Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-07-15
THE MARATHON.
Continued from Page one.)

to Greece for Marathon, which was
postponed on account of political
troubles and afterwards went 10 Eng
land to one which was proposed ON
account of the death of King Ed
ward.
The American contestants hardly
came up to the expectations of Hayes,
who has had the previous experience.
Most of the American Marathons have
been run in winter or spring and
many of the men. today, were sec
ond. The crowds massed in the road
increased the heat as they formed a
barrier against the slightest breeze.
This Marathon was not really Mara
thon according to the view of those
who have seen the real thing. When
the start and finish are at the same
place and the runners double around
the same road, coming and going,
half the tension is excitement of watt
ing for the first man which made the
London Marathon dramatic--almost
tragical--is lost. Spectators and run
ners agree that they find it less in
spring for it becomes merely a long
distance road race.
During the running of the Marathon,
other events were being held in the Sta
dunn.
The Americans won the hammer throw
ing with Canada second.
The chief swimming event of the day
was the final in the 400-meters free style,
which The Canadian. George Hodgson,
won. with another worlds record to his
record. minutes. "A 4-5 seconds. The
Britisher Hatfield finished l 2-5 seconds
behind him, with Hardwick of Australia
third
The American runners easily won their
heat against the Germans In the 49,
no0-meters relay.
The teams were: First heat Canada,
Howard, Gallon, TAFT and Brock; Great
Britain, Henrey. Souttar. Nlcol and
Seedhouse.
Second heat, United states, Edward f.
Lindberg, Chicago A. A; Melvin w.
Sheppard, l. A. A. c.; James e. Mere
dith, Mercersburg A. c. Academy and
Charles d. Reidpath, Syracuse Univer-
sity; Germany, Hermann, Burkeowts.
Lehman and Braun.
Third heat, France. Lelong. schurrer,
- X,
Dahlin. Lundholm and Stenberg.
Fourth heat--IIungary. Istvan Szere-
lemhegyi, Rachoch and Mezel, walk
over.
They will meet the British and French
teams, tomorrow.
A great banquet. tonight was not the
only activity. There was performance
at the Royal Opera house. at which
many Of the prominent of the foreigners
were invited, concert in the biggest hall
in Stockholm and an official dinner for
the officers who competed in the modern
pentathIon.
Stockholm. July 1.-THE great
Marathon day at the Olympic games
was ushered in with blazing sun
and high temperature, which meant
much suffering for the runners, par
ticuiarly those from countries like the
United Kingdom where such weather
lis practically unknown. on the other
hand the long distance runners be-
longing to the United States team felt
quite at home, and regarded the burn
ing rays as a good augury for them.
The Marathon, race of 40 200 met
ers, or about 25 miles. in which tho
runners had to negotiate a rather off
fieult undulating course, was the most
anticipated contest of the entire Sc
ries Of games
When the Marathon runners began
to appear in the great arena soon aft
er / o'clock. round after round Of
cheers went up from the spectators,
The stadium resounded with yells
and cries in many languages, as the
men, upon whom the hopes Of the ma
tions were fixed, We're sighted on the
track. Nearly al the runners had
hanokerchiefs bound around their
heads for the suns RAYS poured down
with great intensity.
The Swedish runners naturally COM
manded the great ovation. The South
Africans were conspicuous in greer
silks and were the only ones on the
field who went bare headed. Severa
OF the Englishmen wore wide hrimet
canvas hats. Runners of the United
States we're almost the last TO appear
Several Of the Americans wore wris
watches
None Of the Americans were in th'
front rank Of runners when the com
petitors were drawn up in rows o
seven across the track.
Il Al exactly 10 minutes to two tn
runners were sent off on their Ionl
/ journey.
Il Immediately after the staring pisto
had given the signal the whole pael
spread out like flock Of frightene'
s a n,
4 almost completely around the stadium