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Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33814, 10 April 1975, Page 14

This four-mile “fun run” organised by Christchurch Teachers’ College attracted more than 1500 starters in North Hagley Park late yesterday afternoon. It was second only in size to the recent city-to-surf community jog last month. Pupils and teachers from about 30 primary and postprimary schools throughout Canterbury, and from seven secondary schools, took part. Others came from football, harrier, athletics and other sports clubs. Most were of school age but there was a liberal sprinkling of men and women between 40 and 60. The eldest, Mr Eric Sharp, who is 86, finished ahead of several hundred youngsters and some not so young. One of the biggest groups was about 40 runners from the R.N.Z.A.F. base at Wigram. Groups from Air New Zealand and

the Bank of New South Wales took part, as well as runners from Christchurch gymnasiums and insurance firms.

The Canterbury Road Runners’ Association handed out leaflets listing registered clubs in Christchurch which runners were invited to join. Before the start at the Armagh Street gates the former Bluff to Cape Reinga record-holder, Don Cameron, of the St Martins club, congratulated the runners on their turn-out and then ran with them.

The secretary of the scientific committee of the National Heart Foundation (Dr D. R. Hay) appealed to young and old to develop and maintain their physical fitness as a means of avoiding heart troubles. Dr Hay was one of a number of medical practitioners who completed the course.