Greig hopes for place in today’s Boston Marathon

Press, 16 April 1979, Page 22

Greig hopes for place in today’s Boston Marathon

NZPA Boston Mathematically, four New Zealanders in a Boston Marathon field of 7800 have no chance of figuring in the finish. But mathematics, luckily do not count in today’s races. Kevin Ryan, of Auckland, fresh from a 10km win in New York, ran sixth last year and is one of the 1979 favourites.

The amazing 46-year-old Rotorua veteran, Jack Foster, can never be discounted and the up-and-coming Christchurch youngster, Don Greig, aiming for next year’s New Zealand Olympic squad, has a lot to gain by running a big race.

Only Peter Moy, of Auckland, a 2hr 36min marathoner, looks outclassed, al-

though he is sure to beat many of the record field home. The race favourite is the American Bill Rogers, hoping to repeat his 1978 win, and others calculated to have good chances include Japan’s Toshihito Seiko, the American Randy Thomas, and Trevor Wright, of Great Britain. “There are many others too who could do very well,” Ryan told the NZPA from Boston yesterday. “It’s a high class field, really tough.” Ryan won his 10km race in Central Park, New York, two weeks ago and has trained well since for the big marathon. “I feel good and have no problems going into the race,” Ryan said.

He predicted a winning time of 2hr 09min or 2hr

lOmin in a normal race but a 2hr 12min or even 2hr 14min if the favourites play cat and mouse with each other and the race turns into a sprint home. “It’s hard to tell how it will go,” Ryan said. ’TH just roll with the others.” Foster, like Ryan, is stopping off in Boston on his way home from the world cr o s s-country championships. Foster was among the leading finishers in the New York City marathon last autumn, was an easy winner of the veterans section, and has a big reputation to maintain. Greig leapt into prominence late last year when he finished third in the Choysa marathon in Auckland and was the first New Zealander home.

That was his initial serious marathon attempt and hjs excellent showing brought him an invitation to Boston. “It’s a strong field,” he commented yesterday. “About 90 guys who can run under 2hr 20min, but my build-up has gone well. I feel fine and I’m looking forward to the race.” For Greig, who is running overseas for the first time, today’s race is extremely important. He said yesterday that he wants to get to Moscow in 1980 and knows a fine showing in Boston will help him achieve that aim.

Greig ran 2hr 16min 48s in the Choysa marathon and thinks he can cut that to 2hr 13min or 2hr 14min. “I’ll be trying for the first

20, even better,” he said