BEST EVER PARISH WALK PERFORMANCE

OPINION OR FACT

There are lots of opinions as to which was the best ever performance in the Parish Walk.

Was it Derek Harrison's 1979 record because it was the fastest,  Peter Kaneen's 2002 performance (second fastest) because it was so unexpected, Henry Harvey's 16:25:40 on inferior roads and in inferior shoes in 1962, Graham Young's 15:43:12 in 1971 when they were starting in the evening and walking right through the night or perhaps David Collister's feat of finishing for the 20th time?

I've had a think about this evening and decided that Sandra Brown's time of 16:16:36 in 1998, in my opinion, is the best ever. I've compared men's world records to women's records at a number of distances and in percentage terms, her time is worth 14:50 (compared to the 20km walk world records) or 15:12 (compared to the marathon world records). But she did not even stop walking at 85 miles. She continued and did a further 15 miles up and down the promenade to complete the 100 mile walk held in conjunction with the Parish Walk in 19 hours 32 minutes 26 seconds.

So much for opinions.

When it comes to facts no one can argue. Derek Harrison is the record holder (and still holds four of the 12 fastest in the event). Peter Kaneen is the second fastest. They both walked the same distance of 85 miles. Peter McElroy's comment in the Manx Independent that "I feel it should be pointed out that the 1979 race started on Douglas promenade and was therefore about one mile further", is an absolute disgrace (sorry opinions creeping back in!). Such comments should not be printed without checking the most basic facts. The laps of the NSC track and roadway (together with the walk through a the housing estate at Braddan) were inserted to ensure that the walk covered no less and no greater distance than when it started and finished on the promenade.

 26 June 2003