This week's sketch is of the champion of North Liverpool Gymnasium Harriers, who first saw the light of day 23 years ago.
His chief performances have been principally in connection with the winter pastime, path running only playing a small part in his career. He commenced in the season 1903-4, joining North Liverpool Gymnasium Harriers, and in his first season won the Prescot Trophy, the prize for the championship, and also first prize for best performance in mile breaks. In 1904-5 he was first in 200 yards, first in 880 yards, second in club championship and mile 'break' competition, and first in Watts Trophy competition, and in the summer of 1905 third in mile race at New Brighton Tower. In 1905-6 he was third 220 yards, first 880 yards, third seven miles, and also won the club championship (Prescot Trophy), the club mile 'break,' and the Watts Trophy, and also finished second in three miles steeplechase at Y.M.C.A. Sports and 23rd in Liverpool & District senior championship.
In the summer of 1906 he won the Liverpool Victoria Rowing Club's novice sculling championship and represented the club at Agecroft and Lancaster Regattas. In the winter of 1906 he was third 220 yards, first 880 yards, third five miles, second six miles, second seven miles, first club championship, first mile 'break' championship, first Monstre meet of Y.M.C.A. (when over 100 runners competed), first In Watts Trophy competition; and on the track in 1907 was second in the four miles race, Liverpool Harriers' Sports, and first in mile at New Brighton Tower. Also last summer he was stroke for Victoria Rowing Club maiden crew at Derby, Agecroft, and Lancaster. This winter he is running better than ever, and last Saturday he was again first at a joint meet of Lancashire and Cheshire Y.M.C.A's at Manchester. Gilbertson is a typical runner, being slightly built, and is very popular with the members of the club of which he is a member.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 30/11/1907
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