School Sports
At St Hugh’s we played rugby, football and cricket, none of which I particularly liked. However, in the summer term we also had athletics. In 1963 I won the Junior 1st Prize and still have the cup, now quite tarnished. However, I think I must have come second in my last term as I don’t believe I left with the Victor Ludorum
At Bryanston, with the exception of my first term playing rugby (on the wing) and the next autumn rowing on The Stour, I spent my time doing either cross-country or athletics.
It’s worth noting that the age category I competed in was based upon my age on April 1st each year – which given my birthday on April 14 was clearly to my advantage.
1968 – U15
My best times were as follows (3 being school records):
– 400m 53.7
– 800m 2:05.0
– 1500m 4:37.0
– 1 mile 5:02.0
1969 – U16
My best times were as follows (both being school records):
-400m 52.0
– 800m 1:57.9
I was also a finalist at the All England Schools – coming in 5th in 1:59.4
1970 – Open
I set another school record in the 800m, but I don’t have a note of the time. I also made it to the All England Athletics event again, but this time failed to make the final – which given I was just 17 and competing against 18 and possibly 19 year olds, not too surprising.
10K
22 May 2016
Northleach – 51:20
14 Jun 2017
Lethbridge Swindon – 47:37
Half Marathons
21 March 1982
Bath – 1:24:21
20 March 1983
Bath – 1:20:09
31 March 1996
Reading – time unknown
17 Oct 2004
Swindon – 1:35:51
16 Oct 2005
Swindon – 1:34:15
2 Oct 2016
Cricklade – 1:57:25
27 Aug 2017
Severn Bridge – 2:28:41
Marathons
15 May 1982
1st Swindon – 3:15:34
29 May 1983
2nd Swindon – 3:23:09
4 Oct 2015
Clarendon – 4:35:18
Other
2015
Compton Challenge – 20 miles – 3:39:15
Marlborough Downs Challenge – 19.1 miles – 3:05:48
2016
Parkrun Swindon – 22:58
2017
Le Roc des Mates, France – 15K – 2:06:27
Druids’ Challenge, Day 3 – 28.3 miles – 5:34:17
2018
Viaduc de Millau, France – 23.7K – 2:25:05
2021
Pilgrim Challenge Day 1 – 55K – 8:22:51
Pilgrim Challenge Day 2 – 55K – 9:52:59