Alcorn wins tough 50-mile race

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33450, 4 February 1974, Page 30

Alcorn wins tough 50-mile race

The world record-holder for 50 miles, P. Hampton (England) was no match yesterday for New Zealand’s best 50-mile runner, R. Alcorn, in the Suckling Shoe Store International 50-mile race over the Port Hills.

Alcorn handled the most severe 50 mile course ever staged in New Zealand, round the Port Hills, to leave Hampton struggling in his wake after 35 miles. A total of 32 runners from five nations left Cathedral 1 Square at 6.40 a.m. yesterday. Of these, eight com- . pleted the course. There was '■ about 5000 feet of climbing throughout the race. The Wellington Scottish Club runner, S. Bauer, ran courageously through the

heat to come second. His time was 6:42:20. It was his first race over the distance. M. Hutchins (Wanganui) was third. L. Rewcastle (Invercargill), who has steel pins in both hips, was fourth. C. Cassidy (Gore), a former jockey, who has won the New Zealand Cup, has a plate with nine screws in his leg. He was sixth. The oldest finisher, P. Jowett (aged 61), of Palmerston North, who was a former Canterbury University sprint champion, and who resumed athletics only about 10 years ago, was eighth. Results:— R. Alcorn (C.8.H.5.), 5.43:45. 1; S, Bauer (Scottish Wellington), 6:42:20, 2; M. Hutchins (Wanganui), 7:21:52, 3; L. Reweastle (St Paul’s, Invercargill). 7:23:44, 4; L. Field (Northland), 7:39:43. 5; C. Cassidy (Gore), 7:52:44. 6; G. Haszard (Canterbury University), 9:0:40, 7; P. Jowett (Palmerston North), 10:7:45. 8.