Compiled by Murray Lambden
Contributions as credited otherwise written
by Murray Lambden
If you would like to share anything you know
about events or people in the sport in the Isle
of Man then please email [email protected]
|
OLD
NEWS
Most
of the old news and features from the past three
years are available online if you search the various
sites below that I've used to publish to. For example,
enter "inter counties cross country" and
select "manxathletics.info" and you will
find many references to this event that have been
made in the past.
|
TOP MARKS 1 (30-04-04)
|
I wasn't able to attend the first
round of the Dave Phillips Memorial Road Races last
week and so the first time I saw the results was
yesterday evening in the Manx Independent.
Although I had seen from Stan Hall's
pictures that there was a tight finish, with Gary
Ross deservedly taking the honours, I hadn't realised
that the gaps were so close all the way through
the field. 29 of the 32 runners finished within
two minutes of the winner and the results that people
saw (and the camera captured) were the final results,
ie no post race adjustments like the last few years.
Well done to handicapper Peter Kelly
and the Western AC team.
I do get loads of requests for the
results online however. They are not supplied to
me and they are not published on the new Western
AC site either which is a shame. Maybe soon?
|
TOP MARKS 2 (30-04-04)
|
I often comment about the fixture
congestion and there have been some big improvements
in the month of May compared to last year (and previous
years).
There is a whole week between the
Peel to Douglas and the Carraghan Fell Race (instead
of two days) and, even better, there are three weeks
between the Peel to Douglas and the Northern 10
(instead of a week).
Well done to everyone concerned
on this big improvement.
|
MORE KNOCKDHU PICTURES
(30-04-04)
|
Cal Partington, who delivered the
impressive sort of fell run that many had been predicting
for some time at Knockdhu last weekend, has found
another source of pictures from that race that includes
one of our top male runner at the meeting, Ian Gale.
CLICK
HERE TO SEE THEM
|
MANX HARRIERS SHINE IN
SHEFFIELD
|
Manx Harriers enjoyed another successful trip
to England over the weekend returning with three
individual gold and three individual silver medals,
writes Steve Taylor. .
A predominately junior party travelled to Sheffield
to take part in the Jeff Ford Memorial races held
at the Don Valley Stadium as part of the City of
Sheffield Open athletics meeting. It was also the
latest round of the Race Walking Associations younger
age group grand prix.
Hopes were high for continued success after the
club enjoyed one of their most successful national
championships ever in Leamington last month but
a stroll around the course indicated that fast times
would not be the order of the day due to the poor
road surface on the 1km lap based in and around
the Don Valley Stadium which incorporated dog log
turns, sharp descents and tough uphill climbs.
Temperatures were recorded as close to 80 in
the shade during the afternoon and this made the
going tough for all competitors with drinks and
sponges being in great demand throughout the event.
First event of the day was the mixed under13 2km
and Manx hopes for success rested on the shoulders
of national Champion Lauren Whelan. The initial
pace was set by boys champion Mathew Halliday of
Coventry and Lauren set off in pursuit. However
having forgot her inhaler prior to the event Lauren
struggled with her breathing as early as the first
lap and 10 second lead over Natalie Myers of Sheffield
was turned into an 18 second deficit by the finish
giving the home town girl a shock win and sweet
revenge for her national defeat. Bronwen Kaneen,
Fay Latham and Kirsty Taylor made up the team and
all put in solid performances just outside their
best times and finished in similar places to the
nationals which meant that they were pipped to team
gold once again by Sheffield.
Manx Harriers had no representation in the RWA
5km championships which was won by Rebecca Mersh
of Sheffield. Mersh at only 15 years old is considered
to be one of the finest young talents and lead from
start to finish to record her first ever senior
national win. Our girls, Liz Corran and 14 year
old Emma Latham instead opted for the 3km event.
Walking together for the first two laps they moved
into clear medal positions. On the third lap Emma
pushed ahead of her coach to take silver medal behind
Fiona McGorum of Leicester, arguably the finest
technical walker on the day. Liz came home third
but first veteran lady and received the Rene Scott
Memorial Trophy for her efforts. There is no doubt
that the girls would have placed well in the RWA
5km had they chosen to compete in that event.
