2018 Douglas

Race walking

Centurions qualifying race 2018

18th-19th August 2018

Athletics track, National Sports Centre, Douglas, Isle of Man

writes Graham Young:

Conditions were bright and breezy at the stroke of noon, as the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor John Joughin dropped the three-laggard national flag of the Isle of Man to dispatch representatives of seven nations on the first of their 402 x 400 meter laps of Manxland's National Sports Centre.

"Lull before a storm" could not have been more apt; as at midnight the tail end of Hurricane Ernesto struck, and struck hard. Nearly 7 mm of rain fell in the next hour, with a total of 8 mm over a five hour period. Winds averaged 28 miles per hour, with gusts of 6/7 on the Beaufort Scale

President’s Report on the 100 Miles in 24 Hours Event at the NSC, Douglas, Isle of Man:

I am pleased to be able to report on a very successful track 100 miles/24 hours promotion on 18/19th August 2018 at the National Sports Centre, Douglas, Isle of Man.

From 23 starters, 13 completed the 100 miles (just one went on a bit further!) There would have been more finishers but for the overnight storm which caused several retirements. Well done to the 13 who showed great resilience in the most appalling conditions. Five Belgian athletes took part, the largest ever group from their country and they all finished!

We enjoyed full civic support. The Mayor’s reception at Douglas Town Hall on the Friday evening was a memorable occasion and he also started the race on Saturday. The staff at the NSC were most helpful. The Douglas Yacht Club provided a good venue for the Technical Meeting (Friday) and the Sunday evening presentations and buffet. Mark Byrne C870 provided and presented the Manx Crystal Glass awards and I did the RWA (EA) medals.

The chip recording system was very satisfactory and the operators very helpful. Security was good. Refreshments and support were very satisfactory. The overworked judges and officials did a great job. Thanks to all concerned.

There was an excellent commentary during the race and a very nice video was produced.

Very well done to Graham Young C383 and his team!

Eric Horwill, President, The Centurions 1911

In 2016, Dave Talcott (USA) gained Centrions status in his home New York State, enduring 36 degree heat for race victory, becoming American badge holder number 88.

Prior to the race, he declared the intent on becoming British Centurion number 1188, the next available number! He won again, but had strong winds in the opening stages, a misty humid spell to contend with for five hours overnight.

The former US Olympic trialist produced a master-class of pace judgement, with only the occasional drop in pace, when vigorously shaking his hands to off-set the numbness the conditions produced. His winning time, despite the adversities, was only 2 minutes slower than his Stateside one.

Dave's wife Erin, activist for equality for women in international walking, later admitted that she made an error by not donning wet-weather gear soon enough. However she did not concede retirement easily, and attempted to recover from hypothermia with shelter and sleep under cover for a period, but to no avail.

Richard Gerrard unfortunately was the first retirement, after circulating in company of fast starting Paul Jensen for numerous circuits.

Karen Chiarello (pictured below crossing the line) from the gun, and always held an podium position in the overall race. At half way, she was ahead of the eventual winner, Dave Talcott, but strength sapping conditions cost her preciousness energy.

A stop for a change into drier clothing may have cost Karen five minutes at that time, but contributed considerably to her comfort and chances of survival. In winning the RWA Championship, her final time was three and a half hours faster than Jane Faquhar's Manx track record. Additionally, many of her split times may become ratified as Inaugural Manx Track Records.

Jane's hubby, Dale's previous attempt to join the exclusive fraternity was scuppered when officials withdrew him during the race on medical grounds. This time, Dale settled to doggedly endure the discomfort of bleeding feet, and stoppages to attend to his insulin needs. Originally targeting the 24 hours category, he may have been a little surprised to find himself leading, and ultimately winning the RWA Championship, after the retirement of the defending champion, James Bassett.

Considered "Man Of The Match", he was awarded a special trophy for being "Combatif"!

Approaching fifty miles into the race, the British Record Holder for 100 kilometres track, Ed Shillibeer's gallant efforts were curtailed by the President of the Centurions, Eric Horwill in his capacity as race Referee. The 79 years-old, the most senior to finish a Parish, had developed a severe list to starboard.

Graham Young on Facebook commented: Seriously, though. I have the upmost respect for Ed's gallant efforts. Let's remember that he did not retire, and fought on despite his obvious discomfort, and it was the race referee that decided that he was doing himself more harm than good and curtailed his race!

Five Belgians started, and five finished. At one stage the were walking 'line-astern', reminiscent of a team trial cycling squad.

The fastest lap of the day was produced by Dutchman, Frank van der Guilk, as he sprinted to complete his hundred miles. After a brief rest draped in a space blanket, he rejoined the fray, and was the only walker brave enough to continue beyond 100 miles.

This won the 24 hours category, completing 422 laps.

Below: winner Dave Talcott; Karen Chiarello (21) Erin Talcott (10); Sandra Brown; Dale Farquhar (17) winner of the RWA 100 miles Championship

The event produced the following eight new Centurions:

Dave Talcott Centurion 1188
Paul Jansen, Centurion 1189
Ignace Matthys, Centurion 1190
Dale Farquhar, Centurion 1191
Kris Hazenbosch, Centurion 1192
Marco Bloemerts, Centurion 1193
Patrick Vandeweyer, Centurion 1194
Annic Deman, Centurion 1195

Full results -Race Walking Association National Long Distance 100-mile Championship:

1 Dave Talcott 18hr 55min 41sec;

2 Karen Chiarello 20:07.56;

3 Paul Jansen 20:52.45;

4 Ignace Matthys 21:00.06;

5 Frank van der Gulik 21:44.31;

6 Dale Farquhar 22:03.27;

7 Sandra Brown 22:05.01;

8 Kris Hazenbosch 22:12.58;

9 Marco Bloemerts 22:40.48;

10 Patrick Vandeweyer 22:45.31;

11 Chris Van Cauwenberghe 22:48.18;

12 Annic Deman 23:11.35;

13 Martin Fisher 23:43.52.