Pedestrianism.

Otago Witness, Issue 1555, 27 August 1881, Page 21

Pedestrianism.

The Launceston 48« hours contest last week resulted as follows :— Swan, 178 miles ; Edwards, 169 miles ; and Baker, 140 miles 23 laps. Swan thus.scoured the £50 prize, having defeated Edwards by nine miles, and Baker by 37 miles 2 laps. At the conclusion of the tour' nament Alderman Farrelly presented the winner with an additional 10 guineas, which had been subscribed by those present. Af (jer Swan had returned his thanks, three cheers were given fur Edwards, Biker (the losing competitors), and Cotton, Swan's trainer. The American runner Myers made a, sucoess - ful debut in England, winning his quarter- mile race in 49J sees easily, with Phillips second. The American walker Merrill also won his first bonteet, but he bad nothing muoh against him Concerning tbe two American pedestrians a correspondent writes r- 4 -" Merrill, who hails .from the TJaion A.0., Boaton, was entered for the Two Miles Open Walking Matoh, and he. simply and literally ' won in a walk ' by come 130 yards. I never saw so fair a walker go the pace, and in beautiful, easy style, too. His times were : First mile, 7min 3aeo ; second, 14 min3s 2-saeo. Myers' race followed. It was. a 440 yards level raoe, open, and although there were five other competitors, there were five other competitors, there waß only one in it' with any ohanoe whatever. He allowed the others to lead him for about half- vay round, when he shot by them, dropped hia hands, and looked round^ winning by nine yards, in 49 4 5 sec.;"; The races came off at the London Athletic Club's meeting at Stamford Bridge, and the competitors were all amateurs. Myers waß to compete in a half-mile race the week following.