The youngest athletes took their turn next and
the Harriers dominated the event from the start
with Sinead Kaneen and Abbi Moore going straight
to the front. Sinead moved ahead prior to re-entering
the stadium and opened up a significant gap over
her team mate to take first place. Victory being
much sweeter this time having missed out on gold
at the national championships due to missing the
start of the race. Abbi walked a very mature race
for one so young and in taking silver was rewarded
with a personal best time, the only member of the
team to set a pb on the day.
The final member of the team and only boy, Callum
Taylor toed the line in the mixed under15 3km. Starting
steadily Callum walked with Kathryn Granger of Sheffield
with Mark O'Kane (Coventry) and Antonio Cirillo
(Swansea) in hot pursuit. O'Kane was after revenge
for his national defeat by Callum but it was Cirillo
who challenged as O'Kane faded away. Callum upped
the pace which saw off Cirillo and going into the
last lap went ahead of Granger. It was therefore
a triumphant return to Sheffield for Callum where
he was disqualified two years ago.
|
|
LAXEY TO ST JOHNS WALK by Richie
Stevenson (27-04-04)
|
The Laxey to St Johns non competitive walk will be
held on Bank Holliday Monday 31st May. Start will be at Ham and Egg Terrace in
Laxey at 8.00am and the finish by Tynwald Hill in St Johns. Distance is around
25 miles. A lot of the walk is on footpaths and not too difficult although there
is a couple of good hills. Doug Drown usually organises this walk but he will be
off the island in May and so I will be looking after entries and the start. In
the past couple of years the entry has not been very good and so I don`t want to
rely on people entering on the day. Our helpers are out on the course for up to
8 hours and there must be enough interest shown by the walkers to justify this.
Anyone wishing to enter should contact me before Wednesday 26th May. If we don`t
have a minimum of 20 entries then the walk will be cancelled.
|
BRADFORD 50km WALK (27-04-04)
|
Simon Cox is competing in this years
Bradford 50km to be held on Monday 31st May.
Simon is asking for anyone who may be interested
in taking part to contact him as soon as possible
on 822402.
|
Middle
Distance squad by Chris Quine (26-04-04)
|
The provisional date for the next Middle Distance
Squad training is Thursday 13th May at Castle Rushen High School. More details
to follow but we are planning to include a link up with the school to work with
the Castle Rushen HS pupils and teachers and follow this with some advice on
track running and tactics for the whole squad.
For those running in the Lancashire Championships
the following weekend, I would not expect them to join in the training session
but the talk on tactics would be of benefit, particularly as they may involve
running in heats for which the tactical demands are different from running in a
final.
As we are now in a new season, those who have moved
up to the under 15 age group are welcome to join in. For those who may be
wondering why we have an age-group restriction on the squad, this age group was
selected as the starter level on the advice of the AAA as an appropriate level
to start specialising in middle distance running.
|
DAVID BARNSDALE WOULD LIKE
TO HEAR FROM THE ANDREAS SPORTS (26-04-04)
|
Through the good offices of the Manx Tourist Board and your Web Site, I have
obtained your Email address which I trust is correct. I am, therefore, writing
in the hope that you may be able to help me locate an Athletics Cup.
In
1951, while as a Cadet at RAF Jurby, I won the Andreas 100 yards Cup.
During the early part of July of this year I will be returning to the I
of M. to visit the Railways, but for many years, I have been wondering what has
happened to that cup on which my name [Cdt. Plt. D. G. Barnsdale].is etched. I
still have the silver medal, marked "Andreas Sports 1951". Thus my
enquiry.
Is it possible for you to put me in touch with anyone who may be
or was associated with the Andreas Athletics Club during the 1950s.?
I
hope you can help and thank you. Regards,
David.
[email protected]
|
Middle
Distance training by Chris Quine (25-04-04)
|
I am going to be running a training session at 6 pm
each Tuesday night. These will be similar to those I am been running throughout
the winter on a Thursday but adapted to summer training. The reason I have moved
it is that Thursday is too close to the weekend when a lot of the off-island
racing takes place. Having weighed up the various options Tuesday seems to be
the best one.
