Glorious weather and great organisation greeted the 64 starters from more than 20 clubs around the UK. Numbers would have been even greater but more than a dozen British walkers are lined up for the Lugano Grand Prix in a fortnight.
A very fast pace was set from the start. No-one from the leading group wished to be the first to ease off. The "naughty board" soon filled up and DQs took out some of the leaders.
Bob Dobson was hauled over the bonnet of a car and very nearly assaulted by an irate driver, after expressing an opinion when he was nearly driven over. Officials were able to intervene in time, but Bob was unfortunately DQd shortly afterwards.
The team from Guernsey were well rewarded for travelling to the mainland when they secured the Mens team Bronze medals.
The Redcar Ladies deservedly won the team title after showing impressive form. Redcar impressed all round after their men also won the silver medals, in addition to producing the overall winner of the race.
Special mention goes to Martin Cooke. He had never racewalked and was only shown the techinque half an hour before by Michael Doyle, who had talked him into trying it.
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Lisa Kehler