GOOD FIELDS AT WAIKARI

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30294, 21 November 1963, Page 18

GOOD FIELDS AT WAIKARI

20-Mile Race Feature

Many of Canterbury’s leading athletes, including national representatives, will compete in the annual sports meeting at Waikari on Saturday. Overall the number of entries is exceptionally good. For some events more than 20 competitors are listed. Amongst the more prominent athletes entered are the Empire Games shot and discus champion, Mrs V. I. Young, P. Wells, who has the distinction of having represented both Britain and New Zealand at the high jump, and Mrs L. Wilson, an outstanding all rounder who has represented New Zealand. A feature event, the “Waikari 20.” has attracted a large field of 17 starters. Back marker will be the former Aucklander, D. Puckett, who has run inside 2hr 30min for the marathon. Puckett will be giving away starts of up to 47 minutes. For a good part of the distance it will be a lonely affair for closest to him is a strong bunch containing N. Fleming, S. Gawler, and W. L. Hobbs, who has a start of Zimin, The race can be one of the most "killing” of the long distance road events. Heat, concentrated by the surrounding hills on a fine sunny day, exacts its toll on the runners.

The hammer throw may have four of the best men in the province in opposition. Last year G. Grant and W. Nicholl had a series of interesting contests, first one and then the other breaking the provincial junior record.

The season finished with the honours still divided— Grant taking the national junior championship and Nicholl the national record. Complicating the issue will be R. T. Rose and G. Fullerton, who are returning to Canterbury competition.