The End to End is now the third longest racewalk in the British Isles at 39.2m with a 400 strong field. Starting from the most northerly point in Isle of Man, the Point of Ayre with extensive views of Scotland and Northern Ireland and finishing at the most south easterly point, The Sound. The weather was frost early on but became warm and sunny for the duration and (unusually for this island) windfree giving ideal racing conditions..
The course varied from undulating to mountainous which accounted for the large variation in times of the finishers. Both of the Surrey Walking Club members finished someway behind the leaders but showed determination to beat the many inclines. The first, Iain Thomson, a new member but experienced long distance walker inside 9 hours and so well over 4 miles an hour while David Hoben took almost a further hour but showed great determination to finish. |