It was pleasing to note Councillor Reakes's reference in his "Looking Around" column, to S. C. Wooderson's great achievement in making the new world of 4 mins. 6 two-fifth seconds for the mile.
This amazing athlete was forgotten by practically all journalists in their summaries of the year's events. Wooderson's years of intensive careful training brought him very near to perfect physical fitness on the day when he set up the the new world figures, yet this wonderful runner is convinced he can get still nearer to that four minute mile.
One of Wallasey Athletic Club's " Old Boys" in Alan Pennington, was another outstanding athlete of 1937, winning many fine races and representing England on numerous occasions. His old club has watched his rather rapid rise to fame with great interest and wish him every success in the coming season.
Turning to events nearer home, last New Year was marked by a practical success in the West Lancashire Novice Cross-Country Championship, Wallasey A.C. gaining 3rd team place. W. P. Davey was third in the West Lancs. Junior Championship and 1st in the corresponding Liverpool District race. J. Edwards was dependably good throughout the cross-country season and deservedly won the Club Championship. On the track, R. Leach carried the Club colours into 2nd place on two occasions in open mile handicaps. A newcomer in R. Arden won his heat in the 100 yards at practically every meeting, but failed to get a place in the finals. He should do well next summer. The trouble in summer is the lack of training facilities and dressing accommodation. However, Wallasey A.C. have recently received a letter from the Amateur Athletic Association's Physical Fitness Committee who are working hand in hand with the National Fitness Council and it is interesting to know that these bodies are going to press for an athletic ground for every town. It is not fair to blame the local Council for their lack of support, although it is significant that the Wallasey authorities have no representative on the Lancashire and Cheshire Area Committee, recently set up under the National Fitness Council. The Wallasey Council are naturally loth to put money into a venture which they know practically nothing about but they must wake up to the fact that this business of getting fit concerns every man and woman in. the Borough - those who do not think it concerns them are only shelving the truth. Every minute spent in the quest of fitness will be repaid a thousand fold as will the outlay involved.
The festive season over, Wallasey Athletic Club turns its thoughts to the approaching Cross-Country Championships, which will be held a month to-day at Makerfield. Although some of the members became a little unathletic over the holidays the Club's best runners fully availed themselves of the additional opportunities for exercise.
To-day, Wallasey go to St. Helens to run against the famous Sutton Club, who won the Northern Counties Championship and went on to secure 3rd place in the National Championship last season.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 08/01/1938
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