As one who has taken a keen interest in cross country and track racing for the past fifteen years, I should like to advise some of your more athletically inclined readers, who do not at present take part in any games, but who merely act as lookers on, to try one or two cross country runs with the Wallasey Athletic Club, whose headquarters are at the Fairhaven Institute, Seaview-road (runs every Saturday at 3.30).
I am certain that it they once make a start they will thoroughly enjoy themselves, besides building up their health for the future. It is thought to be hard work to run five or six miles cross country. It would be if it were a race for that distance and a man was not in condition; but in an ordinary race it is quite the reverse, as the pace is always regulated to suit the slowest runners - in fact, the pace of the novice governs the pace of the pack.
There are also dozens of young men now playing football who are poor footballers, and who, if they devoted their Saturday afternoons to running would develop into first-class athletes, and by entering at various sports bring home many valuable and useful prizes.
The above club had as visitors on Saturday last the famous Sefton Harriers, included in whose team were J. T. Rimmer (ex-world's champion) and J. Roberts (Northern Champion). The two clubs combined and sent out two packs, a "slow" pack, which went off first, and a "fast" pack, which started some ten minutes later. The "slows" were paced by W. G. Lace, who evidently was under the impression that aspersions were being cast upon his ability as a runner by being placed in charge, so he ran the race of his lifetime, being determined that no matter who dropped out the "fasts" should never catch him, the result being that one or two of the "slow's" say that in future they will only run with the "fasts" so that they can enjoy a rest or two on the way. Never mind, Lace, you ran well, and it is this determination that will one of these days pull you through a big handicap.
The " fast " pack was nearly beaten (much to the surprise of the ex-world's and Northern champions) by our own coming champion, F. L. Thornton, who ran surprisingly well to finish fourth to such men as J. T. Rimmer, J. Roberts, and A. G. Nicholson. Thornton, who is barely eighteen years of age, if he looks after himself, has an excellent athletic career before him; but he should not exert himself too much when nothing depends on it. But we have a master hand as captain in A. G. Nicholson, and I am sure he will not let little Thornton go astray in his training.
After due consideration it has been decided to start a junior section, open to young runners from thirteen to seventeen years of age. The runs will be limited to four miles and an experienced senior will always be in attendance at these runs to regulate the pace and prevent too much racing, so that parents and masters can safely advise those under their charge to have a try at this exhilarating sport.
The season for the juniors will commence in January, and a nominal subscription of 6d. will be charged. Intending members should communicate with Mr. C. H. Spence (hon. sec.), Gerard-road, Wallasey; or with Mr. H. Rothery (hon. treas.), 9, Glencoe-road, Liscard. To-day (Saturday ) will be held the usual Christmas Handicap, for which "wonderful" prizes will be given for the first twelve men in. New members are eligible and will be made very welcome. A light easy course has been decided on, so that none may be afraid of overtaxing their powers, so turn up and enjoy a little cross country run to put you right for Christmas.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 19/12/1908 by Old Boy
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