Ron Barlow who ran the second leg for Wallasey Athletic' Club in the Sefton Park road relays held last Saturday, was only five seconds slower than the course record, the distance being over 3¼ miles. This performance by Barlow assisted the team attaining fifth position in the championships.
Mark Aldridge ran the first leg in a time of 18 mins. 41 secs., and handed over to Barlow in thirteenth position, and after Barlow's courageous run, his time being 15 mins. 29 secs., the club lay fourth. Brian Woolford then ran very well to pull the club up to second place behind Wirral Athletic Club who had led from the beginning of the race. Woolford's time was 16 mins. 49 secs. Barrie Smith and Alan Keating both ran extremely well considering that they were competing against older and more experienced runners, Smith holding third position, and Keating fourth position for the club, their times being 17 mins. 24 secs. and 18 mins. 11 secs. respectively. Doug Hanna crossed the line to finish for the team in fifth position after being unable to hold off a strong challenge from Pembroke Harriers.
The winners of the championships were Wirral Athletic Club, with overall time of 101 mins. 11 secs., followed home by Liverpool Athletic Club, Sutton Harriers and Pembroke Harriers; Wallasey Athletic Club's final time being 105 mins. 18 secs.
Wallasey Athletic Club also ran a 'B' team and each member enjoyed this opportunity of an early competitive race although the team was unable to finish high in the placings.
Today the club is competing in the first race of the Liverpool & District Club League, the race
being held at Woolton over a 6-mile course. We hope that the club will finish in a higher
position than last week, it is considered that the extra distance will be of additional advantage to our team.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 16/10/1965 by J.M.
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