First class effort from posties

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ILFORD AC sent a trio of walkers to the Annual Postmen's 6 Miles-in-Uniform race, held around six circuits of a tough course in Clerkenwell on a sweltering Saturday afternoon.

This long established event, open to current and former postmen, traditionally attracts a good field from top class race walkers to dare takers and "army style" volunteers.

Guest walker John Constandinou set a fast early pace but keeping up with him was hot favourite Dave Turner from Brighouse, who has won every race for a decade and former winner Steve Allen of Ilford.

The early pacemaker dropped back on the second circuit, with Allen eventually cementing second spot in 52 minutes 47 seconds, behind Turner in 51.15, while Dennis Jackson from York was timed at 53.04.

In a fast-chasing bunch just off the pace, Micky Sutton surprised all by producing such form in his first race back after being admitted to hospital to have kidney stones removed. Prior to the off, he talked about taking it easy but soon got back the competitive spirit as he came home in place in 59.39.

Mick Sweeney, who has just returned to athletics after 18 years out of the sport and who won this race on five consecutive occasions during the 1980s, was content to walk soundly to fill a middle-order position.

In conjunction with this national event was the London Postmen's race, where Allen came 21st and Sutton second.

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Do they carry a 16kg delivery pouch with them?