Running Recollections and How to Train

106 share of the aforementioned " plums,'' hence we find Mm launched into the professional athletic world. His first important match was that against that wonder of the century, A. R. Downer, the Jamaica-Scot, the distance being 400 yards, and the venue, the track of the Bolton Wanderers' FootballClub. Alas, and lack a day, he had found a " tartar." The Edinboro' gentleman not only defeated him, but established a world's record for the distance, namely, 444 sees. Not to be denied, however, he cast a bait, by challenging his victor to a match, at 440, this being the distance at which (and up to the half-mile) he was the world's acknowledged champion. The pedestrian world wondered what the little Scotchmanwould say to this, as he was "all out" at 400 yards, and great was the surprise when he modestly covered the deposit. Articles were signed, the ground selectedwas that ofthe Rochdale Athletic Club, and the date, May 1st, 1897 ; and never will that day be forgotten by any who had the good fortune to see the race. Twelve thousand spectators from all parts ofCreat Britain, including almost every known man m both the amateur and professional world, were there, and the excitement baffles description—12,000 people, to see a race that would not last 50 seconds. With themajority, Bredinwas established a strong favourite, as they thought that his opponent could not live the last 40 yards. The men got away well together, Downer using his superior speed to get in front,which he did at tenyards ; for the next 100 yards, he increased his lead to two-and-a-half yards ;at *200yards, he led by four yards ; at 300, Bredin began tocreep up to his man, at 350, was with him, and ran shoulder to shoulder for the next 20, into the straight; Bredin was on the outside, and to use his own words, "just as 1 was about to make aneffort to go in and