THE HARRIERS

Southland Times, Issue 21425, 20 June 1931, Page 19

THE HARRIERS

INVERCARGILL CLUB MEMBERSHIP STEADILY GROWING. LAST SATURDAY’S RUN. There is no doubt that harrier running is now again firmly established in Invercargill, and the fact that it is proving popular was evinced by the number of new members who attended the fifth run held by the Invercargill Club last Saturday. The membership now stands at 25 and this figure promises to be considerably enlarged on as the season progresses. It was found necessary to form a fast and a slow pack on Saturday, in view of the fact that a number were having their first run; the whole pack, however, combining in the run home. An indication that members are getting into form is shown by the fact that the pace in the run home is getting faster each Saturday. It is here that stamina or lack of it wi® become evident, and those who “peter out” in this will find that after a few runs they will have the strength to stay the distance. It is unwise to go too hard in this run without any training, and runners should first concentrate on developing the stride which all good distance men have. In cross-country and road work, once a runner has his second wind, he will find that a good swinging stride with the body slightly bent forward from the hips will take him over a distance without the -exertion that a short striding man experiences. This, of course, comes with training and not in one run. In the run itself it is essential for all members of the pack to keep together, and not strung out, as stragglers keep back those who observe this rule. A lot of time is lost in waiting if the pack does not keep up with the whistle. It is hoped to stage the first race a month from to-day, and it behoves all members to make the most of the runs and concentrate on getting fit for this event. The distance will be either one and a-half or two miles, and if permission can be obtained the race will be held on the Invercargill Racecourse. A training run is held at the Showgrounds every Tuesday night at 7.30 p.m. The harrier event of the year in Dunedin, the Edmond Cup race, was held at Wingatui Racecourse last Saturday before 1500 spectators. Of 177 starters, 155 finished and this constitutes a New Zealand record. The winner was J. G. Barnes and his time was 17min 12sec. Caversham Club winning the teams’ race. It is hoped to send a team from Invercargill next year to compete in this event, and judging by the ability already shown, this should be possible. To-day the run will be held from the St. George School and members are asked to be there sharp at 2.30 p.m.