Trophies for Retro Running in Manchester

Posted by Viveka Tizmi

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Backwards Running Champions earn the trophies

Backward Running Championships in Manchester England

Backwards running (a.k.a. retro running) is now the new way forwards. For the first time ever, the UK Backward Running Championships 2010 took place in Heaton Park, Manchester England earlier this month. All wonderfully intriguing and yet slightly bizarre.

The Retro Running Mile in Heaton Park, Manchester England

Assuming that you do not trip over and the third eye at the back of your head doesn’t see in triple vision, you are on your way forward to becoming the next UK Backward Running Champion. That is if you can complete a mile’s worth of running (or walking) backwards; manage to overcome a few minor obstacles, including a hill; don’t suffer from the stage fright issue, as 400 bemused spectators ogle at you; and are not at all camera shy, as your face would most probably become YouTubeable on the following day.

The Retro Running Competitors – who can participate?

Ooh, anyone can join. Just like with our recently reviewed UK Mobile Phone Throwing Championships and the wacky Sumo Suit Athletics World Championships, UK Backward Running Championships held in Manchester England are open to all. In fact, the Venezuelan Alberto Aponte was a contestant with his home country being the furthest away, joining other contestants from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The age spread of all the retro running contestants ranged from 19 years to 68!

Backwards Running Champions earn the trophies!

Garret Doherty, a previous backward running world champion reached the finishing line in 7 minutes 30 seconds with no other competitor in immediate sight, receiving the trophy and a pair of Vibram Fivefingers as a reward. Ian Scullion reached the finishing line almost 2 minutes later, coming second, and completing the race in 9 minutes and 16 seconds. And the third place went to the Venezuelan Alberto Aponte who finished the race in 10 minutes and 33 seconds.

Rachel Butterfield took the trophy for the ladies’ championship along with a pair of Vibram Fivefingers, completing the backwards running race in 12 minutes 40 seconds, followed by Elspeth Hughes in second place and Ally Collins in third, all arriving to the finishing line just over a minute apart.

Backwards Running Champions

Something to look forward to?

The growing popularity of backwards running means that the Backward Running Championships may expand to London next year. That is just a retro running rumour, yet it is something to look forward to. Bring on the trophies!