Harry Wood

Finishing 11th at the 1928 Olympics, Harry Wood was the second Briton to finish behind Sam Ferris (eighth). After the Olympics Wood won six of his next seven marathons and, despite a career record of 13 wins in 28 races, remains a much under-rated athlete. He was at his best on the Northern circuit, winning six times in Manchester, four times in Blackpool, twice in Liverpool, and once in Sheffield. Ranking fourth in Britain in 1932, and finishing fifth in the 1936 AAA race, he came within striking distance of making two further Olympic teams. His best placing in a major international championship was fourth in the 1934 British Empire Games. After some years working as a coalman and a pipefitter, he was unemployed when he set a career best during the 1932 recession.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-36:12.0 (1932).