RANGIORA 20

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30316, 17 December 1963, Page 20

RANGIORA 20

Record Entry Of 23 A record entry of 23 runners has been received for tire "Rangiora 20” tomorrow evening. Given favourable conditions, there » every prospect that the record for the 20-mile race from Christchurch to Rangiora will be broken. The present record of Ihr 49min 47sec, set by'B. Curie in 1958, is an exceptionally good one and when made was better than the equivalent New Zealand track record time. The quest for record honours seems likely to rest with several times national harrier champion, K. E. Williams (Nelson) and the former Aucklander, D. Puckett (Technical), who has been inside 2ihrs 30min for the 26 mile 385 yard marathon.

There are one or two others, if they strike their best form, who could be out with the leaders for much of of the distance and it would not be beyond T. Preece (Toe H) to cause an upset. The race is a scratch event for a cup and trophies presented by the Rangiora Businessmen's Association, but a time handicap will also be held. Handicaps of up to 53min have been awarded, with only three of the starters getting allocations beyond 27 min. On this figure is the 42-year-old W. Roberts, who won the 12 mile KaiapoiChristchureh race at the end of the harrier season. Noted for his effort in running 100 miles in 24 hours, J. Drew shares the 42min mark with H. Vodder.

A group of four University runners, J. Scott, P. May, S. Young, and R. Creed, could form a strong contingent, all having handicaps of 21min to 24min.

The event will start from tihe comer of Bealey avenue and Colombo street at 8 p.m. and the first man is expected to finish at the Rangiora Post Office about 7.50 p.m.