Enfield League 5 miles

This series of fixtures has grown in popularity over the past few years and this race saw a field of about 40 toe the line, including five Surrey Walking Club. The Club men’s team of three included the Olympic silver medallist from Tokyo, Paul Nihil, who also presented the prizes and had evidently been doing some training.

The afternoon was fairly windy and cool, ruling out fast times on the one mile laps up and down a noticeable gradient. Heather Fenton was the first home of our two ladies after a very even paced race in 5^th place among the women's field. The rest of us slowed after a start geared to the fairly short distance rather than the conditions. It was good to seen Nolan Simmons back after a long absence abroad although his pace was limited by a temporary problem. Nolan is a fine example of a successful athletic career in spite of diabetes and the limit it placed on him during this race was very unusual and did not prevent him completing the race. Altogether this was a promising start for the coming summer season even if a trifle slow. The return of our faster members should bring the Surrey up the results sheet.

 Results:

13.P.Hannell 47 min 49 sec; 21. Heather Fenton 50 min 31 sec; 25. P.Nihil 52 min 13 sec;

30 Pam Ficken 57 min 27 sec; 36 N.Simmons 60 min 36 sec.