The sessions are open to all from under 15s
upwards.
|
GOOD LUCK TO THE FELL RUNNERS
(24-04-04)
|
The Knockdhu International Fell Race takes place
this coming Saturday on a course just outside Larne, reports Richie Stevenson. Our team consisting of Ian
Gale, Mike Quine, Phil Mackie and Mark Preston along with Cal Partington in the
females race will take on some of the best fell runners in the country.
Competition will be fierce on a course that has a couple of very steep hills as
well as some fast runnable sections. Wales and Scotland will be favourites to
provide winners in both individual and teams especially as it is doubtful if the
England team is going over now as there has been a bust-up in their management.
I`m sure all our runners will perform well and will enjoy the experience. It
can do nothing but good to get in amongst this kind of tough competition and
will be another step in our plans to encourage everyone involved in the fells to
raise their standards. Good luck to them all.
Fell runners training sessions will continue every
Tuesday evening at the golf course at Nobles Park. Last Tuesday was just a
shortish session before the weekends race but it was brilliant to see nearly all
of our top runners giving it loads. Again we must stress this training is for
everyone, not just the fast ones, and the session can be adjusted by coach
Margaret Lockley to suit any standard. Be warmed up and ready to start at
6.30pm.
|
FELL RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS (24-04-04)
|
Anyone wishing to go to the next round of the
British Fell Championships should contact me as soon as possible. The race is
the 5 miles Elidir Fawr in Wales and will be held on Sunday 23rd May. This will
be the first outing for Team Isle of Man. Any runner can go irrespective of
club or standard,subject of course to being able to arrange transport, with the
first three to finish counting for the team. I have already got four people who
are interested in going so get in touch as soon as poss. or you may miss
out.
|
RAMSEY COMMISSIONERS PARK RUNS
(24-04-04)
|
Regulars at the above will no doubt
be aware that the summer series kicks off next Friday
30 April.
For anyone new to the sport or the
Island the fixture list refers you to Steve Kelly
on 812172 if you require further information.
In very simple terms, the races,
over 2 or 4 miles (you have a choice) are handicapped
so that the slowest runners start first.
Over the past year several people
have used the forum to ask for suggestions for races
to start out in and these sort of races seem ideal.
I'm always surprised that they are not more
heavily promoted and explained with newcomers in
mind.
The first run is 9 days before the
Race for Life
|
BUCHANNAN & PITTS CARRAGHAN
FELL RACE (24-04-04)
|
The 2004 Managrakem Fell League bursts into action
again in a few weeks time when the Buchanan and Pitts sponsored Carraghan race
takes place. At 2.5 miles this is the shortest race of the season but it is
definitely not the easiest. Last year was the first time we used the route that
goes up the side of the plantation that overlooks West Baldwin reservoir and it
proved to be an absolute classic route, very steep in places but very good
underfoot and runnable all the way if you are fit enough. Date for the race is
Monday May 10th starting at 7.00pm from the northern end of the reservoir. For
anyone who thinks I might have made a mistake with the day it definitely
is Monday not a Tuesday night as in the past. Please don`t park near the start
area as there is little room. There is a carpark just down the road opposite the
reservoir which we would like everyone to use.
As the course is so short juniors aged 14 years or
older can run. Any juniors wishing to be considered for the Isle of Man team to
compete off island in October are asked to turn up.
|
EASTER DATES (24-04-04)
|
Every three or four years there
seems to be a surprise when we find out that the
Good Friday road race within the Easter Athletics
Festival will be run in the dark because Good Friday
falls before the last Saturday in March when the
clocks go forward. A simple piece of research
on the internet reveals the following dates for
Easter so perhaps the organisers could take note
that next year and 2008 are the dates when they
need to make special arrangements, if there is not
to be a radical change in any event.
Year |
Easter Sunday |
2004 |
Apr 11 |
2005 |
Mar 27 |
2006 |
Apr 16 |
2007 |
Apr 8 |
2008 |
Mar 23 |
|
LECTURE FOR THE DAY (23-04-04)
|
If you know anyone, anywhere, who
intends to enter the Clerical Medical Parish Walk,
remind them to enter this weekend. Don't leave it
the last minute as so many people did last year.
Although the organisers are not advertising
a maximum entry, who knows what will happen if you
leave it too late and they get more than 1000 entries?
