ATHLETICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 October 1915, Page 5

ATHLETICS.

SCHOOLBOYS' EACE. The number of starters in the umtta. steeplechase in connection with the Boya' High Srhool was 170, larger than ever before; in fact, each year sees an increase in the number of those competing, in proportion to the rapid growth of the school. The course, about 4J miles, was the same as last year, namely: From School up Avenue Road to Te Henui Bridge, then along right bank of river and out on to the old Hospital Road, then down Hospital Road to Bowling Green, over old Railway Bridge to Watsou Street, Lemon Street, Hobaon Street, and on to the school ground. About ten minutes after three the limit boy, one of the smallest in the school, Bet out, and was followed by groups of the others at intervals of one minute, until all the 170 competitors were streaming in a long white line up the road until tost to view. A period of suspense ensued until the leading boy should again come into view on the long ridge on the other side of Te Henui. At last a small figure came on to the ridge, passed down on to the Old Hospital Road, and was not seen again till the bottom of the gully below the school ground was reached, when eager watchers announced that MacDiannid, the small boy who left first, was in the lead. Another figure was espied not far behind, and for a time it seemed that MacDiarmid would be overhauled, but eventually he passed the post a good forty yards in front of the second boy, Emmcrton, who won the race in the previous year. Russell, the third boy, was not far behind, and for about ten minutes a continual stream of boys arrived until all were home.