ATHLETICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2411, 28 January 1909, Page 2

ATHLETICS.

GENERAL NOTES

The Executive of the Amateur Athletic Club met recently and allocated -the value of tlio prizes to each event at the coming Now Zealand Marathon meeting, to he held at Auckland'. on March 20. The committee are working very, energetically and enthusiastically for its success. Inquiries are coming from all parts of the country as to the condition's and qircuinstances of the -Marathon Race, and numbers of applications are being forwarded to the'Centro for the of those who have broken their status. A novelty Avill ho seen., at the meeting in the method adopted - for conveying news of the progress of the .Marathon to the spectators in tho Domain. Captain Dawson, of the Auckland Signallers’ Corps, has offered the services of his company for the .purpose of keeping the Domain advised of tho progress of the race from Hqwick in. Members of the corps will' he stationed on different hills, It is anticipated that the fair sex Avill roll up in largo nutn--bers to tho [Domnin on March 20, not only for tho purpose of seeing the finish of tho (Marathon, but also as they will! then have an opportunity of witnessing, possibly for the first timo in their lives, scientific amateur boxing. Wellington is certain to send .one or more contestants for tho Marathon Race, and it is believed that tho other provinces will also he represented. Alfred Shrubb, who, during bis present American tour, Dias nun 33 races and won them all, hats delayed his return to England for two months, in order to try to arrange races with Longboat and Dorando. ille has offered to irun them three distances of 10, 15, or 20 miles ifor 5000 dollars, the winner of two out of throe races to claim the stakes. At present they decline, but Shrubb is hopeful that they may reconsider their decision.

The Furlong Flat Championship (says o London writer) which camo off at Oldham on Saturday, December 10, was to have been a three-corner-ed sweepstake. The contestants wore at the outset A. B. Bostic (Australia), B. R. Jlay (Dublin), and W G rowcot t (Banbury), who Avero articled to run 220yds on level terms for £IOO a corner. Unfortunately, however, Postle wrenched the muscles of his thigh badly at the Stadium, and Avithdrevv, paying £25 forfeit!. Day and Growcott decided to go on with tho race. There were 2000 people present, and Day was installed a hot favorite. After going 50yds tho favorite had established a load of half a yard, and at 200ycls he had increased his advantage to 3yds. The race was now practically a gift for the Irishman. Growcott, however, did not giA’c up. On tho other hand, ho persevered gamely, hut failed to get on terms with Day, avlio eventually Avon by about 4yds. The winner's time was 2l3sec.