One thing is for sure, if you try and entry after
midday on Saturday 8 May you will not be taking
part in this year's walk.
|
DAVE PHILLIPS MEMORIAL ROAD
RACES (22-04-04)
|
Don't forget that round 2 of the
above is to be held on Friday night. If you
are unsure of the objectives or rules, please click
HERE
For the first time for a couple
of years I can't make it so I'll be as interested
as anyone to receive times, reports and pictures.
As far as I am aware, the times for the first
round are not available online.
|
CAPITAL DOUBLE (22-04-04)
|
Dave
Crowe not only ran in London in 03:51:2, but two weeks earlier he also
ran
in the Paris Marathon with Anthony Kelly and Ian Liddle - they
didn't run in London.
|
ISLE OF MAN BANK PEEL TO DOUGLAS
RUN (and other races)
marshals required (22-04-04)
|
Paul Jackson has an appeal for marshals
in the above on the front page. If you are one of
those traditional people who think that all of the
old races should continue regardless of how many
cars are on the road and how fast they travel, then
this is your chance to try and maintain these sort
of races.
With the exception of one or two
busy junctions, most of the work is straightforward
and fairly rewarding. If you think that paying an
entry fee in a race and your membership fee is sufficient
to maintain the sport in its present form, please
think again and offer your services regardless of
which club you belong to. And if you can't help
at the Peel to Douglas, have a look at the fixture
list and pick out one of two other events when you
can help, whether it be on the roads, the fells
or the tracks.
This appeal is not aimed at the
many hard working people within the sport who put
so much back in, but the few who could make all
the difference to safety and the enjoyment of the
sport. Here ends the lesson!
|
SPORTS NIGHT (22-04-04)
|
I thought I had another engagement
tonight which didn't materialise so I didn't buy
tickets for the above. It was a great night last
year and should be even better this year at the
Villa Marina.
If anyone can get send me so pictures
of the athletics representatives at the award winners
night I should be grateful.
If you are one of the lucky people
to attend, I hope you have a great time. If last
year is anything to go by, you will.
|
Manx Juniors to compete
in Sheffield this weekend Preview
by Steve Taylor, the former Commonwealth Games
walker Steve Taylor who has been invited to judge at the event.
(21-04-04)
|
A party of ten Manx Harriers athletes will travel to Sheffield this
weekend to take part in the Jeff Ford Memorial Walks held
at the Don Valley Stadium. The event also incorporates the Race
Walking Association Young Athletes Grand Prix and Senior Women's National 5km
Championships.
Leading the Manx challenge for honours will be National
Champions Callum Taylor and Lauren Whelan. Callum will compete over 3km in
the under 15 event and will renew rivalries with Mark O'Kane (Coventry) and Andrew
Graham (Belgrave). Callum caused quite an upset at the
Nationals in Leamington last month
showing his competitors a clean pair of heels to take victory by over half a minute. Although he has been
struggling with shin splints and a bruised foot in recent weeks he will
no doubt be hoping to continue where he left off with a repeat of his
National success.
Lauren, who will compete in the under 13 race, greatly
impressed on lookers with her performance in Leamington
finishing only a few seconds behind the boys in her race. Only a disaster would
prevent her from winning again and with another year in this age group one
only hopes that she continues to compete with success sure to come her
way. She will once again be backed up by her silver medal winning team mates
Bronwen Kaneen and Kirsty Taylor. They will be joined on this occasion
by Fay Latham and team gold is a definite target for the girls. Like
Lauren, two of her team mates have another year in the age group so the future
bodes well for the young Harriers.
Sinead Kaneen will take part in the 1km event along with
Abbi Moore. Whilst Sinead has competed off island on several
occasions already with some distinction this will be Abbi's first off island
competition. However both girls have worked hard on their technique and made
huge improvements and medal success is very likely. Emma Latham, who missed the Nationals through injury will
take part in the combined under 17, under 20 and senior ladies 3km. Emma
will be itching to compete after having to frustratingly watch from the
sidelines in Leamington whilst her
team mates picked up a host of medals. She will be joined on the line for this race by her coach Liz Corran
who will don her racing kit for only the second time in several years.
