AN EXHIBITION RUN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23057, 7 December 1936, Page 6

AN EXHIBITION RUN

LOVELOCK AT AUCKLAND CROWD OF 4000 THRILLED (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Dec. 6. 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 ho was given a magnificent reception. Accompanied by four Auckland distance runners—Savidan, Cooper, Blirtwistle, and Wade—the champion jogged the first lap. He then donned the shoes in which he won his famous Olympic 1300 metres victory, and discarded his slacks to reveal his All Black running kit before the party went away again to stride half a mile. Each time Lovelock passed the stand and the 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 lap was covered.

Addressing the spectators at the conclusion of the exhibition Lovelock said that 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.