| Surrey Walking Club’s 7 mile Championship and Handicap race avoided the heavy rain, strong winds and cold temperatures promised for the day although the threatened weather might of accounted for the rather low numbers who were all Surrey members. Mark Easton won. This fact was not in itself surprising, being the only international walker present, but was made remarkable by the fact that this is Mark’s 24th victory in this event. On this occasion there was no serious challenge but he still finished a minute inside 8 minute mile pace. Despite the size of the field the next four places were very competitive although Paul broke away early and stayed a minute ahead. Chris Flint had an excellent race to win the handicap as he got in front of Statter and Hannell at one point and although the hills on the last two laps saw him struggle to hold the other two he finished only a couple of seconds to the rear in the trio. Nolan Simmons was back but still held back by injury and it was good to see the Club Captain in the field again. Eighty-two and half year old Jack Fitzgerald was also on the road having decided that 5 miles was would avoid keeping the judges out too long and he successfully completed this target. There’s no stopping these walkers! |