Last time out however Liz won the veterans title in the Dublin Grand
Prix after being urged to compete by her young charges and will no doubt
be cheered on by the group again.
|
CHRIS QUINE REPORTS ON THE
1500 METRES DEVELOPMENT RACE (21-04-04)
|
We had 14 runners on the line and
despite the windy conditions managed to rack up
a number of PBs. All times shown are unofficial.
Keiron Murray kindly offered to do some pace-making
but felt strong and kept going to win in around
4.28. Andy Cannell hung on to him for the first
two laps eventually recording a PB around 4.37.
It was great to see a number of young lads running
well. Ben Brand and Lee Butterworth are first year
under 17s and Jimmy Eccles (first year under 20
I think) all ran in the 4.40s picking up PBs along
the way.
There were also a number of females from under
17 upwards.
First over the line was Julie Harrison with a
PB around 4.55. Not too far behind Julie, Rachel
Kelly also clocked a PB and must have great scope
to improve over the coming months.
The wind must have been worth several seconds.
I hope we can repeat a 1500m again in a couple of
months time and see how much improvement there has
been.
There was a large turn-out in all ages on the
night.
Including the youngsters events there must have
been between 40 and 50 running in the 1500m.
|
MANXIES IN GUERNSEY PAUL
JACKSON REPORTS (15-04-04)
|
There was local interest in the
23rd Guernsey Island Easter Festival held last weekend.
The festival includes 4 events over the Easter weekend
starting with a 10Km road run in Port Soif on Good
Friday. International Fell runner and temporary
Isle of Man resident Paul Sheard was 4th (33m 25s)
with Terry Bates in 16th place (37m 28s). 162 took
part.
On Saturday 10th April the 4.75m Cross Country
event attracted 136 athletes. Paul Sheard finished
3rd (25m 37s) with Terry Bates 15th (29m 39s). Terry's
son Neil of Manx Harriers race walking fame was
20th (30m 14s).
Easter Sunday's race sounds like a really exciting
event, the 4 x 2m Cross Country Relay at les Amarreus.
From 148 individual entries, Terry Bates posted
the 28th fastest leg (11m 46s) helping his team
the 'Official Guernsey Vets' to overall 3rd place.
The final event is the Aurigny Half Marathon
in St. Peters Port on Easter Monday. Terry was 17th
(1hr 24m 27s) from 114 finishers to earn himself
8th position overall in the final festival positions.
To find out more about the Guernsey Easter Festival
and to study the results in more detail follow the
link below.
http://www.guernseyathletics.org.gg/index.asp
|
MIDDLE DISTANCE SQUAD UPDATE
(14-04-04)
|
The next meeting of the Isle of Man Middle Distance
squad will take place on Thursday, 15th April at the NSC track. The start time
is 6 pm and the squad have been lucky enough to secure the services of
international coach Jeremy Harries. Jeremy is the Athletics Development Officer
for the North West and is due to visit the island on Thursday. He has kindly
agreed to fit a training session into his busy schedule.
He is a UK Athletics Level 4 coach and has been coaching
for many years. Amongst the athletes that Jeremy coaches is Commonwealth Games
medallist Helen Clitheroe (nee Pattinson). He was previously coach to John
Nuttall a former National Cross Country Champion and Commonwealth Games
medallist.
The training is open to
anyone from the under 15 age group upwards - this includes those who will be
under 15s for the 2004 summer season.
This is a great opportunity for athletes and coaches to pick up new ideas
from someone very much in touch with the current middle distance scene. When I
spoke to him last week, Jeremy also mentioned that he felt it would be useful
for any coaches to come along as well.
It is expected that the session will include a combination of drills,
plyometrics and faster running. Anyone - even if they do not consider themselves
to be a middle distance runner - will be welcome to join in. Standard NSC
charges will apply.
Any questions to
Chris Quine on 670521 or e-mail [email protected].
|
PEEL TO DOUGLAS JUST THREE
WEEKS AWAY (11-04-04)
|
This years Manx Harriers Peel to Douglas road run takes place
on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May starting at 7pm opposite the Town Hall in Peel.
The 11.25mile race follows the main Peel to Douglas road to the Sea Terminal and
finishing at the War Memorial on Douglas Promenade. Road running enthusiasts of
all abilities are welcome to enter. Signing on will be from 6.30pm on the night.
