Mt Hutt race to Radcliffe

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34132, 20 April 1976, Page 28

Mt Hutt race to Radcliffe

< From Out Own Rf.porlt'T> ASHBURTON. Mel Radcliffe, the Canterbury marathon champion, led for the last 1/ miles to win the first annual Mount I lutt marathon race yesterday.

He finished about a mile and a half ahead of the second runner, C. R. Silcock, (Timaru) recording 2hr 24min 45sec for the 26 mile 385 yard journey. The event was a highly successful venture for the Ashburton Amateur Athletic Club which organised it with assistance from the Canterbury Road Runners’ Association. It was sponsored by the Mount Hutt Ski and Alpine Tourist Company. A field of nearly 70 runners took part, including a strong contingent of Christchurch athletes. The race began, above Methven and finished in Ashburton. Alan Barclay finished third, leading home a strong

I representation of St. Mart club runners. I Peter McLauchlan <Ol> n I pic) was fourth and 1 Falvey (Timaru) was fift and won the cup for tl I first veteran over 40 t finish. Frank Sharp, of United Christchurch ran an ■ >ustanding race to be placefifteenth and take the cu; for the first veteran over 50 John Carter is the firlocal athlete to finish in 14C place, to take the cup. The race was run in finwarm conditions — the bes posed a problem for most runners, although a sligh breeze gave relief. Radcliffe said he becam“dehvdrated” after 15 mi e and found himself getting “sluggish.” At no stage had he felt "really tired.” although he eased off over the last stages when he knew he had a comfortable lead. He said the early pace was fast and kept back from the lead over these stages until getting to the front about nine miles on the journey. Results: — Mel Radcliffe <New Brighton: 2:24.45, 1; C. R. Silcock (Timaru , 2:36.34, 2; Alan Barclay <St Martins), 2:43.24, 3; Peter McLauchlan (Olympic), 2:46.11, 4; I. J. Falvey (Timaru). 2:46,34. 5; W. Rouse (St Martins', 2:47.0. 6; 11. B. Chant (Technical', 2:52.26 7; Don Cameron (St Martin.-', 2:54.19. 8; R. Forsyth (New Brighton), 2:54.46. 9: A. M. Harkerss (Christchurch!. 2:58.35, 10; .1 Perry (Christchurch), 2:59.36. 11; N. Lynch (R.N.Z.A.F.), 2:59.56. 12; N. H. King (Christchurch). 3:0.34, 13; R. J. Carter (Ashburton i, 3:02.55, 14; F. Sharp (United?, 3:03.48. 15: P. S. Law (St Matins), 3:07.04. 16; H. Marquet (St Martins). 3:08.07, 17: W M. Norris (Toe H). 3:09.16. 18; M. Austin (St Martins), 3:10.33. 19; P. S. King (Toe H), 3:14.53, 2n Veterans over 40: Falvey J, Chant 2. Cameron 3. Veterans over 50: Sharp 1. Veterans over 60: J. Drew (Veterans) 1. First local athlete: John Carter. 3:2.33.