Sporting Parson

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 979, 23 May 1930, Page 6

Sporting Parson

MAN OF 60 RACES YOUTH OF 18 UNIQUE EVENT AT DOMAIN “Whew! That was brisk .. . I’m a bit out of training, I suppose . . . Thanks, I don’t mind if I do have an orange The Rev. Charles Adenbrooke breathed heavily. And he had every excuse for his short-windedness. Though he was 60 years of age he had just finished a fast and furious 85 yards against a youth of IS, being beaten by a short yard. The unique race, which took place at the Domain yesterday afternoon, was the outcome of a bet. The Rev. Charles Adenbrooke, an Anglican minister, late of Ruawai, is a frequent viistor at the home of the 18-year-old Teddy McKinnon, son of Lieutenant McKinnon and _. grandson of ex-Superintendent McKinnon, well known in police circles in Auckland, and now living in retirement in Palmerston North. A discussion arose between the two as to their respective running capabilities.

.. “I’ll give you 25 yards in 110 and beat you,” said Teddy. “Done! You’re on!” said the sporting minister— or words to that effect. A fortnight was allowed for training purposes. And that was why a few interested spectators congregated at the Domain yesterday afternoon. It was decided that Mr. Adenbrooke should start from the 85yd mark in 110 yards, from the 16oyd. mark in 220 yards, and from the 630 yd. mark in 880 yards, making three races in all. The Domain was cold and cheerless at. 2.30 when the contestants lined up. “Teddy” McKinnon skipped around to keep warm until his elderly rival appeared, modestly attired in a pair of trousers cut below the knee. At the word “set” the sporting parson broke loose on his 85 yards of the first race, but was called back for a fresh start. The second breakaway was fair, and the reverend athlete put up a good race, only to be beaten on the tape. The time was 13 seconds for the 110 yards. In the seqond race of 220 yards, with the Rev. Adenbrooke receiving 55 yards, a stop about 30 yards from the tape lost him the race, and the young runner arrived home by half a yard. Time, 29 seconds. In the 880 yd. race the youthful runner tired considerably, and the sporting parson won by 15 yards, receiving a great ovation from the spectators. Congratulations were showered upon tlie Rev. Adenbrooke, who was much fresher at the end of the longest race than he had been at the conclusion of the other two. Mr. F. C. White and Mr. Percy Silver acted as judges. It is stated that a return challenge is under way.