Fortune smiled upon the postponed marathon relay race promoted by the Liverpool & District Cross-Country Union, and staged in Sefton Park last Saturday.
The weather was bright, with just that nip in the air to make the going not too warm for the runners, and yet to allow the spectators to knock about the course in comfort; the arrangements were all that could be desired, with the course clearly explained and stewards doing their duty right royally, and everybody concerned out to show this as an example of what the local people could do.
There was the added interest, too, of the beautiful cup presented by Mr. G. Neville-White, and which will remain the property of the union to offer as a perpetual trophy. Quite rightly, too, this was doubly presented, first in the open air, just as the race was won, and right in front of the large concourse assembled at the finishing point, and later, with more ceremony, in the dressing-room.
Liverpool Pembroke scored a complete triumph, for, except in the first circuit, (when R. G. Jones. the Bangor University and Sefton Harrier, ran a' splendid race, hotly pursued by Frost, of Pembroke and Westmore, Liverpool, University, and Wallasey Harriers), they led all the way, adding to their lead, lap by lap, until they won with a margin of more than five minutes.
The winning team - Frost, Nolan, Roberts, Eaton, March, Auburn, Johnstone, and Norman Jones, running in that order - each covered themselves with glory, and ran as though they meant to win right from the moment of taking off to the time of handing over.
Sefton ran a gallant race. Though they were behind from the beginning of the second lap, every man ran with the will to win, an honour must be paid to Wallasey, who were third, and hung on tenaciously. To Glyn Jones, the Sefton leader, went the special prize for the fastest lap, and to Marsh, the brilliant young member of Pembroke, was awarded the special prize for the fastest youth.
Spectators were numerous, not only at the start and finish, but at various points round the course, and a fine feature was the number of old-timers who had felt the call once again, and came to take part in the sport they had loved and supported long ago. Everybody agreed that this was one of the finest fixtures ever promoted in the district, and everybody agreed that it was one that must he retained in our sports calendar.
Ends
Source - Liverpool Echo - Saturday, 16/04/1938 by Marksman
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