HARRIERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 138, 13 June 1931, Page 4

HARRIERS

TEST FOR WANGANUI CLUB RUN OVER THE BRAMWELL COURSE NOTES AND COMMENTS (By i{ Jog-Trot”) A. final reminder is given to the Wanganui harriers who intend taking part in the official test run to-day to sec that their running shoes and all other equipment for the race is in firstclass order. Also they aro reminded that it is unwise to cat a heavy meal before the race. Members arc to meet at tho main gate < ' tho Racecourse in Ingestre Street at 2.15 p.m. and the race is to start at 2.45 p.m. sharp.

Tn view of tho. fact that all runners will start together, those harriers who have been running in packs will do well to bunch together and so carry each other along the road. The fastest runners will soon draw away from the ruck and will string out ahead, but tho -weaker runners must not bo disheartened when they are left behind as will no doubt be the case. Every man should work as hard as possible, for even though ho may be some distance behind, yet, should be make a fast trip, tho sealed handicap when revealed might place him well up in the front.

While on the list of reminders, it is not amiss to draw further attention to the fact that, inasmuch as tho harriers are greatly indebted to the property owners for allowring them to run over their land and to cross their fences, it is up to the harriers to take every precaution to see that that privilege is not abused. Tho club is very much indebted to all those who give this access to their property. Thanks are duo to Mr Titter, who has been of great assistance to the club in this direction.

Among the runners who will be watched with interest this afternoon are the Johnston brothers, Weller, the Hoskins brothers, Clark, Northover, and Carde. Both the Johnstons should run well, while Weller is very fit. It will bo interesting to see whether he will be able to gain a lead in the first portion of the race, and if so, whether he will be able to maintain it over the last two or three miles of flat country. Weller has the advantage over the elder Johnston over the hilly country, but the latter is a hard man to head onco the level ground is reached. The ability of tho younger Johnston has not been fully gauged yet and there is no knowing the final position he will take up to-day. Tho Hoskins brothers missed a run last week, while a week earlier F. Hoskins was not in too good trim for a hard race. In view of the good times returned by Clark in the last few runs, it is expected that he will be well up at tho end of the day. Northover, who ran well last week, has not been out for many runs this season, but if he maintains the form shown last week he will do well. Carde, the club’s valuable vice-cap-tain, has quietly been showing that he is in good condition, and it is expected that he will do well this afternoon. There are many other runners who will bo watched carefully, especially the new members. But remember, new members and old members alike, that, should there be any mishap with the shoos it will be frowned upon by the officials. On no account must there be repetitions of last year’s disasters. Wanganui harriers are very much concerned over tho action of the Taranaki athlo.tic clubs in threatening to secode from the Wanganui centre. Last year the harrier team from tho Wanganui district ran exceedingly well in tho championships at Wellington, and with tho improvement shown by this club this season and correspondingly good show of form by the Now Plymouth Club, it was hoped that an exceptionally good team could have been entered this year. However, it must be admitted that the Taranaki clubs had good cause for complaint, and it certainly does not appear that the Wanganui Centro has done all that could have been done. The Wanganui Harrier Club has also had instances of a certain amount of slackness in dealing with the centre. However, it is to be hoped that all possible steps will ho taken to ensure that the matter will be looked into, if it is not already too late. An amicable arrangement may yet be reached. Should a break be caused between Wanganui and Taranaki it will moan that, instead of the two harrier chibs combining at the championships, they will he divided.

Harking back to the run to be liohl this afternoon, members are notified that numbers must bo worn on tho back instead of on tho front as formerly arranged. Another point, which may here be stated as of benefit to the runners is that they should all acquire sweaters which they should don as soon after tho race as possible. On no account should they lie on the ground at the finish of the run.