ATHLETICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2439, 2 March 1909, Page 2

ATHLETICS.

MARATHON RACE. LONGBOAT DEFEATS SHRUBB. The “Referee” comments as follows on the defeat of A. A. Shrubb, the English ex-champion runner, by Tom Longboat, the Canadian Indian, over a distance of 26 miles, 385 yards in New York. . “The result will cause no surprise because the distance Avas too far for Shrubb, aa'lio also has no experience m these full-distance “Marathon” races. By the AA r ay, Avriting from NeAV York on December 21, a correspondent said : —-“Alfred Shrubb has achieved his ambition, but had to go out of his class to get it. On Friday he was matched to meet Tom Longboat over the full Marathon distance of 26 miles 385 yards at Madison Square Garden on January 8 or 9—(later information gives the date at January 26). Shrubb wanted 15 miles, and held out for it, but the Indian Avas too Avise, and refused, although he tacitly agreed to meet the Englishman later on at that distance if he won the present match. Each of the runners will receive 25 per cent, of the gross receipts, and Shrubb is believed to get a cash bonus for conceding the distance. Longboat and Dorando each received -iOOOdols. for their end in last weok’s race.”