Aucklander To Run Across Australia

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31374, 20 May 1967, Page 15

Aucklander To Run Across Australia

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

SYDNEY.

The 24-year-old Auckland distance runner, J. Young, will set out from Perth this morning on the longest run attempted in the world—3ooo miles across Australia, from Perth to Sydney.

Young’s plans were announced in Sydney yesterday by his manager, Mr D. Hannay.

Young will be travelling alone, as he did when he ran from Bluff to Cape Reinga last year. Mr Hannay said Young had been training in Perth for the last six months while attempts were made to find a sponsor for the run. “I have been trying to raise

$24,000 in Sydney but without success,” said Mr Hannay. “Young telegraphed me last night to say he could not wait any longer. He said he is at a peak of fitness and has decided to go it alone.” Mr Hannay said Young

would rely on assistance from people he met on the trip. “It will be an extreme test of endurance and stamina,” he said, “but he looks on the run as a challenge.

“Knowing John, if he says he will do it, he will do it.’ Mr Hannay said Young would carry a bottle of water from the Indian Ocean at Perth, which he would empty into the Pacific at Bondi Bead! on his arrival in Sydney.

Mr Hannay said he still hoped that sponsors could be found so they could revert to the original plan of having two vehicles with provisions to acompany Young. He said it was also hoped that a doctor could accompany him. Young, an insurance clerk, expects to take two and a half to three months to reach the east coast of Australia. He arrived in Sydney from New Zealand about six weeks ago.

Speed Record.—An attempt to break the world water speed record held by the late Donald Campbell will be made by the 32-year-old American, L. Taylor, in June.

Seeded First.—R. Emerson (Australia) and Mrs B. J. King (United States) are top seeded for the singles events In the French tennis championships, starting on Monday.