Will Derek Ibbotson break the four minute barrier for the mile this season? The answer must surely be 'yes', based upon the form shown by the Longwood International at Fallowfield, Manchester on Easter Monday.
Running in his first mile race of the season at the Daily Herald sponsored cycling and athletic meeting, Ibbotson clocked 4 mins. 5.0 secs, (his fastest since his Emsley Carr Mile win, August 1959). Bill Roberts (Salford) set the pace in the early stages and led at the half mile in 2 mins. 1.8 secs.
Peter Keeling (Hallamshire) went into the lead on the third lap but at the bell (3 mins. 6 secs), Brian Hall (Man. & D.L.C.), Kevin Mather (Wallasey) and Derek Ibbotson (Longwood) were the leading trio.
With 220 yds. to go. Ibbotson found himself 'boxed-in', and delayed his effort until the final bend, when he surged away to win by five yards from Hall, with Mather a close third.
Less than two hours after his impressive mile victory Ibbotson turned out for his club in the two mile team race, which again produced a grandstand finish for the large Bank Holiday crowd.
Ken Wood (Sheffield Utd.) shot into a 10 yd. lead at the bell and Ibbotson took up the challenge, catching his rival half a lap from the tape. It was neck and neck as the two Yorkshiremen battled for the lead but once in the home straight Wood 'kicked' again and Ibbotson, no doubt feeling the effects of his earlier efforts, could fight no more. The last lap was covered in well under a minute.
Ends
Source - Athletics Weekly - Saturday, 05/05/1962 by J.G B.
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