ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14000, 4 March 1909, Page 8

ATHLETICS.

N.Z. MARATHON MEETING. ■ The, "Marathon" is the only topic in athletic circles at present, the 4 interest aroused by the event being i something to wonder at. A couple of weeks ■;;. ago,- when '*the " Tivoli Marathon " was decided, the crowds lined; the t road for ■ a full ' mile *to the winning post, where a dense throng had congregated, That race, had not; excited the interest ; prior jto - its * decision ■: that ■ the New - Zealand Marathon has, so that it is safe to assume that, there will be a very large attendance on Saturday. -The unusually large number of 42 ' competitors from all parte of the Dominion ' have nominated, and, with perhaps a'; few : exceptions, they will all, no doubt go. to the post. Word has been received that y the Southern competitors are now on their way ; North, the ."Wellington men being expected %to arrive at seven o clock . this morning. The contest, i: with such a large field, should provide more than an ordinarily exciting race. The Auckland , Amateur Athletic Club has made; complete arrangements, and appeals to drivers, horsemen, and cyclists to give J the whole of the runners from Howick a clear course on Saturday. The Auckland Club officials urgently ;; request ■; Marathon runners to be medically examined by Dr. Hard ie Neil before the race,. the failure to produce a certificate of fitness meaning disqualification.

FORESTERS' PICNIC. -'The following handicaps have been declared for the principal events to be run . at the Foresters' Dominion picnic at Motu- • tapu on, Saturday :■ — '.„ friendly ' Societies' Handicap: J. R. akcr J O'Grady, W. Kelsall, 4yds; R. "■ M , OO - cT 7 J '" Duffin, syds; B. Walker, W. Elwm,, s£yds; 'W. R. Cox, 6yds; C. Farquharran,; A. Francis, F.: Leslie, G. Bennett, 6iydsuH.''Stevens, C. Langton,;T. Prior E. Onbornc, 7yds; v A. Osborne, Byds; A Hunter, A. Barclay, W. Hammond, E. Anam, ,V. Hunter, Biyds; Ivan Brownlee, 9yds; W. H..Tongue, 9iyda: W. Holmes 10yds; L. Pitkethly, 11yds; E.Neil, . 12yds! Foresters' Handicap: J. E. Baker W Kelsall, 3yds; B. Walker, syds; W R Cox, 54yds; l C. Farquharson, F. Leslie,' 6yds; ; 0. Langton, R. Mallett, E. Osborne, 7yds;. A. Osborne, A. Hunter, G. Audin, 74yds; Ivan Brownlee, Byds; W. Holmes A. Curtis, 9yds; W.';Strudge.L: Pitkethly 9iyds; .E. Neil/ 10yds; S. W. Thompson 12yds.. ■•-■. >"■ ,:;;-,■ /.>-■:.- ■ l; ' ~ oOOYd V Ha " dica P : J. O'Connell, F. Gladding, 4yds; F. P. Mora a > sy d »; G. i B. Reid, 54yds; ;J. O'Grady, 6yds; R. Moore, £'. ; Barton. 6iyds;F. Barton,' 7yds; . W. Hicks, 0. Farquharson. Byds; A. Middleton! ;y>.-.H: Curtis, C. Webb, H. Stevens. 84yds; J Campney, T. Hayes. T. Prior. D. Wilson, t 9yds: G. Bennett, 9Jyds; G. Parks, 10yds: . W. Holmes, lOiyds;, J. Gold, 13yds. THE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING. * [BY TELEGRAPH.—KRESS ASSOCIATION.] ' .-"jV- ■'■'' ,'' Wellington, Wednesday. ' H. E. Kerr, who was selected to represent :Wellington in ;■_ the:walking events at the amateur athletic championship -. meeting in . ; Duncdin on the 20th inst.. will be unable to make the trip, owing to illness. j