As ever the junior races were first away but with
the smallest field for a number of years with only four toeing the line. Lauren
Whelan was first home by almost a minute from Bronwen Kaneen who in turn was
always clear of Kirsty Taylor. Kirsty however won the handicap by 36 seconds
from Lauren. The times were slower this week although I feel sure it was less to
do with the conditions and more to do with the fact that the first two girls
along with Sinead Kaneen who was the sole entrant in the 1km, were also
competing in the cross country later in the afternoon.
The 5km race produced what is arguably the
performance of the day with another youngster stealing the show. This time it
was 13 year old Callum Taylor in only his second ever outing over 5km winning by
a clear margin. Showing good pace and technique Callum was able to use his
senior rivals and those in the 10km race to pull him round a new personal best
time. Enid Watson just pipped Adrian Cowin for although Adrian was rewarded with
another pb. Marie Latham stormed round to record the fastest time of the day
whilst Allan Callow in his first race for quite some time brought the field home
but still looking far from his best.
Ian Callister gave up his handicap and
started later so as to get some competition, he also promised that he would be
much faster this time round as he hadn’t competed in the hill league the day
before. He was certainly faster, almost six minutes, but this honesty/generosity
cost him overall victory. Massive improvements by John Robinson and Jane Leece
put them ahead of Ian but it was newcomer Andrew Gosnell walking so much faster
than his Peel to Douglas performance who came home over two minutes ahead of the
John in a respectable 64.24. Indeed all of the first seven set their best times
for the series in this race which included fastest man of the day Dave Griffiths
consolidating his recent performance with a 54.27 clocking. At the back of the
field looking jaded were Mark Stewart, Dave Wilkinson and Alan Kinvig all well
below there best on the day.
The now traditional buffet and raffle were held at
the Tynwald Inn after the race. Our most grateful thanks go to the staff of the
Tynwald In and to all those who supported the event by donating prizes and
buying tickets.
