Harriers Break Records

The first Saturday of this month was cold, with a hint of, rain in the air. Most people were getting around in overcoats. But up at the Y.M., harriers from Gisborne, Rotorua, Whakatane, Wairoa, Napier, Hastings and Waipukurau were stripping down to shorts and singlets. According to them it was good harrier weather. At any rate, two records went down on the day, and times generally were much faster than usual. The occasion was the Gisborne Y.M.C.A. Harrier Club's first open road championships.

The start of the senior race. Course was up Ormond Road into country and back via Stout Street, a distance of 8.8 miles.

Within half a mile, field in senior race has strung out. Here R. Jones (Whakatane), N. C. Harris (Gisborne), S. O. Jones (Whakatane) and N. F. Wilcox (Gisborne) lead J. Eccles (Napier).

Next bunch, in order, is headed by A. Weatherley, followed by J. McKay and F. W. Torrie, all of Gisborne.

At Mangapapa corner, Eccles has closed gap and joined the leaders.

Near half way mark, Harris (left), R. Jones and Eccl have left S. Jones behind.

On long back stretch, leaders settle down to steady gait.

Turning for home, Eccles out in front now, is fresh enough to smile for camera as he flashes past, leading R. Jones and N. Harris.

Back home, Eccles finishes strongly to break course record by 65 sec. He is Napier and Hawkes Bay 6-mile champion.

Girls who followed race in car are on hand as Jones comes in second. Harris finished third. Junior and colts races were won by A. J. Parkinson and S. Kernohan, both of Gisborne. Kernohan, who won against stiff opposition, also broke record.

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Gisborne Photo News

No 15 : September 22, 1955

Harriers Break Records