Top clash next week

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32661, 17 July 1971, Page 42

Top clash next week

(N.Z. Press Association) LONDON. ; The Australian distance champion, A. Benson, will run against Britain’s track star,-the bearded student, D. Bedford, during the British national championships on July 23 and 24. Benson, the Australian 1500 metres champion, is enjoying a successful season in Europe. The administrative officer of the amateur athletic association (Mr L. Higdon) said Benson would run in the 5000 metres and possibly the 1500 and steeplechase. The association was waiting on further advice from Germany, where Benson is running this week. His entry in the 5000 metres had delighted officials. Bumper crowds are expected to watch the race in which Bedford, the European champion, will be attempting to break R. Clarke’s world record. Mr Higdon said Bensons entry would ensure a good race. “Not that I think he Ms the slightest chance of staying with Bedford,” he said. “Still, if he can pace him for about 2000 metres a record Would be a certainty,” Mi Higdon said. I Bedford, aged 21, has Vowed to break Clarke’s 5000 and 10,000 metre times at the championships. He was only 7.6 sec outside Clarke’s 10,000 metre time at his last start, and claims he can improve by seconds on the Crystal Palace tartan track. ' ‘