert
Moore was unable to go with the pace and settled
in a short distance behind. He never looked truly
comfortable but still finished close to his best.
By contrast Marie Latham looked very comfortable
but pulled up after 2km with an injury. We only
hope that it is nothing serious and she is able
to race in Dublin on the 12th. Simon Cox brought
up the field.
The juniors appear to enjoy
a mass start with the seniors as it gives them an
opportunity to show their older rivals what they
are capable of. Tonight was no exception and 13
year old Callum Taylor really went for it from the
gun. Although being closed down by Allan Callow
it was only top Manx seniors Peter and Neil who
were ahead of him when he crossed the line at 1km.
Callum was rewarded with a pb of 4.52.0, his first
time to break the 5 minute barrier.
Just falling away in the
last lap from the pace of the senior walkers was
Emma Latham but she was also rewarded with a pb
just outside 5 minutes. Lauren Whelan was next setting
another Manx record followed by Ciara Kaneen, in
an all to rare outing Ciara set a new pb for the
distance. Her sister Bronwen went close to 6 minutes
in setting a Manx age group best whilst the youngest
of juniors had a great battle with Kirsty Taylor
just getting ahead of Sinead Kaneen on the home
straight winning by 1.4 seconds. Sinead had the
consolation of smashing her pb. Abbie Moore brought
up the field looking out of sorts today.
Many thanks must go to
Judy, Paul, Dougie, Maureen and George for officiating.
The judges commented that this was the best
display of walking they had seen by locals for a
long time.
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