BULLS-MARTON HARRIER RACE WON BY S. ROBERTSON, MARTON

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 October 1946, Page 2

BULLS-MARTON HARRIER RACE WON BY S. ROBERTSON, MARTON

(0.C.) Marton, Oct. 5. Assuming the lead four miles from home, S. Robertson, the Marton junior champion, won the nine-mile BullsMarton harrier load race this afternoon, Robertson, off Onfin., ran a splendid race and never look.ed like being beaten once he stepped into the lead. He finished 2.55 min. ahead of I. Tabor (Palmerston North), and thus gained the easiest victory in the history of the race.

The Marlon boy not only had the distinction of winning this gruelling race, but also gained the fastest time, an achievement rarely accomplished. His time wis 50.56 min. The i ecord is held by F. Hill (Marton) v;ho ran the distance in 47.48 min. in 1939. It was rather remarkable that the tour clubs competing, were each represented in the first four places. This race is the major event on the Marton Harrier Club’s programme for the year, .and to-day’s race was the sixth since its inception in 1937. The trophy at stake was the Chris. Marshall Cup, previous winners being: F. Hill

837), W. J. Carr (1938), C. Hill (1939), A. Colway (1940), and A. M. H. Bevage (1941). Ot these five runners, F. Hill, Carr and Bevage were

starters to-day. The race was not held during the war years. Both at the start and finish there was a large crowd of interested spectators, and many followed the runners in cars and on bicycles. The race is recognised as one of the toughest in the district, there being a steady climb for the entire distance, with tiie gradient being steepest over the final five miles. Twenty-four harriers faced the starter, Mr. A. J. Holden, in Bulls, runners being present from Palmerston North, Feilding, Marton and Wanganui clubs. Only five failed to complete the distance.

At the three-mile mark (Curl's bridge) Simcox and Foster wej’e running easily together, with Tabor following 20 seconds behind. The limit man, J. Fowler, developed the stitch and pulled out at the bridge, and so did Don Smith, the veteran Marton runner, who was being troubled with a eg legacy of the strenuous race the previous Saturday. Carr followed Thompson, 40 seconds away, and then there was a break of 150 yards before Tabor turned 'the corner. Robertson appeared to be striding along in fine style and had already passed some of the lower handicapped men. He was closely on the heels of Tabor, and 55 seconds later Rivers followed by Christopher and Le Feuvre, crossed the bridge. Then, 100 yards away, came Lock, 50 yards Hill. 10 yards Mitchell, 50 yards Couseiß and then Bevage. G. Hopper. Brougham and Grieg in close pursuit. Scott found lhe going a little too tough, and decided to continue the journey by car. There was another gap before S. Hopper came into view, leading Lamberton by 100 yards, with the scratch man, H. Hopper, a good 200 yards back.

At the five-mile peg Robertson had just passed Foster and appeared the least distressed of any of the competitors. It was clearly visible that Roberton would have to crack up badly within the next four miles if he was to be deprived of a victory. Simcox was beginning to show signs of tiring and was 20 yards behind Foster, followed by Carr, 75 yards further back. Then came, at short intervals, Thompsoon, Tabor, Christopher, Rivers and Le Feuvre, the last two being together. The back-markers were now beginning to make an impression on the middle and limit men. Within the next mile Robertson opened up a gap of 100 yards on Foster, who led Tabor by 40 seconds, and then came Tabor and Carr, 50 yards away. At the Hawkestone Road crossing, with just over a mile and a-half to the finishing post, Robertson had a clear lead of I.somin. on Tabor, who has displaced Foster in second place. Carr was lying fourth, 120 yards bemind, and then, some distance back, came Christopher, Simcox (who was tiring perceptibly), Bevage (who had made up much leeway over the last two miles). Rivers. Le Feuvre, Brougham and Hill. Robertson eventually went on to win by 2.55 min. from Tabor, who finished 1.18 minutes ahead of Foster. Then came Carr (40 yards back), Bevage (50 yards), Lamberton (30 yards', H. Hopper (40 yards), and Rivers a similar distance back.

Following the run. which was held in mild, overcast weather, runners and supporters were entertained at afternoon tea by the Marton Club. The successful competitors were presented with their trophies by Mr. S. Hurley, president of the Matron Club. Messrs L. Stephenson (Wanganui), A. Cozens (Palmerston North) and R. Lamberton (Feilding! all congratulated the winner, S. Robertson, on his double success and thanked the Marton Club for sponsoring lhe race and providing such a welcome cup of lea. The following were the official placings and times: — S. Robertson (M>, 9min. 50.56, 1; 1. Tabor (P.N.). 12.25. 55.14. 2; R. Fester (F.l, .15.35. 61.42. 3; W. Carr (W.). 12.30, 58.56 4; A. Bevage (W.), 6.45. 63.30, 5; R. Lamberton (F.l, 5.50, 52.44. 6; 11. Hopper (W.), 4min., 51.03, 7; T. Rivers IM.), lOmln., 57.14, 8; M. Brougham (P.N.), 8.30, 55.49, 9; J. Le Feuvre (M.). 9.45, 57.14, 10; R. Cook (W.), 7.45. 55.24, 11; S. Christopher (M.). 9.20, 57.13, 12; P. Locke (W.l, 9.45, 58.02, 13; A. Cozens (P.N.). 7.20, 55.54, 14; G. Hopper (W.). 8.25, 57.41. 15; F. Hill (M.l. Bmin., 57.24, 16; C. Simcox (M.l, 14min.. 64.09, 17; D. Thompson (F.l, 14min.. 66.54, 18; J. Greig (W.), 8.55. 62.50, 19.

Fastest times: S. Robertson (M.l 50.56 min.. 1; H. Hopper (W.l, 51.03, 2 R. Lamberton (F.), 52.44. 3; A. Bevage. 53.30, 4.