Five of the more hardy members of Wallasey Athletic Club travelled to Birmingham last Saturday to take part in the Tipton Harriers 5 times 4 miles road relay. The course ran through the streets of Tipton and was very hilly, and was not made any easier by the persistently strong wind which seemed to be in one's face for a good 3 miles of each lap.
The race was started by Jack Holden of Tipton H., whom many people no doubt remember as a competitor in the 1948 Olympic marathon and winner of the Empire Games marathon in New Zealand in 1950 - in his bare feet!
At the end of the first lap John Wright - easily the finest club man we have - brought, us into 4th position in a time which was not approached by any other Club runners. Dave White and Phil Townsend ran well, but their inexperience told against senior runners and we dropped to 13th. Grammar School captain Tony Townsend ran a searing leg to pull us back to 8th position and made our final place secure and at least respectable. Pete White ran a dull leg and I think was lucky not to drop a place.
Ron Barlow'S MILE
At the same time Ron Barlow was competing for Cheshire against the Christie Club in a track meeting. I have not had any official results at the time of writing, but Cheshire lost the match by 10pts., and Barlow won the mile in a time varyingly reported from 4.20 to 4.36.
Wallasey A.C. v. Sefton
Track captain Carl Gee has asked me to remind all members that there will be a match versus Sefton H. & A.C. on May 8, at Club H. Q., commencing at 7 p.m. I am sure that if intending competitors could drop Carl a line at 78 King Street, it would be very helpful in picking a team, but anyone who turns up will be assured of a race.
IMPROMPTU
Another of the popular impromptu t rack meetings organised by the very hard working local officials will be held on May 14, at Port Sunlight Oval. All one has to do is to turn up and pay 6d, for each event one fancies, and the competition is forthcoming - I can heartily recommend these meetings and am sure members will enjoy them.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 03/05/1958 by Spike
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