On Sunday 12th February 2017, Evelyn was the winner of the FV80 category in a 10K road race in Lancaster. Nothing remotely surprising nor remarkable about that victory but what was notable and exceptional was the fact that it was her 350th age category success since August 1998 – An average of 19 wins per year over an 18½ year period. An extraordinary level of performance and consistency over such a long period of time.
Although Evelyn has been on the running scene since March 1984, the reference to August 1998 is significant insomuch that it marked her return to competition following major surgery. Initially she was reluctant to return to running but, with the help and encouragement of family, friends and the running fraternity, she overcame her doubts. The setting up of a “Race Record” was done so that her progress could be recorded from race to race.
Evelyn’s overall tally of age category victories will be much higher but there is no detailed record from 1984 to 1998 except to say that she has won in every age group from FV45 (the start of her career) to FV80. Her first triumph was in 1985, as a FV45, in the Stockport Daffodil Marathon and the latest at a 10k race in Lancaster in 2017.
Over the years her ability has taken her to success in Malta, Cyprus, Jersey, Guernsey, Scotland, Wales, France, Belgium and various venues around England. All at distances varying between 5k and the Marathon.
Along the way, she has set age category records, been Lancashire 5 mile and 10 mile champion, British Masters (a fantastic federation) 10 mile champion, holder of the Kirkham 10k five course record and winner in her category of all four races in the Preston Guild 2012 series.
Long may it continue.
Bernard Elkington