Rob Elliott (45) and Mick Perrio (34) walking in the Upper Parishes in the first half of the walk in 1980. Mick Perrio was going for his third victory in a row and fourth in total. Elliott, second to Perrio the year before, changed his usual tactics and walked with Perrio for eight or so miles before pulling away to win easily in 2.46.59. Perrio faded to 3 hours, after winning in 1979 in 2.47.43, only slightly slower than Elliotts 1980 winning time. Elliott went on to win in 1981, breaking Paul Nihill`s course record time of 2.43.19 by 17 seconds. In 1982 he smashed his own record to win in 2.32.38. In the form of his life, this race was a month before he walked at the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane over the 30 kms distance.
