Hotel Walking Races

Competition while not being a necessity to produce excellence, it certainly does no harm and most at the pinnacle of whatever it is that they do, often have had someone either just ahead or behind them to drive them on or pull them towards greatness.

Now, though I am not yet quite conceited enough to shower such accolades on either the Welbeck or the Ascot Hotels, it is no coincidence that Douglas Bay, once described by Wordsworth as 'The Naples of the North,' had many buildings far better placed to survive the changing face of tourism, both the former have flourished and grown whilst all but a handful of their illustrious counterparts have either been demolished, segmented into apartments or used for some other purpose.

The point of my argument is that a year after the Georges moved into 13 Mona Drive, in 1979 the Mackeys first occupied 7&8 Empire Terrace, The Ascot Bradda and we've been friendly but definitely rivals ever since.

And now we've even taken it into athletics......



Following (of course) our lead - The Welbeck Hotel & Restaurant sponsors the 'One Hour Challenge,' The Ascot have really 'upped the ante' by putting their name to the most prestigious athletics meeting on the Island, namely the Manx Harriers Open Walks & 10k Run. In the past, it has seen such luminaries as Steve Barry, the Welsh former Commonwealth Games Champion, the holder of the British 50k record, Chris Maddocks, Irish Olympians, Rob Heffernan, Jamie Costin and Colin Griffin.

Of course, it would be remiss to forget the ladies and current World silver 20k medallist, Olive Loughnane has raced here many times. In her one visit to the Island Johanna Jackson who won Commonwealth Gold in India also set her then PB (She stayed at the Welbeck.)

Last Saturday, the 20k main event was won by Englishman, Dan King and although I grudgingly have to admit that he and twin brother Dom were accommodated at the Ascot. The twins from Colchester are hoping to be selected for 2012 where they are likely to be the only British representatives if successful.

Every other race saw victory gained by the Irish team who were billeted at The Welbeck and though consisting almost entirely of juniors, there are some exciting prospects for the future amongst them.

It is brilliant for our own young athletes to face such strong opposition and it is hoped that one or two of our crop of talent will follow in the footsteps of 18n year old Lauren Whelan, based at Leeds University raced successfully in Australia recently.

And the Hotelier rivalry? Perhaps competition doesn't always lead to excellence: We were both equally rubbish with Dave Mackey limping out after 4 laps and Michael George finishing 2nd last, 8 minutes down on his personal best.



Ascot Ambler v Welbeck Wanderer

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Many thanks to Manx Athletics guru, photograper, videographer, athlete extraordinaire, Murray Lambden for the pictures that I nicked.

For comprehensive coverage of the above event and all things athletic, see:

www.manxathletics.com

P.S. He's also another competitor in the tourism industry:

http://www.murrayandmarie.com/