For more details tel; Paul on 487873.
|
FELL RUNNERS TAKE A BREAK (11-04-04)
|
There will be no training this Tuesday for the fell
running squad. I think everyone has earned a rest. There will be a short session
the following week 20th April and then we will finalise details for the Knockdhu
International.
|
MANCHESTER ATHLETICS TRACK
(08-04-04)
|
I've just read a story saying that
the track will be completed in time for the Olympic
trials this year. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/3608577.stm
I hope that they are better organised with
the track than the ticket distribution. I
ordered mine several months ago and they have still
not arrived.
Another story I picked up from my
early email news and sport emails is that former
Manx resident Robert Sangster has died. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2004/04/08/shsang08.xml&_requestid=34997
|
LATEST MANX MOUNTAIN MARATHON
NEWS by Richie Stevenson (08-04-04)
|
I have just received an e-mail from John Kewley who
wishes all the Manxies a good run on Saturday. John, who is an expert at long
distance races especially where navigational skills are required, is only just
getting back to full training after an ankle injury. He hopes to take in a race
when he visits the Island later this year. John is the son of the former head of
the Manx Electricity Board Stan Kewley.
There seems to have been a good crowd out on
Tuesday evening on South Barrule having a last look over this difficult section
of the course. Paul Jackson was among them and he reports that the route to the
summit is relatively easy as someone seems to have been up with a huge lawn
mower leaving a clear and easily negotiable pathway. Thanks to whoever did
it.
|
EASTER ENTRIES TOP THE 100
(06-04-04)
|
Chris Quine reports that he has
spoken with Colin Halsall, the Easter Festival Race
Director, and entries (which officially closed over
a week ago) are just over the 100 mark with 14 from
the Isle of Man.
|
WALKER LINK (06-04-04)
|
Here is an excellent link that Steve
Taylor sent to me a couple of weeks ago that was
buried in my mailbox. A feature on Ireland's
"best prospect for the Athens Olympics".
Former Manx Airlines winner Gillian O'Sullivan.
http://www.iaaf.org/magazine/news/Kind=262144/newsId=24573.html
|
THURSDAY REST FOR CHRIS QUINE
TRAINING GROUP (06-04-04)
|
I will
not be holding my regular Thursday night session at the NSC this week due to the
start of the Easter Festival the following day.
Of
course, the following week - 15th April - there will be a session with
international coach Jeremy Harries. I have been speaking with Jeremy today and I
am sure that the session he is planning will be both different and interesting.
Remember all are welcome to Jeremy's session - not just the Thursday regulars.
Jeremy specifically mentioned he thought it would also benefit coaches too if
they wanted to pick up some new ideas.
|
EASTER WEATHER BY ADRIAN COWIN
(05-04-04)
|
Early indications from our longer range charts
suggest:-
Good Friday: Often cloudy but mainly dry with just
patchy drizzle or a little rain about at times, a few brighter intervals
especially afternoon / evening. Temperatures 9 or 10 Celsius at best, around
49F, & mostly moderate locally fresh W to NW breezes averaging 15 to
20mph.
Saturday: Early hill mist / fog over the tops but
slowly thinning & lifting, otherwise a mainly fair day -- generally dry with
a few sunny intervals developing, a 15 to 20mph WNW or NW'ly wind &
temperatures rising to around 10 C / 50F at sea level but of course several
degrees cooler over the hills & typically a 25mph NW'ly up
there.
Easter Sunday: Bright with sunny intervals &
just 1 or 2 showers passing over on a slightly less cool & mainly moderate W
or WNW'ly.
Monday: Mostly fair with some sunshine, early hill
mist lifting, still the risk of odd showers cropping up, probably light or
moderate winds from the W or NW but possibly veering N'ly to make it a little
cooler again.
|
DUBLIN BOUND (05-04-04)
|
Manx Harriers are organising a trip to the Dublin Grand
Prix of Race Walking being held on Sunday 27th June. There are races over
50km, 20km and 10km for seniors with a full programme of junior races. Anyone
interested in taking part or just travelling over as a spectator are urged to
contact Steve Taylor as soon as possible (tel: 473042 or email
[email protected]) as the number of flights are limited.
|
LANCASHIRE BOUND (05-04-04)
|
Di Shimell would like to remind
competitors hoping to enter the Lancashire Championships
that they must return the entry form and let her
have the travel costs by Saturday 17 April. On
Sunday on 2 of the 50 she is expecting to travel
had done so.
