The Northern Counties marathon championship was held for the first time in Lancashire, with Pembroke A. & C.C. the organisers. On all previous occasions it has been held in Yorkshire in conjunction with either the Doncaster-Sheffield or Hull marathons. Of the 48 entries 37 came under starter's orders.
Weather conditions were ideal, warm with a slight breeze; and it was felt that a good time would be set up. Brian Woolford, running his first official marathon, proved to be the one to do it.
At the 5 mile check Nunn held a lead over the field with a time of 26:28, .followed by Howe and Barlow (26:53). Also with these two were Hodgson and Beesley. Then came another group, all in the 27 min. region: Gomersall, Highton, Carroll, Walsham and Thompson.
Ten miles was reached in 54.33 with Nunn and Barlow running together and Howe a second behind. They were followed by Beesley (with the leaders), Carroll (54:52), Woolford (55:41), Gomersall (56:22) and Highton (56:26).
Starting on the second lap at about 13 miles Barlow had opened up a gap of almost 100 yards, but at 15 miles Howe was again at his shoulder (1:21.36). Then came Beesley (1:22:19), Carroll (1:22:24). Woolford (1:22:29) and Hodgson (1:22:39). The field ran into a rainstorm at 20 miles but this did not affect the times and the leader. Barlow, passed through in 1:49:52. His Wallasey clubmate Woolford was beginning to make up ground and was now 2nd (1:50:01) ahead of Howe (1:50:33), Nunn (1:53:49), Doyle (1:55:25) and Hodgson (1:55:49).
Woolford caught Barlow at 23 miles and pulled right away to win in the very good time of 2:23:41. Barlow held on to 2nd place ahead of Howe. There were 27 finishers with 5 gaining First Class AAA Standards, 8 gaining Second Class and 5 Third Class. Six qualified for First Class RRC standards and 13 for Second Class.
1. B. Woolford (Wallasey) 2:23.41
2. R. Barlow (Wallasey) 2:26.07
Ends
Source - Athletics Weekly - Saturday, 20/07/1963 by C.A.B.
Ref 2172