In the somewhat short period between the end of the cross-country season and the commencement of the track activities, most athletic clubs find time to fit in a few weeks road racing.
This ultra short season culminates in the London to Brighton road realy, a sort of national championship in which the very best English teams compete. This type of running is very exciting since it calls for all the stamina of a cross-country runner coupled with the speed of a track runner.
This year Wallasey A.C. have decided to follow suit and are holding a road handicap from their H.Q. at Leasowe. There will be two races, one of three miles for the boys and one of about four miles for the combined youths, juniors and seniors. All club members are invited to turn out; even the track men should enjoy the run and it will be a grand opportunity of opening one's summer training with a race.
The boys' race should provide an exciting tussle between Ron Barlow and Tony Townsend and a lot will depend on the handicapping, which may just give Tony the chance to build up a winning lead; though he will have a hard job holding off Ron who makes a point of doing his running from the front.
The race for the older members is far more open, since the absence of Roy Shaw leaves us without a really outstanding runner. The distance will be slightly in favour of the juniors and of these either John Lynch or the neglected Colin Harris could surprise us. The youths' section could supply the winner, and it is here that the handicappers could be misled for the form of these boys changes so often that it is hard to know how any of them will fare.
Another runner who must be taken into consideration is the senior Dave Standfast. Dave will, I expect have a good mark, but it must also be remembered that he will be running considerably less than his usual distance.
This race, therefore, will be probably the most exciting, and the course, which is down Leasowe Road, Reeds Lane, Digg Lane and back up Leasowe Road, is very flat so times will be fast.
The Club have arranged to have track training facilities at Leasowe from April 4th, and track and field ahletes old or new will be assured of a welcome. We would particularly like to see some lady members down, as the club's ladies section always seem to start the season in a depleted condition.
Anyone interested should contact Mr. R.F. Hubbard, 44 Tollemache Street, Wallasey, or Mr. Woolley, 8 Bradman Road, Moreton.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 26/03/1955 by SPIKE
Ref 1119