ATHLETICS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13377, 19 March 1909, Page 8

ATHLETICS.

W. F- Simpson, who holds the record for the Australasian three-mile running champonship, leaves for Dunediu tins niornuis to join the Canterbury contingent, and to compete- in the threemile champion event to-morrow. Simpton was in great form, but he unfortunately strained himself in putting up a fast t«volv« miles on the Marathon coui'&c a few days ago in the sweltering heat and'on a badly cut-up dusty roao Speaking to our Ashburton correspondent yesterday, after a number of the Canterbury athletes had passed through by the afternoon express, Simpson expre&scd himself highly pleased with their line physique, and said he ten sure they would give a good account oi themselves to-morrow. The committees appointed to conduct the long-ms-tance race from Rakaia to Asbburton and the events which will be taking place in the l>.:;nain at the same time, havfl made most complete arrangements tor -carrying out overy detail in connection with what will be the most iiiij-.ortaut athletic event ever h»>!d iv Ashburton. Oivcn a fr-w hoi-rs' rain in tht> moantime to put tho road in gocd rrniiing order, an<i fine weather on. Thursday, ix and most gatiifriny may bo safely prctlicted. A- Jtiriss, who was st-lected t-o re-pre-sent Canterbury in the hammer and shot putting contests at the Xow Zealand Championship Meeting at Dunedin, will be unable to compete, as ho cannot obtain the necessary leave.