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Ultradistance racing returns to Jenner Park Stadium this weekend with the twentieth annual staging of the Barry 40 Miles Track Race. On 9th March, 1986 the event made a dramatic impact on the sport when Cardiff lady Ann Franklin decimated the world record for 40 miles, clocking 4 hours 47 minutes 27 seconds, and, for good measure, set three further world best marks at 25 miles, 30 miles and 50 Kms. Since that day, the race has become a statisticians’ delight, with 55 world best performances being set, the most recent one occurring last year when Geoff Oliver set a new World 40 Mile best for Over 70 Men!
This year’s line-up is the usual mix of familiar faces and newcomers stepping up to the distance for the first time. Thirty athletes have entered, from not only all parts of the UK but from France and Switzerland too. Pre-race favourite, if such a thing exists in such an arduous event, is Stuart Buchan from Kingston-upon-Hull. Last year Stuart led from the gun, building a lead of 9 minutes by the 30 mile mark. However, a late challenge from Sheffield’s Stephen Pope saw him catch Stuart with just five of the 161 laps remaining, emphasising just how cruel this event can be.
The race again incorporates the Welsh Ultradistance Championship, and three times winner Andy Cleves, of host club Les Croupiers, returns to defend his title. He could face a tough challenge from John Pares of Buckley Running Club, who placed an excellent 6th in last October’s London-Brighton.
Local man Gary Hyatt has contested the event eight times, culminating in a bronze medal in the Welsh Championship two years ago. He returns to the fray once more, and wife Pip and daughters Kate and Sally will be logging every step of his progress, as well as providing refreshments for the army of support staff, which will be greatly appreciated.
The field will include two ladies who are new to the event, Sue Taylor (Kenilworth Runners) and Loretta Daley (Cardiff AAC), whose boyfriend Alan Mann will again be amongst the runners.
Two personal stories are particularly worthy of mention. Chris Carver, from Otley AC in Yorkshire, will be running his first ultra having survived both testicular and lung cancer. Finally, the oldest competitor will be the remarkable 73 year old Bob Emmerson. Bob ran and completed the first 16 editions of this race, between 1986 and 2002, setting eleven world bests in the process. However, in November 2002, his left hip cartilage wore out. In August 2004 he had a Birmingham hip fitted, an all metal prosthesis on which running is possible. Bob is now back running fifty miles a week once more.
Start time on Sunday for this remarkable collection of characters is 10.00 AM, and admission, as per tradition, is free. If you’re in need of inspiration or would simply like to add your support, you’ll be made more than welcome.
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Posted at 4:20 pm
Category: Races
Month: 2006 March
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