Big field for relay

Press, 12 September 1987, Page 14

Big field for relay

Ninety-six teams of eight runners will take part in the forty-eighth annual running relay from the Sign of the Takahe to Akaroa today. Several New Zealand re-

presentatives will run for their clubs, including Chris Tobin (Timaru), who holds the records for laps four and five, Dave Burridge (University), Peter Renner (New

Brighton), and Mary O’Connor (University). New Brighton looks set to retain the A grade men’s relay title but much interest will focus on lap five, where Burridge will make a rare appearance against Renner over the ll.lkm. Tobin will also be on this lap. University won the open grade in 1985, beating Takapuna, with New Brighton third, and with Burridge and Pat Meffan in the team should push New Brighton hard.

A fascinating clash is in store in the veteran men’s grade, where Olympic has reigned supreme in recent years but now faces a challenge from Christchurch, which fielded a team which took fastest time in the Port Hills relay recently.

University, which took fastest time in the women’s grade in the Port Hills relay, should repeat that performance today. Sumner’s top team would have been a strong contender but Liz Laban has had to withdraw, weakening the otherwise strong line-up. With some of its top veteran women in its open women’s team, Sumner may not be able to match St Martins in the veteran women’s grade, in which four teams will compete.