ATHLETIC TITLES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 66, 20 March 1943, Page 3

ATHLETIC TITLES

SERVICEMEN’S MEETING IN WANGANUI TO-DAY RECORD ENTRIES RECEIVED The Central Military District combined services track and field championships, to be held at Cook’s Gardens this afternoon and to-night, will be the largest of any sports meeting ever held in Wanganui. The 250 men entered represent ali the larger military and R.N.Z.A.F. establishments in the southern portion of the North Island, and the names of many runners who have held titles in previous years are included in the entries. Though the entries have been received from the southern part of the island, the competitors come from all parts of the Dominion. The largest event on the programme will be the 220 yards run, which has been divided into seven heats. Competitors in these heats will have to give some consideration to time because the winners of the six fastest heats only will compete in the final. In the 100 yards run there will be five heats and the winner and second man in each heat will qualify for the final. Both the 880 yards and the mile will be run in two divisions. In these events time will again be a deciding factor, because the winner of the fastest division will be awarded the title. There will be 27 starters in the three-mile, nine in the one-mile walk, ten in the three-mile walk, 13 teams of four in the mile relay, 11 in th? discus throw, 20 in the high jump, six in the javelin throw, and 31 in the hop. step, and jump. There will also be 18 starters in the shot putt and 30 in the broad jumn competition. Heat qualifications will also bo necessary in the 120, 220, and 440 yards hurdles events. Because of the size of the cycling fields, heats will also be necessary in the shorter races. The programme* is extensive, the distances being a half, one. two. three, and ten mile (open handicap), and two-mile scratch for servicemen only. Twenty have entered for the half-mile, 19 for the one, two, and three mile, 16%f0r the ten mile (human paced), and 15 for the scratch race. Another feature of the meeting is that it will be one of the biggest congregations of servicemen ever seen at a sports meeting in Wanganui. Members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade will also be in action on Cook’s Gardens to-day. In the afternoon, Corporal Kendall and Privates Woods, Brown. W. Osborne, and Gilberd will be on duty, and at night Corporals B. Brider and E. Tindill and Privates L. Patched and Gilberd.