Distance Racing Highlights

Date1960s

Viewing NotesSilent footage of seated men talking, one at a time, facing the camera; United Press telex machine, dateline London; long shot of a stadium full of people [Empire Games in Vancouver?], and then the start line of a men's track race; faint sound of a speaker, and applause; racer #8 in front, then #12 pulls ahead; #12 is surrounded by helpers as he leaves the track, apparently the winner; United Press telex machine, dateline England; audio with video of Roger Bannister [?] answering questions about racing against John Landy, and the value of winning in the mile and under four minutes; silent footage of a sunny outdoor track stadium full of people watching the 1954 Empire Games in Vancouver as racers begin the marathon, and then eventually the disastrous completion of runner #349, Jim Peters, collapse; Joe McGhee can be seen briefly entering the track and then being wiped down after winning the race; cut to an interview with Jim Peters telling what happened as he re-entered the stadium track 17 minutes ahead of McGhee; his wife said she would not prevent him from running again if he chose to race;