HARRIER RACING

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20504, 21 May 1938, Page 23 (Supplement)

HARRIER RACING

BECOMING POPULAR LABT SATURDAY’S OUTING NOVICE RACE TO-DAY (By “Stamina”) The fact that harrier running is becoming increasingly popular In Hamilton was evidenced by the large muster of Hamilton club members who attended the weekly run conducted by the club last Saturday. The run commenced from the residence of Mr and Mrs Joyes, at the top of Thackeray Street, and trail-layers McDonald and Armstrong paid due attention to a preparation for to-day’s novice race and concentrated on road work. The trail ‘led to the Lake grounds from the Lake Road entrance and thence into Ivillarney Road, went to the left for three quarters of a mile along the railway line, and then made back for the Lake via a large area of blackberry. This was the only country traversed and slowed down times which were otherwise very cre’ditable. At the back of the Lake the paper led out to Ohaupo Road via Lake Crescent, and thence home via Pembroke Street, finishing with a dash up the Thackeray Street Incline. Some Good Times The distance was no more than 3i miles and, considering the conditions, the time's registered showed that the majority of club members are nearjjig the peak of their condition. Although the three packs set out at eight-minute intervals, individual times were taken. G. Roberts contented himself with the slow pack and was first home in that division, covering the distance in 30 mins. Other fast times in this division were registered by Richardson, Row and Bell. The first and third mentioned were having their first outing with the club, while Row Is a first-year member who, like many other newcomers, is a decided acquisition to the ranks of the club. W. Choat was the first man home in the medium section and his time of 24 mins, was second only to that of E. K. Trow from the field of thirty on the day. Choat Is a sound performer who seems to be at his be'st on the roads and who, if he persists with his training, is very likely to find himself in the club’s A team this season. Others to perform creditably in this division were' Woods, Taylor, Whiting and Bloore, whose time was better than the average time of the fast pack.

The Fast Pack Hamilton’s fast pack this year will be a definite force to be' reckoned with In inter-club competition. Last Saturday they packed well together, but E. K. Trow showed them the way home and recorded the excellent time of 23£ mins, for the distance. This runner was never rushing on Saturday last and he has still to be seen at his best over country. He has twice on th£ track been 3 miles champion of the Waikato, he Is possessed of unlimited stamina, and will go a long way In the harrier world this season. Dent Collins, R. Gardner, Miller and Smith finished practically in a bunch 24£ mins, after leaving home. They are a strong quintet, although Collins could probably have done better. Following the run the club were the guests of Mr and Mrs R. Joyes and the ever popular bowl of soup was greatly appreciated by the runners. The thanks of the club are due in no small measure to its host and hostess of last Saturday, as for the past four years they have entertained the harriers regularly and in royal fashion. Club for Te Awamutu The enterprising secretary of the Te Awamutu Athletic and Cycle Club, Mr A. B. Allen, is now busy .trying to arrange harrier outings for the members of his club and it seems very probable that the Hamilton club will journey to that district for a run on May 28, if final arrangements ca*n be made'. Te Awamutu are singularly fortunate at the moment as they have as a resident. Mr Les Turner, a foundation and life member of the Hamilton Harrier Club, who has returned to the' Waikato after an absence of three years. Those who knew Mr Turner as a member of this body are well aware that he will leave no stone' unturned to set the harriers off in Te Awamutu. i =