Bernouville, Normandy 10k Racewalk, 29
April.
Time : 77 min, 36 sec (12th approx of
22)
Bernouville, a village to the East of
Rouen and home to about 300 residents and a racewalking club of 10 years
standing, hosted the Normandy 20k and 50k championships alongside a local 10k.
The total turnout for the full event was about 70 walkers, ranging from
internationals from Tunisia and Turkey to local enthusiasts for whom this is
the annual equivalent of a village fun-run. Hence a cheerful, low-key event
with a refreshing disregard for age-groups (apart from junior ones), and great
hospitality including a three course meal afterwards. Not exactly a 'PB'
course, with each of the 2k loops (of which the 50k fanatics had to complete
25) starting with a steady long climb into a headwind with driving rain.
Next racewalk? Hopefully something a bit
nearer home.
