Skatina Marathon

Ross Easton was the only contestant to finish in the Gisborne Skating Club's 100-mile skating marathon held at Alfred Cox Park as part of Youth Week. He circled the rink 2062 times in 9hr 24min.

Ray Sheldrake led the pack for 72 miles, but was forced to retire with back trouble. John Roberts, last year's winner, retired at 50 miles with blistered feet.

In the girls' event Suzanne Williamson won the 25 mile contest, with Barbara Scott a close second. Others to complete the distance were Beverley Both-well and Vivienne Scott.

Strain shows as Ross completes his 80th mile.

At the end of the hundred, Mrs Easton attends to her tired son.

While Suzanne Williamson, the girls' winner, follows close at heel, Ross Easton sucks at an orange. Mileages at this stage: About 78 and 21.

About mid-afternoon, contenders in men's race were narrowed to Easton and Ray Sheldrake, who is showing signs of the back trouble which forced him to retire later. Also in picture is Beverley Bothwell.

Ray Sheldrake is helped from the rink when he had to retire with back trouble.

Darkness fell before Ross finished his marathon effort. about 6.30 p.m. Here the ringmaster, Mr Pardee, waves him across the finish line, sagging a little but still going strong.

The girls' race developed into a close duel between Suzanne Williamson, here in the lead, and Barbara Scott, coming up behind. Suzanne won by less than a lap. Picture below shows the close finish.

"Is it all over?"

"Thank goodness for that!"

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 111 : September 5, 1963

Skatina Marathon