Richard Gerrard turned in a display of top quality endurance walking over the weekend when he won the Tower Insurance-sponsored Isle of Man 100 Miles Walk.
The joint Parish Walk record holder took an early lead in the event, which covered 200 laps of the NSC road track, walking through the night, winning by more than 30 minutes from Vinny Lynch.
Gerrard, along with runner up Lynch and third-placed Robbie Callister, a further 19 minutes behind, were all first-time “centurions” on a day which saw 85 walkers tackle the gruelling target of walking 100 miles inside 24 hours.
“It was much tougher than the Parish,” Gerrard said at the finishing line. “You would think that a flat course would make it easier, but there’s no change of scenery and it was really difficult at times to stay motivated. I’m really pleased to win, and to finish my first 100 miles event, but I’m also glad it’s over.”
All of the finishers were met on the line by Ann Sayer, president of The Centurions, who finished third in the 1978 Parish Walk in a time of 17-51.
The first woman over the line was the legendary veteran endurance walker Sandra Brown, in an impressive fifth position, this being her 42nd centurion event.
Local walker Maureen Moffat was the second lady to finish, followed by Suzanne Bearsmore.
The “Starlight 20” race, with 38 walkers, started at 10pm and was won by Michael George, followed by Richard Wilde.
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