"MARATHON" RACES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 13983, 12 February 1909, Page 8

"MARATHON" RACES.

" Marathon" races have become epidemic in New York, and there is no tolling where the thing will end (.ays a Referee special correspondent). Tom Longboat, the Indian, made a hero of himself by defeating Dorondo Pietri, the Italian, at Madison Square on the night of December 15. Dorando collapsed on the sixth lap of the 26th mile, and Longboat, finished in 2h. 45m. 5 2-ss. 'I'll-, race was an exciting one. the men being never very far apart and each taking the lead repeatedly. It was given out that the next " Marathon" would bo between Longboat and Alfred Slirnbb. the British runner, but a hi ten of some kind lias arisen. And meanwhile there is so much money in " Marathons that the amateur athletic officials are in danger of losing some of their l>est track athletes. Bonhng, of the Irish-Americans, is said to have the bee ill his bonnet, and Connolly, San Francisco's phenomenal distance runner, has agreed to race Longboat or some other " Marathon" crack it proper inducements are forthcoming. President James E. Sullivan does not appear to be alarmed over the prospect, however. When asked the other day if he thought " Marathon" races would have a tendency to lessen interest in amateur track sports, he replied: "Not a bit. If anything, it. will increase the popularity of athletics: that is so long as these match race.-, are run on the level. The more popular these professional contests become. the greater will be the interest in tin- amateur events of the same kind. For every I/ongboat, Dorando Pietri, ami Haves lost to the amateur cause, the A.A.I.', will gain a dozen ambitious recruits. It is simply wonderful how distance running has come to the front in America in the last four years. 'Marathons,' both amateur and professional, will now be held all over the country, and thousands of people will learn for the first time what an exhilarating sport endurance running is when good men are in the race."