The junior walkers set of together but in the middle of the seniors who started at intervals. This gave the young athletes someone to chase, the result was a series best for all those in the 2km as they tore past their senior rivals in a close and exciting race. Abbi Moore stopped as planned at 1km to take the solo victory, Sinead Kaneen on this occasion had stepped up to contest the longer distance. Lauren Whelan was well ahead but by being able to chase down the seniors enabled her to beat her own under 13 record once again. Behind her a strong last lap by Bronwen Kaneen gave her the edge over Fay Latham and in a neck and neck race to the line Kirsty Taylor got the nod ahead of Sinead. Sinead did however have the consolation of victory on handicap.  

Personal bests were also needed in the 5km in order to take victory and this was done in some style by 14 year old Emmas Latham. Emma set off at a great rate of knots and kept this up throughout to smash her personal best by almost a minute to take victory ahead of Adrian Cowin who improved his best once again. His final lunge for the line kept him ahead of Marie Latham who set a new veteran ladies record in the process. Things certainly abode well for Emma and the other Manx juniors as they prepare for the National Younger Age Group Championships next month on Leamington.  

In the main event the first eleven finishers all recorded best times for the series so far. Dot Watterson was just prevented from taking her second successive league victory by the fast fiishing GB international Neil Bates. Allan Callow made a welcome return to fitness taking third whilst Jan Hodgson's hard work over the winter finally looks to be paying dividends with a first ever sub 66 clocking. However the main plaudits must go to Peter Kaneen who broke 45 minutes for the first time ever and in doing so set a new veterans mens record of 44.48. Sean Hands improved yet again and nudges ever so close to 55, surely this will come in the next race. Jane Leece, Mark Stewart and Lesley Christian were delighted with their pb performances whilst Andrew Gosnell and Brenda Charlton although setting pbs feel sure that there is more to come. 

The next and final race in the series will be held on March 14th at the NSC. All walkers will start together for this race, once again please sign on in time for a 10am start. There will be a buffet after the race with the presentation of awards for the series.

Before that we have the Manx Harriers Invitation walks on Saturday February 28th which will give local athletes a chance to test themselves against some of the best that Britain and Ireland have to offer. There are races over 50km, 20km, 10km and a junior one mile. The entry form can be downloaded here or by contacting Bridget Kaneen at [email protected] 

On March 12th the Veteran Ladies are organising a fund raising event to be held at the South Douglas Old Friends Association on Finch Road. The evening will comprise a quiz, disco, buffet and a live music by Twisted Angels. Anyone who attended the Manx Harries event held at Douglas Rugby Club last year will know that it is worth making the effort to attend just to hear this band. Tickets are available form Brenda Charlton, Enid Watson or Margie Killey. The evening kicks off at 7.30pm.