HARRIERS' ROAD RACE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13385, 11 September 1905, Page 3

HARRIERS' ROAD RACE.

That the annual road raco of tho Dunedin Harriers from Port Chalmers to Peliclict Bay is ono of the foremost athlctio fixtures of tho season, was again proved beyond doubt by tho enthusiasm displayed and tho largo number of competitors that took part in the raco on Saturday last. Tho rain spoiled the enjoyment of tho raco to a certain extent, and it alfo had tho effect of making tho road slippery, which inconvenienced the Tunners a little and made them tako caro of their, footsteps whilo descending tho hills on the roacl. By tho 2.30 train from town competitors, officials, and friends (including a number'of ladice), journeyed to Port Chalmers where tho club had povided accommodation, and at 10 minutes to 4 tho competitors lined up at the foot of Georgo street, where a large crowd had gathered to witness the start of tlio race. Of a total of 58 entries, 43 competitors faced the starter, and Mr W. J. Burk, assisted by tlio other officials, soon got tho men away. As tho two scratch men, Sharpo and Melvillo, started, they- received threo cheers from tho crowd assembled. Tho arrangements at the Port having been well timed, the officials and friends wero able to travel back to town by tho 4 p.m. train; and a view of the raco was obtainable from the cajjfiago windows as the train passed along. The officials arrived with a little snaro time at town, and after attending i to tho competitors' bags, etc., made their way to tho finishing post, opposite tho Model Yacht Club's shed, whoro a crowd of spectators, numbering somo hundreds, had assembled to 6eo tho finish of tho raco. They (lid, not have to wait very iong before two men were seen coming. round Logan's Point. These turned out' to bo Reynolds and Frcnch, who had kept their lead throughout tho race. French managed to beat his clubmate for first position. Reynolds secured second position, being some 14seo behind the winner. Following Reynolds camo Jolwron, a little way behind/and then followed Fergusson, Muir, Scott, and M'Knight in quick succession.

Tho following are the times of the placed men:—A. French (6min handicap), 47min 55sec, 1; R. B. Reynolds (6min handicap), 48rain Bsee, 2; F. J. Johnson 6min 30sce, 49min 2Ssec, 3. French, besides holding the Challenge Cup for one year receives a trophy from the Dnncclin Harriers. Even with his handicap, his win, which was a popular one, was a surprise. French is a member of the Civil Service Harriers, as aro also Reynolds and Johnson, the seconded third men, On the individual times being worked out it was found that A. Mclvillo (C.S.) hod made tho fastest time, doing tho distance in 43min 57600, and lie takes the spccial prize alloted to the competitor who gains tlw fastest time. Melville's time for the race is very good, but ho doo3 not secure tho record, which still is held by H. Murray, who in 1903 ran the distance in 43min 21sec. Sharpe, tho other scratch man, took some 45min 19sec. A. Bonnin was the second fastest, his time being 44min 36-cc. Credit is due to Dr S.. Batchelor, Messrs Musker, Lang, Murray. Jackson, Biirk. Briekell, Shand, Every, and Cameron, for their work as judges, timekeepers, and marksmen, and to A. Bonnin (lion, see.), who, though a competitor, had made all arangements beforehand in a most satisfactory manner. After tho race the competitors and their friends adjourned to the Albany Street School, wliero tho president of theDunedin Harriers tho remits and called for cheers for tho winner of the prize for tho fastest time, and for the Civil Service Club on tho splendid performance of ife members in securing tho coveted prizes. To Mrs Pram, Mrs Rflid, and several young ladies who so ably assisted, special thanks are duo for their kindness in providing refreshments for the company that was assembled. Before dispersing, hearty cheers were given for tho ladies by all those present.