The RWA sent both a mens team and a ladies team in response  to the invitation from the French race walking organisation to participate in the European trophy event incorporated in the Bar le Duc 200kms (men) / 170kms (ladies) walk in April 2006. As this event also incorporated the French national 200km/170km championships, French walkers were in strong contention.

The England team was selected on the basis of performances at the 2005 UK 100 miles championship, subject to availability. Those selected were:

In addition to these six walkers, a further four decided to walk in this well-organised and enjoyable event. These were, Kathy Crilley (SWC) Chris Flint, and  Jill Green (London Vids) and Kevin Marshall (Ilford)

The ladies' team won the European trophy with an excellent team performance. Walking a well paced race, Sandra Brown won the ladies' race in the good time of 20.49.11 for 170kms. The second and third placed ladies (stylish and experienced Belarus and Russian walkers) were both well over an hour behind the winner. French ladies took 4th and 5^th places. Rosemarie Crellin (6^th) and Cath Duhig (8^th) both walked very well to strong finishing positions and performances, giving England’s ladies the winning team performance over France in second place.  The French Ladies Champion,  Sylvie Maison, looking very comfortable throughout, tracked her team mate Sylvian Varin for most of the race. But as Varin faded, Maison surged ahead and took lead and the Championship with 14 minutes to spare.

Unfortunately, Ian Statter developed a very painful back after several hours of good walking, and retired, so with only 2 walkers remaining, the England men's team achieved third European team place behind France and Belgium. Richard Brown led home the English men with 177.5 kms followed by David Jones with 172.5km. (Sadly, Kevin Marshall’s excellent performance didn’t count toward the team points)
Kathy Crilley always planned to walk around 50kms and then help the teams. All eight of those remaining on the road achieved well over 100 miles (160.9 kms) in 24 hours.

Whilst the course was  virtual traffic free (and therefore stress free) the weather was a major cause for concern.

Cool temperatures (14c) and light showers rain were forecast and during the afternoon and early evening, the sun was almost as strong as the wind, but fortunately the rain showers were short lived. Catching everyone by surprise, the temperature suddenly plummeted to zero. Mistakes were made on kit - not nearly enough clothes for several athletes resulting in near hypothermia and combined with (literally) instant ice cold drinks hitting cold stomachs, the weather took its toll on many an athlete. Still it's good to know that the weather in France is just as unpredictable as it is in England.

The small support crew rose brilliantly to the challenge of having eight walkers on the 2.5kms road circuit for most of the 24hours. Kathy and Ian, after their own exertions, joined the other “soigneurs” in providing the support which is vital for successful performances

The event was a very successful promotion by the l’A.S.M. Club, Bar le Duc. The French were delighted with the participation and performances of the English teams.  The Bar le Duc results also included good performances by some French men

Full Results >> Ladies >> Mens