Stark could win cross-country

Press, 22 June 1985, Page 16

Stark could win cross-country

Andrew Stark (Christchurch) could win the Holloway Memorial 16km cross-country running race at McLeans Island on Saturday. Stark is better known as a track runner specialising in 1500 m races, but occasionally he racess with success over longer distances, and the McLeans Island course has suited him in the past. He was second in 1980 to Don Greig (Bascik New Brighton) and showed last month that he has lost little of his old dash by taking fourth place in the Bascik Cartage 10km road race in 30min 30s. Behind him on that day were several runners who are expected to be prominent on Saturday, including Rob Mulcahy (United), Kevin Barnes. (Christchurch) and David Kett. (United). Others in the field who look, capable of taking the title if Stark is not at his best are Grant Hardy and Grant McEwen (Bascik New Brighton), Elliot Drayton (University) and John Sheddan (Olympic). Mary O’Connor (University) should retain her title in the women’s race over Bkm which she won last year in 29:15. Anna Warren (Christchurch),

Doreen Dryden (University). Donna McCartney (Bascik New Brighton) and Margaret Walker (Christchurch) look the fastest of the rest. It will be Walker’s first run for several months and she would be capable of taking second place if she returned to her old form. Joan Ray (Toe H) is also on the come-back trail, competing in the veteran (over 35) women’s race of Bkm. The veteran men’s race will be held in conjunction with the senior men’s race, and Bryan Atkins (United) has the form to retain his title. The only veterans who look likely to keep near him are Neville Reid, Bruce Burns and John Macdonald, all of the Olympic club.