[From Manx Quarterly, #12 June 1913]

THREE CELEBRATED WALKS.

In these latter days, when mankind endeavours by every mechanical device to avoid using its nether limbs, it may be of interest to recall three famous walks in this Island. The first of these was that of John Cannell, Coroner of Middle Sheading, who, in 1852, walked to all the Parish Churches within 24 hours.

The same feat was accomplished by Colonel W. J. Anderson, afterwards Receiver-General, about 1878. About the year 1890, Col. Anderson walked the same distance within 20 hours.

Unfortunately, there does not appear to be any record of Col. Anderson's first walk, but the following particulars of his second walk, and also of John Cannell's, have been brought to light:--

Besides the above stoppages at Ramsey and Santon, there was a stop of ten minutes at the third milestone from Douglas on the Peel road.

It will be seen that John Cannell averaged 3 miles and almost 2 furlongs per hour, supposing that he walked the entire distance without any stoppage. This is extremely unlikely, and, assuming that he made the same stoppages as Col. Anderson (1 hour 5 minutes), his time is 22 hours, 40 minutes., i.e., 3 miles and a trifle over 3 furlongs per hour.

Colonel Anderson, allowing for 1 hour 5 minutes stoppages, took 18 hours 34 minutes, i.e., 3 miles and almost 7 furlongs per hour.

There is not, apparently, any record of the conditions under which Mr Cannell walked, nor is his age recorded. Colonel Anderson was about 60 years of age at the time of his second walk.

I recollect a conversation with him on the subject, in which he told me that the day was very hot, that he did not undergo any previous training, and that he could not have been unduly fatigued, as he was up early, next day and spent most of it walking about at the Agricultural Show.

It remains for some of our numerous " Marathon" athletes to lower this record.

G. FRED CLUCAS. 21st February, 1913.