"King Of The Mountains' Race Planned"

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31206, 2 November 1966, Page 15

"King Of The Mountains' Race Planned "

’THE constructive influence 1 of the Canterbury Road Runners’ Association has increased steadily in Canterbury athletics in recent years. This year the association is organising its biggest programme of stunmer road events which should prove a boost to the sport in Canterbury. An important innovation this season will be a “King of the Mountains” race. A similar race has been an annual feature of Auckland athletics for some years. Canterbury is peculiarly favoured with suitable terrain on Cashmere for a race of this kind. The committee are presently busy selecting a suitable course for the race, probably involving a climb of about 1500 feet. At the same time the association is endeavouring to avoid any prolonged downhill stretches which could cause leg strains and injuries at a critical stage of the athletic season. The “King of the Mountains” race is being held on December 31.

A substantial number of

entries have already been received for the road events which cover distances of six, 10, 15, 20 and 26 miles and culminate with the longest foot race in New Zealand or Australia—the “New Brighton 50,” on April 1. The main events in the road racing programme this season are:— November 12: 15-mile road race. November 19: West Coast Marathon. December 3: Triangular 15mile race, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. December 14: 20-mile race from Christchurch to Rangiora. December 31: King of the Mountains race. January 7: Ashburton sixmile race. January 28: Canterbury Marathon championship. February 25: Canterbury 10-mile championship. March 11: 20-mile race. March 18: six-mile Sanitone Cup race from Lyttelton to Governor's Bay. April 1: New Brighton 50mile race.