Castletown to Peel Road Race – Tuesday 18 June 2002

Organised by Western AC

Report by Murray Lambden. Pictures by Paula Curphey except for below (ML).

The spoils of victory. First ever win for Ian Gale.

30 runners, the best for several years, set off from Castletown Football Stadium, at around 7.05 and it was Murray Lambden who took the lead in order to report the action some four hours later!

But it was a very steady pace at the start with up to 9 runners in the bunch and Ian Gale was always very relaxed on my shoulder. Just before Cross Four Ways Peter Hughes took the lead and Ian went with him. On the first climb beyond Cross Four Ways, Peter and Ian pulled ahead while Brian Osbourne and Ian Ronan went ahead of Murray, Paul Curphey and Mike Garrett.

Fell running expect Ian Ronan, in his first ever road race, did not maintain his challenge but Brian Osbourne was determined to keep his third spot after being re-passed briefly by Murray. On the early part of the Ballamohda, Brian Osbourne suddenly pulled up with a hamstring pull. He has been suffering with a hip and back problem for some weeks but the runners did appreciate Brian staying out to encourage them before heading for Nobles for some treatment.

First ever road race for Ian Ronan

The never ending climb up Ballamodha saw Ian and Peter continue to pull ahead with Murray Lambden, Paul Curphey  and Mike Garrett chopping and changing in their inherited 3rd to 5th position. The gap was such that I could not see exactly where Ian Gale made his move but it was decisive.

He powered ahead and extended his lead on the fast down hill stretches through Foxdale. The course turned left at the Hope and left again at Tynwald and followed the main road to Peel Football stadium. Ian’s first ever win in the sport came just three days after finishing third in the Patrick Fell Race for a great win in 1.3.37.

Peter Hughes continues to consolidate his position as an ultra reliable distance runner and was rewarded with second place for his decisive move early on. Murray pulled ahead of Paul and Mike at the top of the climb and had brief hopes of catching Peter but the gap only shortened briefly. Mike got ahead of Paul for several miles before Paul worked his way back only for Mike to produce a big sprint finish.

How much more can he improve? A great run by Peter Hughes for second place.

Kevin Vondy was delighted with his 6th spot ahead of Ian Ronan and Paul Curphey number 2. Paul is not only a runner but also a rally driver and Island Games cycling medallist. In addition he has represented the Isle of Man at football, swimming and gymnastics. Oh and he works for a living at the family leather business in Castle Street in Douglas.

Paul Curphey ahead of Kevin Vondy. Kevin passed Paul and Ian Ronan before the finish at Peel Football stadium.

I’m afraid I don’t know much about the battles further down the field but would welcome any stories if you would like to email [email protected]

Island Games athletes Helen Simpson and Jane Mooney took the gold and silver awards for women with Sue Furner, who finished last year’s Parish Walk, the third finisher.

Third place to Sue Furner.

The weather was pretty favourable. A tail wind helped the runners most of the way although they turned into the wind for the last two or three miles at St Johns.

Results