THE TWENTY-MILE WALKING MATCH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5529, 16 December 1878, Page 2

THE TWENTY-MILE WALKING MATCH.

The long-talked of 20-mile walk came off on the Baain Beserve on Saturday, and so far as the walking was a great success. The attendance of spectators, however, was rather limited, as at no time were there more than 300 present. About the same number satisfied themselves with staying outside the reserve. There was a good band in attendance, and the secretary of the club, Mr. Berry, as on previous occasions, was untiring in his exertions to make the affair a success. The race was not started punctually to time, but by a quarter past three the following competitors were ranged three in a line :—Messrs. Berry, France, Mansford, Beswiok, Churton, Galbraith, DeCastro, Black, Saunders, Kiugdon, Lynch, and Wright, Morpeth started some few seconds after the others got away. Mr. Berry sent the Jmen off. France cut out the walking, and took a strong lead for the first couple of miles, when he was collared by Galbraith. Lynch then came -to the fore, showing extraordinary form, and walking splendidly. DeCastro was tbefirst to succumb, afterwalking a mile, and Mansford followed suit when he had gone four more laps. The pace was evidently too hot for them. Lynch gradually drew ahead, followed by Beswick, quite a youngster, who walked splendidly, with Galbraith next. The remainder constantly changed places, with the exception of Wright and Berry, who walked six miles step and step. The latter, however, gave in after walking 12 miles very well. France went four laps more, axd had to leave off through his feet giving way. Morpeth, who was expected to do something, caved in after spurting three miles. Kingdon walked 12 miles, and then retired, and Saunders followed suit, leaving Lynch, Beswick, Galbraith, Churton, and Wright to finish. By this time it was quite clear that Lynch had it all hisownway.ashewasoveralap ahead of any of his men. Beswick then commenced spurting and showed Galbraith the way, and this order was maintained to the finish. Lynch at the conclusion of the 20 miles did not seem at all exhausted, nor did the youngster Beswick; Galbraith, however, was considerably baked, and judging by his,appearance was glad when ho had done his distance. Each of the prize-takers was loudly cheered on the completion of the race. The following is the time of the respective miles done by Lynch:—! mile, Bmiu ISsecs; 2 miles, ISmin 50aec;4i miles, 28miu Sfiseo; 4 miles, 37min Odseo; 5 miles, 47min 22sec; 6 miles, SOmin 50 sec; 7 miles, lh 6min !3seo; 3 miles, lh 15min 39sec; 9 miles, lh26min; 10 miles, lh 3Smin 15sec; 11 miles, lh 45min 8seo; 12 miles, lh SSmiu ISsec; 13 miles, 2h smin llsec; 14 miles, 2h 15min llsec; 1 Smiles, 2h 25min 23scc; 16 miles, 2h 35min 40seo; 17 miles, 2h 46miu 2sec; 18 miles, 2h 56min 31sec; 19 miles, 3h 7min 33sec; 20 miles, 3h 18miu 20sec.

Beswick completed in 3h 21mm 15sec; Galbraith, 3h 2fimin 30sec; Churton, 3h 30mia 2sec; Wright, 3h 43min 35sec.

A reference to the table of the best amateur times on record will show that the shortest time in which the twenty miles has been covered by any amateur has been 3h 9min 45aec, which was done by Mr, Berry.