N.Z. ICE-SKATING MARATHON

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32666, 23 July 1971, Page 14

N.Z. ICE-SKATING MARATHON

Prospects are excellent for the eighth New Zealand ice-skating marathon at Lake Ida on Saturday. A report from the lake last evening confirmed that there was six inches of ice on the main skating area and that a heavy snowfall earlier in the week had almost disappeared.

From the performance of competitors at the national short-track and long-track championships at Manorbum Dam, near Alexandra, last week, the marathon should prove an even and exciting spectacle with the possibility of a new record being established.

Ten new records were set at the dam, and although the principal record-breaker, G. M. Glover (Wellington), is unlikely to compete in the marathon, there are many talented skaters starting, and it should be a memorable race.

The marathon was not held last year because of a lack of ice, but in 1969 the versatile Dutchman, J. H. Havenaar, covered the 26 miles 385 yards in the record time of 1 hour 30 minutes 24.6 seconds. Now nearing 40, Havenaar still retains the speed and stamina to play a prominent part in the race. But another Canterbury skater. R. J. Montgomery, who beat Glover and Havenaar into the minor placings in the men’s 5000 metres event at Manorbum Dam, appears as the likely winner. Montgomery has trained hard for the skating season, mixing skating at the Centaurus indoor ice rink with running and cycling. His 5000 metres victory showed he is fit. A promising younger brigade could pose the main threat to Montgomery and Havenaar. S. Baird (Canterbury) skated consistently for minor placings in five events at last week’s championships. It was only the presence of Glover that prevented him from monopolising the short-track events.

Intermediate Two Canterbury intermediate skaters, G. S. Erickson and M. D. Seelen, performed with distinction at the championships. Both have conditioned themselves well for the marathon and should be prominent for most of the way.

As entries remain open until the event is about to start, it is impossible to tell the

size of the field. However, a large number of skaters are expected to take part.