The first of the big open races of the season was held over six laps adjoining the east side of Wimbledon Common where the flat common falls away most steeply. We are told the aim was to find a secure, almost traffic free, road circuit but a search for the steepest ups and downs in the area would have met with equal success on this lap. Undeterred, a smallish field set of along the only flat section on this cool afternoon and the course soon separated the fast and fit from those with those slightly unfit or slower.

While the winner skipped happily up and down the hills without pause even Surrey Walking Club’s Mark Easton had to give way but returned a satisfactory time and good position all things considered. Paul King (second claim) and Nolan Simmons were the most successful of the Surrey members with the latter even beating a cautious Shaun Lightman who was carrying a slight injury. Peter Hannell became isolated mid-race and mid-field and was sharply and only partially awakened by being caught by the very competitive first three in the women’s race. Just behind these three we saw a very good performance at 4^th lady from Heather Fenton, a new member and new-comer to Race Walking, showing much promise. 4^th team in the men’s race was as good as we could expect although Ilford in 3^rd were only 6 points ahead.

Results:

7 miles - Men: 3^rd M.Easton 54 min 7 sec; 12.P.King 63 min 50 sec; 18. P.Hannell 67 min 46 sec; 22.N.Simmons 70 min 34 sec ;  23.S.Lightman 71 min 15 sec.

Team result: 4^th Surrey Walking Club with 43 points.

7 miles - Women: 4. Heather Fenton 71 min 20 sec.