Los Angeles herald., 1908-09-06
of the boys will make the mistake o

of the boys will make the mistake of
starting the long run ON a sprint. 1t
is sometimes the custom in eastern
track meets for one college or another
to put in what is termed a "halfdis-
tance' man. His work is to start fast
in the race and in this way attempt
to bring out a few of the competitors.
Invariably the efforts of the half dis
tance" men are more or less success
full He drops out at the halfway
mark and leaves those whom he has
drawn to finish the race as they can
and often they are not able to finish
because of the tremendous pace they
have tried to follow. All this time the
older runners have been coming at an
easy gait and saved their energies for
the final and sometimes heartbreaking
sprint. However, it is certain that
there are no half way men entered in
the race to Venice. OF all the meth
DDS that have been tried in the east
ern Marathons it has been found that
the slow jog at the start is the only
race to run. If a fellow starts on a
waiting for him on the other Side of
the hill which is about five miles from
the club house.
Probable Winners
There is no doubt that the race will
be interesting. Although George RetZer
is marked the favorite, it is uncertain
picking. Joe Pensa has been training
many weeks and is in excellent con-
dition. He also is popular with the
boys and his many friends wish him
good luck if such a wish can benefit
him during the run. Another boy of
whom little has been said regarding
his chances of winning first place is
Jay Welton. Jay has been training per-
sstently and Systematically in the face
of all sorts of ailments and loss of
sleep. He has stuck to it like a martyr
and it is sincerely hoped that he will
get what he may claim by his superior
running abilities, which is, one of the
first three prizes Boscha Is made a
favorite in the race because of his fine
physical condition. He has been train
ing for his boxing bout which was
pulled off at Venice last night and it
is reported that he has made the trip
TO Venice many times during bygone
days. Ed Dietrich has done little train
ing for the event but Is in superb con-
dition. L. L. Burke, Mayor" of Nor
walk, has been in the mountains train
ing for the race, and expects to bring
back the trophy for the everlasting
edifiication of the city or Norwalk.
Percy Halbrighter is an old track man,
and. although he entered the race but
a week ago, is persistent that he Will
make one of the prizes. AS Percy
generally is in good condition his boast
is not considered an idle one.
It is advisable that each runner pro-
cure a trainer to ride behind him on
a bicycle for the purpose of carrying a
bottle of water and other necessary
stimulants. AS q runner will not be
allowed to receive aid from anybody In
an automobile, or not otherwise recog-
nized as a trainer by the referee, 1t will
be almost necessary for a runner to
attend to this detail. One of the rules
that will receive the especial attention
of the judges will be the rule regarding
bicyclists pacing a runner. 1t will be
IN to the rider to stop If he finds that
a runner is pacing his speed. AS the
runners will be hardly oble to attend to
all these details of pacing, particu-
larly if he is on his stride, they should
caution their trainers not to interfere
with themselves or any other runner.
The trainers will be allowed, upon a
signal from the runner, to ride ahead,
spread a blanket and rub the man he
is following. This later is one OF the
privileges that will be allowed the run
ners. but one which should be treated
carefully. man who is sore enough
during the race to stop for a rub is apt
to stiffen while resting to such an eX-
tent that he would be unable to proceed
at a run. While 1t is probable that a
narticinant would be Obliged to rinse