Grand Prixers ready to run Walker

The Grand Prix Series continues in the Morton Stadium on Thursday night September 14th with the 51st running of the Walker Cup. This race is a 4 mile track race with a history going back to 1966. The cup was presented to the club by the Walker family that year. The Walkers had a long tradition with Clonliffe Harriers going right back to the near foundings of the club when George Frazer Walker in 1893 joined the then 7 year old club, two years later he was on the Clonliffe National Junior Cross Country team that won the first National title for the young club. Some seven years later he was club President.

George`s four sons were also Clonliffe Harriers, the Clonliffe National Senior Cross Country winning team featured three of the four: George, Charles and Albert. George Junior followed in his father`s foot steps and was Clonliffe President in 1936.

In turn George junior`s sons also became members of Clonliffe, these third generation Clonliffe Walkers included Frazer. In 1953 Frazer became the third generation Walker to win the National Cross Country team title. Over the years Clonliffe athletes have raced on the 16 laps of Santry as a cinder, tartan and now mondo track battling for the honour of winning this prestigious race.The first winner back in 1966 was Terry Purcell.

At last year`s 50th running of the Walker Cup current in form Grand Prix man Thomas Sherlock was first across the line. With Thomas having won last Thursday`s round, The Bonass Trophy/Club 10,000 he may well be the man to beat, however, Sean Doran has similarly been in fine form and was 2nd in Saturday`s BHAA 5k and may well find 16 laps of Santry rather than 25 more to his liking.

Also on Thursday Pat Bonass, who due to illness couldn`t make last Thursday, will present prizes to the first three in the club 10,000 championship.