Marathon Runner 's Rise To Prominence

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28836, 5 March 1959, Page 13

Marathon Runner 's Rise To Prominence

'p’Oß Ron Stevens the winning of the Canterbury marathon title was a triumph over adversity, for while at high school he was advised by his doctor never to participate in vigorous sports and even cricket was barred for him. This edict was the result of two attacks of rheumatic fever. Stevens inherited a love of athletes from his father, whd used to compete with the Civil Service

Club in Dunedin. Further incentive was given by a cousin, who was a regular competitor in Christchurch track and harrier events in the early 1950’5. In 1954 he had his first experience of athletics in the winter season and he was encouraged by a fourth place in the Temuka to Timaru handicap road race. Two winters later he had improved so much that he took fastest time in the Temuka race. Last harrier season he cut 18sec off the record with a time of 55min 20sec and also recorded fastest time in the Kaiapoi to Christchurch race with 61min ssec, missing the record by 18se&

Unlike most marathon runners, the 26-year-old school teacher does not do the phenomenal mileages now considered essential to

reach the top class. Stevens considers the mileage factor has been over-emphasised but he probably finds it difficult to increase his training distances while still studying to complete a B.A. degree. 70 Miles Training Second In the Canterbury and fourth in the New Zealand marathon titles last year, Stevens’s largest mileage in any week was 78, and for three weeks he exceeded 70 miles. For the whole year he did about 2600 miles compared with about 5000 by some ; of the other leading marathon . runners. His improvement has not been ' limited to road Taces only, and during the present season he has gained greatly in pace over the comparatively short events on the track with some A grade mile wins to his credit. At this distance he has improved by more than lOsec, taking his time down to 4min 20sec. His two mile time he has reduced by almost 21sec to 9min 17.7 sec, and his six mile time by 26sec to 30min 14.2 sec.

Easy Style Short and slightly built, Stevens makes up for that with his rhythmic and economical striding. His success in the provincial title is typical of his approach to his sport Although he was struggling from the eight to 20-mile mark, and apparently unable to foot it with, the other three who completed the 26 mile course, Stevens did not give up trying. With the combined effect of the others having over-run their ability, and his striking form at 20 miles, he raced through the field over the last six miles to close the 6Jmin lead of A. W. Richards and finish four minutes ahead.