Postman Eddie delivers on champs' award

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EDDIE Whitaker, a member of the Uttoxeter Road Runners club, has been crowned the Staffs AAAs champion of champions for 2010.

The 52-year-old postman, pictured right, scooped the award after a superb run in his home race, the Uttoxeter half marathon, on May 2.

A time of 1:17.13 for his first half marathon in seven years saw Whitaker finish six minutes ahead of all his younger rivals to claim fifth place overall.

He also claimed second place in the St Thomas's seven-mile road race in Tean earlier this month.

The award is calculated using age-grading charts to ensure that all entrants to Staffs AAA road championship races have an equal chance of success.

The veteran Chris Kilkenny of Cannock and Stafford was second, with Staffs Moorlands youngster Matt Clowes third.

Whitaker said: "I won a AAAs category award in my early 40s, but this one is special as I beat the likes of Matt Clowes, who is an England international.

"I am usually a bit injury prone, so this year I cut down on my racing and have avoided any major problems.

"It was worth it because I really surprised myself at Uttoxeter. I just had one of those good days where everything went right.

"That race has spurred me on to win other things in my age group and to keep beating the younger guys."

The series of races which decided the champion of champions award was run over five distances.

Clowes crowned a magnificent season by winning the Trentham 10-mile road race in one of the fastest times for several years.

Adela Salt won the award for the best performance by a woman for her efforts in the same race.

Other events in the series included the Sub4 Clayton 10K race and the Carver Wolverhampton Marathon.