Mick Le Sauvage passes La Grande Mere pagan stone statue outside St Martin’s Parish Church on one of his 47 previous Church to Church races. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0347965)

FIFTY years ago Mick Le Sauvage was talked into doing the Church to Church Walk and he will be back on the same starting line at the South Esplanade tomorrow for his 48th start in the biggest walking race in the CI calendar.

The 70-year-old has never won in his 47 attempts – fourth was his best ever finish – but he is as excited about this race as any before.

‘You walk all year and it seems to be our cup final,’ was his simple explanation as to what makes the event special.

‘It’s a bit of madness… an enjoyable walk.’

Le Sauvage, who clocked 3hr 59min. 54sec. on his maiden appearance, is fast closing on two competitive milestones, which should be reached in 2011.

‘I’m coming up to my 7,000th mile in official race walking. I’ve completed 6,856.’

Add the two miles from last night’s short pre-Church warm-up and tomorrow’s 20, and he will sit down to his Sunday tea with 6,878 on his body clock.

‘I reckon it’s going to be about the same time as my 50th Church walk,’ he said in response to the question as to when he expects to hit 7,000.

Working on the basis that he chalks up about 100 miles per year, then the 2011 event could be the golden moment.