Lovelock’s Exhibition Run at Auckland

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 289, 7 December 1936, Page 8

Lovelock’s Exhibition Run at Auckland

MAGNIFICENT RECEPTION FROM CROWD OF 4000. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. A track exhibition over five laps by J. E. Lovelock thrilled a crowd of 4000 spectators at Carlaw Park on Saturday when the Auckland Amateur Athletic Centre held a special carnival in honour of the New Zealander. When Lovelock, attired in a white sweatsuit and shoes, walked on to the field, he was given a magnificent reception. Accompanied by four Auckland distance runners, Savidan, Cooper, Birtwistle and Wade, the champion jogged the first lap. He then donned the shoes in which he won his famous Olympic 1500 metres victory and discarded his slacks to reveal his all-black running kit before the party went away ajjam to stride the half-mile. Each time Lovelock passed the stand and terraces he was greeted with renewed cheering. The Aucklanders dropped out at the completion of the third quarter-mile and Lovelock, increasing his speed appreciably and lengthening his stride continued alone to cover the lap at racing pace. When he passed the post again the others joined in and one more Jap was covered. Addressing the spectators at the conclusion of the exhibition Lovelock said amateur athletics was one of the finest of sports and was deserving of public support. At the end of the meeting he gave the competing athletes half an hour’s talk on general training methods and answered several questions.