Battersea Park race (update 19/07/08)
"This is an Email from BBC Sports Presenter Mike Bushell.
..... that race walking vt will air on Sat 26th July.
The feature will be shown immediately after the 6.35, 7.35, 8.35 and 9.35
sports bulletin on BBC1 4 times in 1 day on the main BBC1 Channel!"
THANKS
Can all those who attended Battersea Park for last night's televised walking race be thanked for putting themselves out to show race walking in the best possible light.
A record field of 49 walkers appeared for this event (more were in the walk than were in the run). In addition 3 more missed the start, and another 3 turned up to give support and a further 2 acted as pointsmen/marshals. It was just a shame that around a dozen more had matters to attend to on that very evening - or else the field could have truly hit what would pass for "bumper" figures in today's walking climate. Thanks also for Chief Judge Peter Marlow who came from Bury St.Edmund's to support the event (in fact our only judge).
Peter even did a "2nd take" of his prerace instructions for the benefit of the camera. John Hall took the entries and was rushed off his feet. Peter Selby arranged the youngsters who were much needed to bring down the average age of the field and show that walking has something for everything. Stuart Bennett was there to time us all in.
Veterans AC protagonists Bob Belmore, Ron Franklin and Jeremy Hemming truly made us welcome - and the latter has already made his photgraphic record of the event available on the net. And folks - let's not forget that Veterans AC are still seeking one of their walkers to step forward as their Honorary Walking Secretary!!!
BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell (who came striaght from the Wimbledon tennis) had been trained around Wormwood Scrubbs by Carl Lawton (thanks Carl) and easily broke the hour. This despite losing around 5 minutes as he filmed himself (carrying a heavy camera) for 1 and a half-laps before handing it over to DA; and he was also wired for sound to make commentary as he went around. Carl presented him with the RWA 5 Miles-in-an-Hour badge when he crossed the finishing line. We also thank his cameraman Errol who entered into the spirit of it all.
Afterward Mike presented the prizes. Mike Bushell also wishes to thank Gerald Legon and Mick Barnbrook for all the encouragement they gave him throughout the race. Mike also asked where all the walkers go for their pint after the race, as he was so taken by their friendliness, that he wanted to socialise post race. But most had disappeared. Mike is confident that a good feature will ensue from the evening. Thanks to all who agreed to be interviewed : Peter Marlow (who Mike described as the "Umpire" for the Beijing Olympic walks), Ian Richards (he wanted to interview an Olympic athlete) and the youngsters.
Oh...and by the way...he actually asked, "Where's Chris Foster?" as he remembered Chris from a previous TV clip!
Thanks to all those who gave up their evening to try and show race walking in the best possible light. We now await the outcome. The current issue of Essex Walker (page 8) advises you of proposed screening dates. When confirmed we'll get out a special "hot wire" to mark your card.
Many thanks.
Dave Ainsworth
Press & Publicity Officer Race Walking Association (Southern Area)
TELEVISED WALKING RACE
Just a reminder folks, that BBC are filming the Veterans AC 5 Miles Walk around 3 circuits of the Queen's Carriageway at Battersea Park on Tuesday 24th June (7pm start). We need a good turnout to show that walking has a good following around the Capital. The VAC race also permits non-VAC members and non-Veterans to compete as guests. Indeed the BBC have expressed a desire to see a good age range, in order to show that race walking has something for everyone!
If you haven't raced for a while don't worry as the course is dead flat.
This is part of the 'Try-It' series fronted by BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell. You can see his weekly spot on BBC1 Breakfast Time every Saturday morning after the 6.35, 7.35 and 8.35am sports spot. Mike tries a different sport each week. Whatever comes out of Tuesday evening is expected to be screened on BBC1 in early July. Former European and Commonwealth Games representative walker and former National Champion Carl Lawton has been out training with Mike Bushell around Wormwood Scrubbs and has passed on his 'know-how' to this very novice walker. 40 year old Mr.Bushell still regularly plays football and runs for Hash House Harriers, so has a level of basic fitness. Mike already knows one of our number - Enfield & Met.Police athlete Chris Foster - so by the end of the evening we hope that he gets to know a lot more race walkers and goes away with a favourable opinion of us and our chosen sport.
Olympian PETER MARLOW, Chief Judge of Walking at the Beijing Olympics in August is coming from Bury St Edmunds to ensure fair play on the tarmacadam, while PETER SELBY is ensuring that some our talented youngsters also are seen before the camera.
Hope to see you all there on Tuesday evening at Battersea Park (7pm). Changing and numbers/pins at the track. Nearest Underground Station is Sloane Square (District & Circle Lines) then 137 bus (alight at first stop after crossing the Thames)....or 25 minutes' walk. British Rail have a station near Battersea Park, with trains from Victoria.
By the way, if you want a 3,000 Metres' Walk (+ 1K YAG) in Greater London this weekend, there's an LICC event at Ashtons Track, Woodford Bridge commencing at 1pm on Saturday 21st June. Enter on the day. Nearest Underground Station is Woodford (Central Line).
