When Dean Morgan, a two-time winner of the Parish Walk, was disqualified while leading this year’s race due to repeated technique violations, it sparked debate among spectators.
Now, speaking to Manx.News, Dean has explained why he respects the decision the officials made and the role his mounting injuries played.
Dean said: “It’s no secret that for the last number of years, I’ve been injured with various different injuries.
“On the day, the judges were doing their job. There were quite a few issues where I was struggling with my technique, especially in the first 20 miles.”
Rules
While many take part in the Parish Walk as a challenge or to raise funds, it is actually an official walking race, where bent knees can lead to penalties.
Dean explained: “Because I’ve got two hernias in each groin and a hamstring strain, going up hills was really uncomfortable.
“That was making me drop a bit more, bending my knees, and I was penalised a few times for that.”
By The Sloc, Dean had received two red cards and admitted he “thought about stopping”, but said that given his battle with Callum Gawne for first place, he was keen to continue.
Technique
Addressing online criticism which stemmed from race officials confirming the disqualification to Energy FM, Dean said: “People see ‘DQ’ in the headlines and think I was running.
“That wasn’t the case. I was warned for my technique, and I did my best.”
Dean, who only began competitive walking with his sights on winning the Parish in 2021, admitted his injuries, which were well documented when he won the race last year, need long-term attention.
However, when asked about a potential comeback, he said: “So I fulfilled, like my dream, if you like, and what will be, what will be.
“But I will concentrate on getting the body right, and if I feel I can go again next year, it feels like there’s some unfinished business there, yeah.”
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