1983 – Manx Airlines 20km / 10km Walks

 

Kevin Madigan reported the walk for the Manx Star and few could argue with the following extract of his report:

 

“One of the largest crowds ever a local walk turned up on Saturday last to watch Commonwealth Games Walking Champion Steve Barry compete in Manx Airlines 20 Km walk at King George V Park, Douglas.

 

“The race, held in somewhat murky weather conditions, turned out to be a very special treat for everyone at track side as the witnessed the greatest display of race walking ever seen in Britain.”

 

18 years later, that time recorded on 26 February 1983 remains the third fastest ever by a British walker, behind those other two greats Ian McCombie and Chris Maddocks. The latter two were to adapt to the modern style of even paced racing, or even negative splits. Steve Barry was more of the Paul Nihill mould – flat out from the gun. No one who witnessed this performance, and that included those of us who were frequently lapped, will ever forget the courage of Barry. He covered the first mile in 6.18 and made Murray Lambden, who did one of his fastest ever in 7.01, look as if he was walking to the shops! 10km in 41.06, 15 km in 61.43, 10 miles in 66.15 and onwards to a British and Commonwealth record of 82.51.

 

Andy Garrett knocked over 10 minutes of his best, John Cannell recorded what at the time was his personal best, Allan Callow walked a steady walk but was actually slower than his then regular Tuesday night training sessions with Murray Lambden. Lambden walked what was to be the 3^rd best 20km of his career at the start of what or season that promised so much but ended in injury and illness induced retirement just 9 months later.

 

Women’s walking, so long dominated by Irene Corlett, saw two personal bests from Margaret Brooks and Ann Cain who, with Irene, became the team ti beat in Britain over thenext couple of years.

 

 

 

Position	Christian Name	Surname	Time	Club / Country
1	Steve	Barry	01:22:51	Roath Labour Walking Club
2	Murray	Lambden	01:33:25	Boundary Harriers
3	Allan	Callow	01:38:40	Boundary Harriers
4	John	Cannell	01:41:02	Boundary Harriers
5	Andy	Garrett	01:42:56	Boundary Harriers

 

 

 

Position	Christian Name	Surname	Time	Club / Country
1	Margaret	Brooks	00:56:24	Boundary Harriers
2	Ann	Cain	00:58:45	Boundary Harriers
3	Ann	Kelly	01:02:53	Boundary Harriers