50 to travel? Amazing but that is
her estimation. The entry forms will be online
in the next couple of days.
|
NEXT WALKS
(05-04-04)
|
The next
event on the Island is the 20km Championships on Sunday 16th May starting at
10am. The event will be staged on the popular Ronaldsway Industrial
Estate course. Signing on from 9.15am at the Ronaldsway Sports and Social Club.
Anyone not wishing to compete over 20km can opt for either 10km or 5km,
there is also a junior event over 1, 2 or 3km depending on entries.
|
HEARD IT ALL BEFORE (05-04-04)
|
Sad person that I am, at midnight
tonight I started updating the information booklet
for our holiday cottage at Port Soderick (see www.murrayandmarie.com)
on my computer - the website has had to wait until
nearer 1 am. The cottage has been occupied
for a long winter let for the past four months but
of course all the things I said I would do when
I was relieved of my Saturday job for this period
have been left to the last minute as I battle against
time to get ready for the first tourists arriving
tomorrow lunchtime.
Anyway, my story is (Ronnie Corbett
style) that I switched on Manx Radio for the news
as I started and realised that, although I maybe
very tired, I was surely listening to the same news
as at 1 am the previous morning. At least I wasn't
cracking up - they apologised for the fact. They
obviously need to employ a few more staff on Douglas
Head.
Maybe when we have three radio stations
on the Island, one can have the current news, one
the past and one the future!
As I write (1 am) I am now able
to listen to today's news - they've got it right
this time!
|
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 10KM WALK
IMPROVES by Adrian Cowin (02-04-04)
|
I'm glad to report that the latest charts for this
weekend are more encouraging. The previously indicated general rain fronts are
now expected to be just showery troughs & even the timing of these features
are now likely to be more favourable. So, now I predict rain on Friday night
& at first on Saturday followed by bright or sunny intervals with just
occasional showers by afternoon & a fresh south to southwest wind.
Conditions for the 10KM walk championship etc on Sunday morning should be
reasonable; probably dry & bright with sunny spells, a moderate to fresh
west to southwest breeze & temperatures rising from 7 to 10 Celsius / 45-50F
--- the risk of showers now looks likely to be confined to as the afternoon goes
on, indeed they are more likely on Sunday evening. I'll do a final update from
work later on Saturday.
|
LAMBDEN CAMERA TAKES BREAK
FROM ATHLETICS (01-04-04)
|
Marie has gone on her annual trip
with her friend to the Grand National and taken
the family camera with her. So, if you are one of
the many digital camera owners around but assume
that I will be flashing at Peel tomorrow night and
the track on Sunday - I won't be.
|
I WAS THE APRIL FOOL thanks
to Manx Telecom (01-04-04)
|
I was up soon after 5 this morning
as I was taking Marie to the ferry and I started
to compile my April fools front page. I had changed
my mind several times about my line and then Graham
Davies and Paul Jackson sent me their contributions
the night before so I was a little overloaded.
But it was a little irrelevant as,
although I could download files from the internet
perfectly, I couldn't upload any. I checked with
Manx Telecom but they told me there was no problem.
It wasn't my webhost as I tried uplifting
to another completely separate site and it wasn't
my line as, when I reached work, I tried there as
well. Then, lo and behold, when I tried at 1.30,
everything worked perfectly.
|
PEEL HILL RUN by Chris
Quine (01-04-04)
|
If anyone fancies a "reccie" over Peel Hill in
advance of the race on Easter Saturday, meet at the House of Mannanan at 11 am
on Sunday.
