Starting as a miler, Bert Johnston finished third at the AAA Championships in 1923 and improved to take second place in 1924 before winning the English AAA title. On moving up to longer distances, he placed second in the AAA 4 miles in 1926. In winning the 5K against France in 1926 he set a new UK record. Johnston had an exceptional record at the Kinnaird Trophy meeting where he was a winner for six successive years: mile (1923-24) and 3 miles (1925-28). He later became one of the world’s leading marathon coaches and was a major influence in the success of Jim Peters, Stan Cox, and Fred Norris. He was a founder member of Hornchurch Harriers and spent his working life in the insurance business.
Personal Bests: Mile – 4:21.8 (1926); 3000 – 8:45.2 (1924); 2 miles – 9:36.4 (1924) ; 5000 – 15:00.4 (1926); 4 miles – 20:49.4 (1926).
Great Britain