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Uniform win by Manx post women
The first walking race for postal staff
wearing postmen’s uniforms in this country was held in 1962 around the
remains of the Roman Wall in the City of London, writes Graham Young. I recollect seeing film of it
in the Strand Cinema in Douglas about one week later in the Pathe News round up
of novelty events. Last Saturday saw the 50th annual race in this series, which
evolved from a competition for London staff, to postal workers from all over
the country about 25 years ago. The venue , as of recent years, were the
roads adjacent to Mount Pleasant Sorting Office, once the largest in the
word when it employed over 3000 workers.
The guest starter this year was none other
than the winner of the inaugural race, 76 years " young", Ray
Middleton, for many years Britain’ leading 50 kilometer race-walker.
Despite a nasty fall shortly after the start,
Dave Turner from Brighouse displayed impeccable technique to claim
his fourteenth consecutive victory in the men’s 6 miles event,
bringing his total to 17 in all.
Highest Manxman was Richard Creer
in 17 place in 53 minutes,53 seconds. Ray Middleton went out of his way to tell
me he thought " Your new fellow has great potential". I don’t
think he meant John Cannell, as John has supported this event enthusiastically
for years now. On this occasion he finished twenty first, in 66.05.
Peel postwoman, Roie Crellin was prevented by
injury from defending her crown of last year. However Cal Partington, who works
in Douglas Sorting Office, returned to repeat her domination as in 2009. On
that occasion she re-wrote the record book, in spite taking a wrong turn at the
first bend, when she arrived before the marshal was in place. In yet an other
Championship Best Time of 25.04, she led Mother and Daughter Muneerer and Sam
Quayle to team victory for the Isle of Man Post Office. Muneerer took
bronze as she did last year, but with a 48 second improvement’, and
Sam improved some 2minutes 38!
Results:- 50th Annual postmen’s Walk in
Uniform, London 24 September 2011
Ladies 3 miles
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1)
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Cal Partington
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25.04
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IOMPO
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2)
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K.
Howard
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30.45
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Benfleet
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3)
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M.
Quayle
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31.22
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IOMPO
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4)
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S.
Quayle
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35.42
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IOMPO
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17)
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M.
Sertin
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41.07
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IOMPO
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18)
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J.
Hill
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41.08
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IOMPO
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19)
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J.
Bannister
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41.08
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IOMPO
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20)
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A. Kay
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41.09
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IOMPO
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Team 1) IOMPO 12 points 2) Mount Pleasant
15 6) I0MPO "B" team 54
Mens 6 miles
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1)
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Dave Turner
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51.58
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Brighouse
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2)
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Steve Allan
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54.12
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Mount Pleasant
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3)
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Denis Jackson
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54.17
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York
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4)
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Sean Martindale
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54.50
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York
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17)
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Richard Creer
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63.53
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IOMPO
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21)
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John Cannell
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66.05
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IOMPO
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33)
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Paul Nihill
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74.06
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Rochester
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Team 1) Mount Pleasant 26 points
2)
York
28
3) Edinburgh 60
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