Ron Clark

A long-time member of the Herne Hill Harriers, it is ironic that Ron Clark was born in Milkwood Road, Herne Hill, the same road where the Harriers club was formed in 1889. An honorary member of the club, Clark was their president in 1969-70, he was also the cross-country captain and road running secretary.

Clark set his marathon best time of 2-20:16 in winning the 1956 Polytechnic marathon. It was a Herne Hill club record time that stood for 27 years and Clark was the third and last Herne Hill man to win the race when it was discontinued after 1996 event. Victory in the Polytechnic race gained Clark selection for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics where he led the field at the half-way stage. When the eventual winner Alain Mimoun upped the pace, Clark slipped down the field and eventually pulled out after 35 km.

Clark finished second in the 1953 Surrey County Three Miles Championship, and won the Surrey 20 Miles Road Running Championship in Olympic year. He regained It in 1958. By occupation, Clark was a London shipping clerk.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-20:16 (1956).