HARRIER RACING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23384, 28 June 1939, Page 20

HARRIER RACING

MANY RECORDS BROKEN IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARD SOME PROMISING RUNNERS An outstanding feature of this season's harrier events in Auckland is the number of new club records that have been established. The majority of the records for important open events are held by J. W. Savidan, who was classed as one of the six best distance-runners in the world. Such records will not easily be broken, but one young runner this .V e ar, X. Ambler, was only 5s outside Savidairs Lake Pupuke record, and L. R. Walters took more than half-a-minute off last year's time in the Great Eastern road race, while R. Crompton and C. Littler were only a few seconds behind him. Littler and Porter established new records for the Papatoetoe Club's six miles road race a few weeks ago. J. Xaeev took two minutes off the Baptist Club's record over the same distance, and last week three Technical runners, V; Ibbertson, P. Best and A. Harding, all broke the record for their club's five miles road race along the waterfront road. These feats indicate that the standard of harrier running in Auckland is improving, due to more careful coaching and to the following of graded schedules of training as recommended by the American coach, Mr. A. I 1 itch, who visited Auckland earlier in the year. ONEHUNGA TO AUCKLAND CONTEST NEXT SATURDAY The popular Onehunga to Auckland road race will be conducted by the Technical Old Boys' Club next Saturday. The course of slightly over seven miles is a good one, although made somewhat difficult by the long uphill climb at the start. The field usually numbers 100, but indications are that the entry will be bi"ger this vear. The record for the race 3Gin 275, held by Savidan, has stood for four years. The nearest any competitor has got to it is .win 40s, which J. Neil recorded in 193/. X. I'. Cooper returned 36m 42s in 1933. these three runners and R. Crompton are the | only ones to have broken 37m in the j history of the race. Savidan is the | present holder of the Chambers Cup for the fastest time, which last year was 30in 575. , Neil, who has performed prominently !i n the past, does not appear at present i to be quite in top form, although his 1 chances of winning must be considered j good. L. R. Watters will start as the I favourite, in the absence of .J. W. Savij dan. who is an unlikely competitor. I Savidan is not likely to contest any further open events. Watters won the Great Eastern road race, which is considered a harder race, in good time, a fortnight ago, and at present is producing the best form of liis career. Crompton and Littler were only two behind him in that | event and either may defeat him. Li ttI ler has come up to form very quickly i and is running well at present. N. Ambler. of Calliope, has produced some sensational times in road races this year, but the race i.s a severe one for one of his experience, and he is unlikely to start. I). Porter lias a good record for the race and might spring a surprise, W. ! Briggs, of Lynndale. is usually among I the" first. six to finish, while V. Jbbert- ! son, of Technical, a second-year runj nor. who jias been to the fore this year, should gain a major place, together ! with his clubmate. P. Best. Although lie has not contested an open event this vear. G. Koofoed, of University, has been outstanding in his club. The teams race appears likely to be won bv Lynndale. This club was'successful* in the Great Eastern road race bv a narrow margin front Technical, and this year has a strong combination, which will be strengthened by the inclusion of W. Briggs. The issue should lie between Lynndale and Technical. Teehnical's chances will be improved if Birtwistle starts. Birtwistle is a capable runner, and was second to Savidan in but lie is not yet fit. The Papatoetoe Club, with Littler, Porter. Sinton and Wcllbourne. are sure to run well, and the Auckland Club has in Watteffs. E. Savidan and L. Clark the nucleus of a strong team, which, however, lacks a good fourth man. Glasgow not yet being fit. The first of a series of graded teams races between the Auckland and University Clubs was contested at the Domain on Saturday. University was successful in all three grades, but Auckland was weakened by the absence of the Savidan brothers and Watters, who is saving himself for the road race. | The A grade race of (1000 yards, in which 20 runners started, saw. a good performance by the University man, E. Stephenson, who led most of the way and won from A. Ball, also of University. The Technical Old Boys' annual road race, from the Y.M.C.A. building to .Mission Bay, drew an entry of 2o runners. including most of the club's leading men. The record for the race was broken by the three scratch men, Ihbertsoir. Best and Harding. Ibbertson. who made fastest time, was outstanding.