Renner trying for 3000m time

Press, 19 November 1982, Page 23

Renner trying for 3000m time

By

ROD DEW

The New Zealand Commonwealth Games steeplechaser, Peter Renner (New Brighton), is planning an attempt on the world championship qualifying time for the 3000 m steeplechase on the final day of the annual A.N.Z. Bank track and field league at Queen Elizabeth II Park tomorrow. The target he has in sight is Bmin 28s, which is a mere four-fifths of a second faster than the New Zealand resident record he set in March this year. And Renner, after a splendid 5000 m run at the park last Saturday, is confident that he can improve on .this — provided the weather conditions are suitable. “I have got to qualify for the world championships, and the sooner I can do it the better,” he said'. Renner is using the build-up and conditioning he achieved for the Commonwealth Games - in the hope of achieving fast times early in the season. This is in contrast to many other members of the Games team, who have elected to take a break before beginning another build-up for the major events later in the summer. "This is the first time I have had virtually two

seasons in a row, and I want to take advantage of it,” he said. “I should be able to do some good times this year.” He is unconcerned about trying to maintain a high level of fitness for such a long period. His only worry is that he might get injured. Otherwise he is extremely confident of achieving, the world championship qualifying time, and competing with distinction in the international series in January. Tomorrow, his 3000 m journey over the hurdles might be a lonely one. Neil Lowsley, his New Brighton and New Zealand team-mate, has only, just started training again after resting since the Games and he is a doubtful starter. He is hoping to make his world championship qualifying attempt later next month. Both men have a high interest in the Italian track and field team which will visit New Zealand in January. The members of the team, which is coming to New Zealand for winter training, are not yet known but hopes are high that Mariano Scartezzini, second in the recent European champion-

ship in Bmin 23.115, will be included in the party. The Italians are expected in New Zealand in time to run at the annual New Year Ashburton meeting on January 8. They will definitely compete in the Christchurch international meeting on January 15.