HARRIERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 12

HARRIERS

BENSON TROPHY RACE WANGANUI AND MASTERTON TODAY'S BIG EVENT. The annual race for the Benson Trophy will be held by the Wanganui and Masterton Harrier Clubs this afternoon over the Bramwell course. This race, the distance of which is some 6f miles, is the most important event in the harrier world in Wanganui and great interest is being taken in it. Thirty-five Masterton runners will arrive in Wanganui at noon and will be entertained by the local club be fore the race. The Mayor (Mr N. O. Armstrong) and several other prominent people of the athletic world wilbe present, in addition to a full representation of the local club. Starting at the racecourse at approximately 2.55 p.m., the field of some seventy runners will stream over the course, whivh is slightly different from that used in past years. It. is stateo that it is one of the best harrier courses in the Dominion from the point of view of the spectator as the runners can be seen almost from the time they leave the racecourse until they return for the finish. It is estimated the race will last for just about, forty minutes and that the leaders will return at approximately 3.30. Wanganui harriers are hoping that they will be able to gain a substantial lead in points for the race so that they will stand a good chance of securing the trophy when the return race ar, Masterton eventuates. But whether thev will be able to do so remains to be seen. Although they are a very fit pack they will have to contend with a team of runners well versed in team work, and although the local club may have the fastest runners on the fiele, yet, if they do not pay attention to team work they may find that Masterton will again take a firm hold on the trophy. The course will, no doubt, be in a rather holding condition after all the recent rain and unless the locai men are correctly shod they will find that they will be severely handicapped. The Masterton men are noted for the detail which they attach to this point, for they are used to running over a heavy class of country. Team work and correct footwear will play a large part in deciding the issue. The race having been decided, the runners, with their friends and supporters, will be entertained at a dance in the evening, while to-morrow morning the visitors will be taken for a tour up the river before being received by the patron of the Wanganui Harrier Chib, Mr W. L. Young, at his residence. Evidence of the interest taken in the race is forthcoming in the fact that a telegram has been received from Feilding from Mr J. W. Bramwell, father of the founder of the Wanganui Harrier Club, extending his best wishes to the club in their race and forwarding a donation towards the club funds. Everything possible has been done to make the occasion as big a success as possible, and the secretary, Mr R. Edwards, has everything well in train. Mr Davis and Mr La Roche will act as masseurs and their services in this respect will be greatly appreciated, for they are known as men who have a thorough knowledge of the sport. The club is indeed fortunate in obtaining their help.