The power which makes Ron Hill (Bolton) Britain's most likely candidate for the European Championships Marathon in Belgrade earned him a crushing victory and a record at Leeds yesterday.
Hill, his feet hardened by barefoot running on cinder tracks, won the Roundhay 10-mile road race in 49min. 49sec. He cut 27.2sec. off the record set up by Arthur Keily (Derby and County) last year when Hill was fourth.
Yesterday there was little doubt that Hill, 23, research student at Manchester University, would improve his placing. Before the race he said he would aim for a fast time and he succeeded.
He stayed back with the field for less than a mile, then went away comfortably to enjoy "a hard race" over the hilly course.
Brian Woolford (Wallasey) was Hill's only real challenger, moving up from fifth place after two miles to run only 40 yards behind Hill at the halfway stage. But he went no closer.
As Woolford entered the natural cockpit of the Roundhay Park arena Hill was already halfway through his final lap.
Woolford was followed home by Harry Clayton, former Wakefield Harrier who travelled from Bristol to retain the Yorkshire 10-mile Championship in 51min. 16sec. Behind him trotted-Mike Freary. Hill's sound clubmate who ran well with the leaders all the way to virtually ensure a win for Bolton United in the team race. Placings:
R. Hill (Bolton) 49min. 49sec. 1; B. Woolford (Wallasey) 50min. 28sec. 2; H. Clayton (Bristol) 51min. 16sec. 3; M. Freary (Bolton) 51min. 24sec. 4; P. A. Wilkinson (Derby & County) 51min. 29sec. 5; T. Rooke (Middlesbrough) 51mm. 42sec. 6.
Teams: Bolton United 25pts. 1; Leeds A.C. 33pts. 2; Derby & County 63pts. 3; Middlesbrough 66pts. 4; Leeds Harehills 72pts. 5; Salford Harriers 72pts. 6.
Ends
Source - Daily Telegraph - Tuesday, 07/08/1962
Ref 3019