Dave Ellis

Dave Ellis was born in Louth, England in 1937, taking up athletics as a teenager. In 1960 Ellis moved to Canada where he continued his career with the Toronto Olympic Club, becoming a multiple-time Canadian champion in long-distance running. He later represented Eastern Michigan University, winning the US AAU Cross-Country Championship in 1964. Two years later he finished sixth at the Boston Marathon, in addition to representing Canada in the 6 miles and marathon events at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Jamaica, finishing fourth in the latter.

Ellis had his best international result at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, winning silver in the 10,000 metres, finishing just one second behind Van Nelson (USA). The following year he ran in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the Mexico City Olympics, placing 25th in the latter. Two years later Ellis ran in the same two events at the British Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

Following his retirement Ellis founded The Runners Shop in Port Credit, Ontario in 1975, with it becoming one of Canada’s oldest independent running stores, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. Ellis was also inducted into Eastern Michigan University E-Club Hall of Fame.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 13:44.23 (1968); 10000 – 29:18.0 (1968).