ILFORD AC S walking section had two members in the annual 85-mile Clerical Medical Parish Walk on the Isle of Man on Saturday. Starting at Douglas and taking in the whole island, the 2009 race saw a record 187 finishers on a course noted for its testin

ILFORD AC'S walking section had two members in the annual 85-mile Clerical Medical Parish Walk on the Isle of Man on Saturday.

Starting at Douglas and taking in the whole island, the 2009 race saw a record 187 finishers on a course noted for its testing and seemingly endless climbs.

Ed Shillabeer claimed 17th position in what was high class company as the event attracted the nation's best distance exponents.

Shillabeer crossed the line in 17 hours 51 minutes and 8 seconds and, in so doing, raised a considerable sum for the Help for Heroes Charity.

In 51st spot came Olly Browne in 19.43.23, which was remarkable as less than two months previously he had been a hospital patient for a full week with sciatica.

Their form over 85 miles bodes well for the major distance race of 2009 over 100 miles, at Newmarket Racecourse on July 11.

This weekend Scott Davis will be representing Scotland in a quality 20km line-up, while Stephen Crane makes his debut for England 'B' over the same distance. On the undercard Ilford will welcome back Alan O'Rawe after an extended injury absence.