Ernie Barnes

Ernie Barnes was one of only four of the 12 British entrants to complete the famous 1908 Olympic “Dorando” marathon. Despite being the first Briton into the stadium, he finished 13th, one spot behind the leading Briton, Billy Clarke. Barnes might have done better had he not had to walk for about three miles shortly after getting a stitch at the 12-mile mark. After the Olympics, he returned home to Duffield in Derbyshire to a fantastic reception from the townsfolk, when they also clubbed together to buy him a horse and cart to commemorate his achievement. A member of the Derby & County AC Club, he was vice-captain under fellow Olympian Harry Sewell and later was club captain. He won the club’s prestigious 10-mile race in 1909. That same year Barnes placed 10th in the International Cross-Country Championships at Derby, just 4 seconds off a place that would have qualified him for a position on the winning England team. Having been first home when Derby & County AC won the Midlands junior cross-country title in 1907, Barnes helped them win the seniors title in 1910 and thus end the 17-year domination of Birchfield Harriers.

A bricklayer and Master builder by trade, Barnes built his own house in his spare time shortly after the Olympics. Later in life he became the landlord of the Homesford Cottage Inn at Whatstandwell, Derbyshire.

Personal Best: Mar – 3-17:30.8 (1908).