Fred Appleby

Frederick Appleby placed in the top six in the 4 miles and 10 miles at the AAA Championship each year from 1900-1902, his best placings being second in the 4 miles (1902), and fourth in the 10 miles (1900-01). In 1902, the great Alfred Shrubb finished ahead of him in both the AAA races but Appleby scored two notable victories over 15 miles. First, he finished almost one lap ahead of Shrubb at Manchester in April and although the return race at Stamford Bridge in July was much closer, Shrubb still finished 50 yards behind Appleby, who produced a remarkable set of performances. His world record for 15 miles, which lasted until 1937, is the longest standing track world record ever and remained as a British record until 1954. He also set world records for 13 and 14 miles, and 20 km. en route. His appearances over the next five seasons were mainly restricted to occasional cross-country outings. Then in 1908 he tried the marathon but failed to finish in the Poly event and in the Olympic race he dropped out around the 19 mile mark, while running with the leaders.

After being suspended by the AAA in 1909, he turned professional and ran in the first major international professional marathon at the New York Polo Grounds later that year. Within 24 days in May 1909, Appleby incredibly ran three full marathons and one 15-mile race in North America before returning home to resume his practice as a dentist.

Personal Bests: 3 miles – 15:02.2 (1902); 6 miles – 31:30.0+ (1902); 10 miles – 53:15.6+ (1902); Hour – 18.116 km. (1902); 20K – 1-06:42.2+ (1902); 15 miles – 1-20:04.6 (1902); Mar – 2-56:17.0 (1909).