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Malcom Dawes His running career started when as a 15 year old at the John Hunt School (now Sutherland) he won the Wrekin Area Schools 880 yards. In those days, each area of Shropshire sent a team to the Shropshire Schools finals and Malcolm represented Wrekin finishing second in the county finals.
It was whilst running the 800m in impressive style in 1973 that he was spotted and invited to join Shrewsbury AC ( Telford AC was not formed till 1976 ) at that time Shrewsbury were the only club in Shropshire. He does remember earlier taking part in two N Wales league races at Bangor and Aberystwyth running for Wrekin Athletic Club, a club formed briefly by someone from Muxton called John Shepherd who was a member of Tipton. But the outbreak of foot and mouth stopped all cross country races and the club then folded. Malcolm started his career at Shrewsbury in fine style in 1974 he broke the club 800m record in 1.58.5 at the same Newcastle Track League he won the long jump with a leap of 20 feet 6 inches. in the same season he won a 400m in the 3rd Division of the Midland Mens League in 51.8. He won the Shropshire AAA 800m title that year and then for the next two years having a pb of 1.57 and a 1500m of 4.04.5. He also won the Shropshire 1500m and 5000m in the same year, he had an epic battle with Russell Limbert, then running for Wolverhampton and Bilston in the 1500m and outkicking Telford AC's Dave Jackson and Aiden Jackson to win the 5000m in 15.22. His best 10.000m came in the Shropshire Championships finishing second to Colin Mattock in 31.38 on Oswestry's Park Hall track. All these quality times were set on cinder tracks. His best cross country performances were finishing 4th twice in the Shropshire Championships when held at Church Stretton and at Apley Park. On the road one of his best 10 milers was at the hilly Wrekin 10, which was organised for many years by Shrewsbury Ac and later taken on by Telford AC. In 1982 he finished 5th in 52.34 behind winner Colin Mattock, then running for Wolverhampton and Bilston who won in 51.05. In 1981 he was the first Shropshire finisher in the inaugural Telford 10, featuring some 260 finishers, held in conjunction with the Telford Games in the Town Park. The race was won by Tipton's Andy Holden in 49.57. Malcolm was 11th in 53.42. Also in 1981, he was joint winner of the first ever Dawley Dash. A two lap 10 mile race held around the streets of Dawley from the Phoenix School. The race attracted 400 runners and Malcolm along with Colin Mattock, Dave Jackson and Colin Bell all crossed the line together in 56.15.( something of a Sunday training run for these stars.) Telford Half Marathon 1982
The First Ever Sexarathon The third race was the Wellington Wobble, then held from Orleton Park School, around the streets of Wellington, with Tony Power winning and Malcolm 5th but now 3rd overall. The series then moved to the Oakengates Oddity, in July, a race held on the cycle paths roads around the Oakengates Leisure Centre, again won by Tony Power with Malcolm again 5th but now moving into first place in the Series. The next race was the Hadley Hop held on a two lap road course from the Hadley Shopping Centre with Roger Bradley winning and Malcolm 4th.
In 1984 Malcolm was second to Mark Flint in the first Telford Charity Trek. A race organised by TAC and the Ironbridge Rotary Club from Madeley Court that more or less followed the same route as the Ironbridge Half.
Now a life member of Shrewsbury AC, Malcolm remained loyal to Shrewsbury, despite training and socialising with many TAc members as well as being a very reliable helper at all TAc promotions.This included an unforgettable 40th birthday party for him at Bridle Terrace, Madeley. He was also a key support team member for the TAC group that ran the Pennine Way in 1981 and a member of the TAC group that ran the Ironbridge to London Relay in 1979. Malcolm's running career was halted by a serious road accident when out checking the distances for the Telford Marathon he was knocked off his bike. It meant a lengthy stay in Shrewsbury Hospital, during which in 1988 the area suffered a mild earthquake tremor. He then got married in 1990 and in 1994 moved to live in Suffolk. In 2001, he moved back to live in Telford and joined Telford AC. He started running seriously again and has been a regular member of Telford's cross country, road relay and track and field teams ever since. He has won the N Wales League over 55's on several occasions as well as several age group prizes in many local races. He is now a committee member at TAC and a coach to a group of young middle distance runners and an active field event official. he is also the road race secretary for the Shropshire AA. His twin sons Malcolm and Edward are also very active within the club taking part in both track and field and cross country events. Now he is on the verge of moving into the over 60's age group we wish him every success in forthcoming competitions. His pedigree and background are such that he is well equipped to do well on the road, track and country on a National level. I am sure that all at TAc and in Shropshire wish him happy birthday and every success in the future. Malcolm Dawes this is your life so far ( Well the things we can mention ) Paul Sanderson See more photos and newspaper cuttings from Malcom's scrap book |
Then as he left school and started working for the Lilleshall Company his
running career
was put on hold. When he was 21 he went to work for GKN and took part in the
GKN Sports Day. The Annual Sports Day was held on a track marked out on the
football field. At that time GKN had its own, very good standard football
stadium with a large stand on which they marked a 4 lane grass track.
Malcolm took part in all races from 100 yards to 800m.
In 1982 Malcolm also found time to run his one and only marathon in the
first Telford Marathon. The 3 lap course from Telford College was Won by
TAC's Phil Jones in 2.41, Malcolm showed his versatility by finishing 4th in
2.44, from an entry of over 1000. His best half marathon was 69.57 in the
Shrewsbury Half.
The final race in those days was the Shifnal Six. A 6 mile race around the
streets of Shifnal that always attracted a high quality field. The race was
won by Cosford's Callum Murray with Malcolm 7th. He was crowned champion at
the Presentations that were held in the Nell Gwyn Pub, with Tipton's Paul
Cadman second and Russell Limbert third.
He was also the Team Manager for the Shropshire Cross Country team that year
at the Inter Counties where they won the Most Improved County Trophy after
improving from last in 1982 to 15th in 1984.