ENGLISH CHAMPION FOOT RACE.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 1001, 3 September 1872, Page 3

ENGLISH CHAMPION FOOT RACE.

Since the days of Deerfoot, the Indian, who in 186J; made such a sensation in England, and proved that even a redskin was good enough at a distance for the pale faces, no such excitement has ever been shown as that at Lillie Bridge. The race was for the Four Mile Championship, and Hazel 1 of Loudon was entered against M'Leavy of Scotland. The former has won almost all the races he has entered for, from one mile up to ten miles, and, in fact he has for a long while been looked upon as the champion of England, while M'Leavy is quite a novice, who has only lately appeared in running circles. Hazell had a host of friends with him, and was much cheered as he stripped. For the first lap, Hazell led at a great pace; time, 1 min. 29 sec. The two laps were run. in 2 min. 55 sec., and the first mile in 4 min. 32 sec.—wonderful time ! Hazell still led, running in a slouching style,lwhileM'Leavy, who i 3 a fine, strong young fellow, and had a splendid springy action, waited close upon him. In the second mile M'Leavy went in front, but Hazell quickly passed him amidst loud shouts, and the two miles were finished in 9 min. 30 sec.—rare time for the distance. In the third mile they still sept close together, Hazell when passed at once repassed his opponent, trying the cutting down dodge but in Tain. Three miles were done in 14 min. 45 sec., Hazell looking very done, |iut pluckily leading—M'Leavy, keeping his splendid form, close behind. In the lap of the fourth mile, M'Leavy spurted in front, but was again passed, &nd they were neck in neck in the last lay. When 350 yards from home M'Leavy spurted ahead ; Hazell stuck to him to within 220 yards of the tape fhen he was utterly run out, and the gallant little Scotsman finished easily idone in the <ast time of 19 min. 50 Kc, The time to where Hazell popped was 19 min. 3 sec. This is 'he fastest four mile race that has ever teen run in London, excepting the IPeat match when White and Lang "to for the Ten Miles Cup eight years '2O,