Running Recollections and How to Train

59 We had great difficulty, Duckworth and I, in securing a cab to take us to the grounds. After a long delay, however, we managed to get a hansom, and amid the benedictions ofthe staff of the " Albion," off we drove, and a few minutes afterfour I landed on the ground,where I met with a magnificent reception from the vast crowd (somewhere about 10,000, I believe). A more enthusiastic lot of spectators wouldbe hard to find, and my worthy opponent and myself were cheered again and again as w r e took the customary walk round the track. Bredin won the toss, and chose the inside berth. A photographer " took " the pair on the mark; he wanted us to pose a second time, but to this I objected, as there was a keen east wind blowing, and running things are constructed with an idea to lightness rather than warmth. Hepplethwaite, as usual, operated with the pistol, and at the report I dashed away to the front, adopting the same tactics as at Bolton. At 300 yards I was about four yards in front, and then Bredin began to draw closer, reaching my shoulder just as we reached the straight, which at Rochdale is about 60 yards in length. This was as near ashe got, however, for amid a mighty roar from the crowd I let loose what remaining strength I had, and gradually widened the gap between us, finally breaking the worsted about four yards in front. The scene at the finish baffles description. I myself was unconscious of what was happening, having fainted dead off, but Iwas told that I was in danger of being suffocated by the crowd, who rushed across the grass in thousands. However, even an enthusiastic crowd, albeit a Rochdale one, cannot exist for ever, and after an hour or so we were able to getback to the hotel. I made about £240 by this match, <£168of which was realised by my share of the gate, which came to £400 before expenses were deducted.