|
TT APRIL FOOL (01-04-04)
|
David
Griffiths sent this one from the www.ttwebsite.com today, which did fool a
few people :
Governor's Bridge
Dip
Yet another part of the TTs heritage is to end this year, with the news that
Governors Bridge Dip is to be permanently closed. The Department of Transport
and the Department of Tourism and Leisure have decided that it is simply no
longer viable to keep open a stretch of road for 4 weeks of the year for the TT
and MGP when it has not been used as a public road for several years. With
effect from this years TT, the TT Course will be diverted onto the new
bridge, and the lap distance reduced by approximately 150 yards. This is not a
unique situation, however, as the Clypse Course, used for several TT races in
the 1950s, also took this route through Governors Bridge. This news is to be
officially announced at a Press Conference at the TT Grandstand this morning.
|
DAVE SMITH (Australian Race walker dq'd in
Isle of Man in 1985) speaks his mind via Steve
Partington (01-04-04)
|
That there be appointed a National Walks Coach and a
Junior National Walks Coach .. elected by our own governing body ..It is
quite apparent that John
Fitzgerald is only the AIS Walks coach and has no intention of fostering anything other than his own nest .I wouldnt be
surprised to see him take his Olympic trip to Greece
and piss off home to Canada...
He certainly hasn't made any impact on Racewalking in Australia to
date ..I dont suppose that he can use the EPO magic wand this Olympics
...
I am being deliberatley provocative and I would prefer
that most have an opinion one way or the other .... but last year at the
Walks conference in Cbr , Harry suggested that we go softly softly and not
upset the current regime whilst it is going thru the transition to the
Athletic Federation...So , since then we have all sat with our thmbs up our
bums waiting for a bloody miracle to happen and save our sport .
If you haven't looked around lately , we are probably in
the worst position we have ever been in , in regard to numbers ( male and
female )quality and age groups ....
WE NEED TO HELP OURSELVES NOW!!!! .
I know that Harry wants to be the president of the
Federation when we eventually become part of the Athletic Federation , and
that's fine .... But If he does not want to pick up the reins ...then someone
has to ... My putting my hand up last yr at the Cbr confernce and AGM
was born out of frustration ...that things were not happening the we
could change for the better ourselves ... I put it to all members that
respect of the status quo is one thing ... If you are as passionate about your
sport as I am .. then put your hand up and help
pump put the bilges before we sink and turn this bloody large ship around .
|
LANCASHIRE TRACK & FIELD
CHAMPIONSHIPS 2004 by Di Shimell (01-04-04)
|
Manx Harriers are organising a trip
to the Lancashire Track & field Championships
at Stanley Park, Blackpool, on Saturday 15 May and
Sunday 16 May.
For entry forms, travel arrangements
and costs please contact Di Shimell on 623582 or
ansaphone 674942. Or alternatively see her at the
track Monday to Thursday 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm.
|
MIDDLE DISTANCE RACES by Chris
Quine (01-04-04)
|
Part of the strategy to develop middle distance
running is to encourage and facilitate racing on the island. This will mean that
runners to not have to worry about having to cover other events - as they often
have to in League competitions - or travelling.
We are going to try a couple of races and see how
this goes. If successful it could be extended over the season.
Wednesday 21st April - 1500m - at the NSC.
Wednesday 19th May - 3000m - at the
NSC
Start times to be advised.
It is intended to use pacemakers to encourage fast
times.
This in initiative relies on the races being
supported. It would great to see a few "head to heads" over the season.
Ultimately, these races are intended to help the athletes develop and
improve.
|
WALKING VIDEO by David Griffiths
(01-04-04)
|
I have arranged to show the video I
took of the recent Race Walking events at the NSC and Leamington, in the Manx Harriers Clubhouse after the 10k
Championship Walks on Sunday. Thanks to Marie and Paul who have offered to loan
their spare TV/video for the day.
The video features about 30-35
minutes of the various races at the Open Walks Meeting at the NSC on the 28th
February, followed by about 45 minutes of the 20k race from the National
Championships at Leamington a couple of weeks ago. Arrange a late lunch on
Sunday !
|
MANX MOUNTAIN MARATHON GUEST
OF HONOUR (01-04-04)
|
The Guest of Honour for this years race will be
Douglas Councillor Stephen Pitts who is also the Deputy Mayor of Douglas.
Stephen is a big supporter of the local Fell Running scene having sponsored two
races, the Laxey Fell Race and Carraghan Race for 15 consecutive years through
his painting and decorating firm. He wil present the prizes at next Saturdays
presentation at the Ocean Castle Hotel.
|