‘A ‘Quarter Century of Running’

After leaving school, many years ago, the first race that I took part in was at the “Fire Service College” in 1982. The college is at Morton in Marsh, Gloustershire; I was there attending the first part of an ‘Officers Training Course’ which lasted for 12 weeks; it was split into two sections consisting of six weeks each.

The running boom had just started; students, from the various courses being held at the college at the time, raced against each other. The route was round the perimeter track of the college which is built on a Second World War airfield. (Some of you oldies may remember a radio show many years ago, which featured ‘Much Binding in the Marsh’, well this was the place that the show was based upon). The distance of the race was just over three miles. With no help from me, my course won the trophy for first team. I was hooked and I have never stopped running since, albeit getting slower nowadays.

My next target was to be the first ever Blackpool Promenade 10K, held in 1983, which I successfully finished in 42: 53. This year’s Prom. Run is the 25^th and I have completed 19 of the previous 24; the only thing that prevented me from taking part in the others was not being able to get time off work.

Since 1983, I have taken part in hundreds of races on road, fell, cross-country and trail, ranging from a couple of miles up to marathon distance.

At one stage in my running career I would feature well up on the front page of the results sheets but unfortunately those days have long gone. I am, however, well pleased that, now I am in my mid 60’s, I can still keep plodding round.

The main thing that has changed over more recent years is that I now seem to be marshalling at more races than those that I run in. I quite enjoy watching the faster runners going by. (It’s the only chance I have of seeing them.) Of course the other enjoyment that I have is encouraging fellow club members and others along. (That should create some comment.)

I did say ‘enjoyment’, but that changed at the St. Annes 10 held on 4^th.March 2007. As you all know the weather was atrocious - gale force winds complete with the obligatory rain making the worst conditions for running. I, along with others, were marshalling at St. Annes Pier. Not only did we watch the runners out, but, we had to wait for them to return. I can tell you Dave Waywell’s ears must have been red hot. Despite the fact that we were wind blasted and wet through, I had a great time; the craic with the runners was superb. The weather won’t put me off - just yet!!

HERE’S TO MY NEXT ‘QUARTER OF A CENTURY’ OF RUNNING. (I WISH!)

Written by: John Whiteman

Submitted: 12^th March 2007

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor