HARRIER RACE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17056, 14 September 1929, Page 7

HARRIER RACE

PORT CHALMERS--DUNEDIN

FRANCIS' GREAT PERFORMANCE

(Notes by "Discus")

P. H. Francis, the Poverty Bay dislance runner, registered an outstanding performance in the annual harrier race from Port Chalmers to Dnnedin. It is one of the most popular athletic events in New Zealand, and creates a considerable amount of interest among most followers of this particular branch ol sport. This year's contest attracted 50 runners, 41 of whom finished. The race was won by T. Cbetfleburgb, a member of the Pacific. Athletic Club, who had a handicap of 4min. 15sec. He ran a well-judged race, being in a good position 'from the start, and took the lead about half-a-raile from the finish to win In- a comfortable margin. 'So far as quality was concerned, the field was si good one, and, in addition to a number of well-known Otago athletes, it- included P. H. Francis, oi Gisborne, a former English marathon winner, who finished sixth in the New Zealand cross-country championship a week before. Those who saw Francis in action in the Dominion title race were impressed by his performance, and itwas the opinion of some that he could have been closer up than sixth it the interests of his province bad demanded it. He ran splendidly all the way, and the manner in which he madeup ground almost from the start made, it- evident at an early stage of the contest that he would have to be reckoned with at the finish. ' After leaving St. Leonard's, I-rancis passed his opponents in great style, 'Heading them all with the exception o Chettleburgh and Pledger, and finished with a strong run. His time was 41mm. lsec. which is the fastest ever recorded for the race, and 4sec. better than that registered bv G. G. Notman in 191,4. THE RACE REVIEWED When the runners started on their long journey fairly heavy ram was tailing, but there was no wind. Brancis (scr.) lost no time in making up ground. Before Sawyer's Bay was reached be was close up to E. C. Brown, to whom he was giving a handicap of oCsec, while t- W Frye and M'Laren, both oft the 45sec. mark, were together a short distance ahead.' By the time St. Leonard s was reached J. Pledger (smm. 15sec), who was ' running very strongly, had established a lead of 30 yards from J. JUaly (smin 45sec). T. Chettleburgh 4min 15sec.) was in third position a similar distance back, and he, too, was running freely. Then came Fitgett, traill (smin. 30sec), Gibson, M Hindoo (smin.), I. Still (4min. 45sec.), C. J. Henry (4min. 30sec). D. Thompson (4 mm. 30sec), H. Bond (4min. 45sec. , H. T. Emmersou (3min. 30sec), and C. Brown (smin. 30sec). The backmarkers were pulling up well on all except the leaders. . , , Before reaching Burke's, Francis had passed Brown and Fryre, and running In splendid style he assumed eighth.position running beside M'Laren. At tins stage Pledger was leading by about 100 yards, with Chettleburgh second, and Daly third. Fitchett, Kay, and EmmeroV followed in that order, *J M'Laren and Francis were a- fair distance behind. At Ravensbourne Pledger was still leading Chettleburgh by a Fair margin, while Francis was improv- " ," position all the tune. In the final stages Chettleburgh gradually overhauled Pledger, and caught him atthft last bend, going on to win in g«*W> by about 40 yards. Francis, who finished third, about 50 yards behind Pledget, was given a great reception by the spectalors, who fully appreciated the merit ur bis performance. There was a veiy keen contest for fourth place, and M'Laren jiwt beat Brown on the tape. P. H. Francis, scr., 41mm. lsec, set up the fastest time,. PREVIOUS WINNERS

This event was "rst contested ir, 1902 and was held annually til! 1914 No ™ce was held from 1915 till 1920, 'but t was revived in 1921. It lapsed again in the following year owing to uisuthaent entries. Since 1923 the race has been held annually.