Harrier Race

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 217, 13 September 1940, Page 3

Harrier Race

(To the Editor.) Sir, —On Saturday last the Y.M.C.A. harriers competed in a cross country race at Feilding over a very hilly course of about 4j miles. In my report, which I inserted iu Monday’s “Times” I mentioned that D. McCardle, of the Y.M.C.A. club, missed the trail, which spoilt his chances of winning, and this was contradicted by “Fair Tday,” “Spectator,” and R. Lamberton, of the Feilding club. The latter made reference that McCardle was never more than 50 yards ahead at any stage of the

race and this I contradict. At the start I took the lead and McCardle soon passed me, opening up a gap of over 100 yards with F. Hill and R. Lamberton behind me. After this the trail was hard to pick up and I myself lost much ground on account of this, while other runners expressed the same views. After the race McCardle was asked if he missed the trail and he said he had and this, he said lost him the race. Having contested many races, 1 can say that this'was the worst laid course I have ever run over, and this is being contradicted iu other circles. Surely runners are entitled to express their views with regard to a course, without being contradicted. A runner can be in front, say 50 to 100 yards, and lose the trail without runners behind him knowing and to do this a few times can cost him the race, especially over Saturday’s course. Perhaps the Feilding club are trying to under-rate McCardle’s running as this is my view. For a runner to break C. Weller's records is something to be proud of.— I am, etc., N. HEARSEY. Palmerston North, 12/9/40.