Laurie Reed

One of Surrey’s top middle-distance runners of the 1950s and 60s, Laurie Reed, of South London Harriers, first attracted attention in 1955, when he set a UK junior record 9:12.6 for two miles. In 1957 he won the junior men’s title at the Surrey Cross-country Championships, and two years later was third in the seniors’ event. On the track, Reed finished third in the 1960 AAA three miles in behind Bruce Tulloh, and the surprise winner, Frank Salvat. Reed had previously been the 1957 CAU (Counties Athletic Union) and 1959 Southern 6-mile champion. He made three international appearances for Britain 1957-60, including the 1500 metres at the 1960 Rome Olympics. After his retirement from competitive running, Reed ran socially with the Oxted Runners, formed near his Surrey home in 1984. He died at home in Oxted, just seven hours before his 82nd birthday and he requested there should be no funeral, and that not even his close family should attend his cremation.

Personal Best: 1500 – 3:46.2 (1960).