George Büff

George Büff was an early pioneer in long-distance running and racewalking in the Netherlands, and later became a major organiser of athletics events in the country. Büff won his first Dutch title in 1895 with victory in the 25 km race at the Dutch championships, before winning another title in the event in 1897. In October 1899 he set a national record in the hour run, covering 15,253 metres in Rotterdam. Büff also excelled in racewalking and set a Dutch record in the 85 km race walk, also in 1899.

Alongside the main track and field athletics programme at the 1900 Paris Olympics several non-medal handicap races were also held at the 1900 Paris Exposition. One such event was the gruelling 6-hour race, which saw Büff compete as a professional athlete. He finished 16th after running 58.400 km, some way behind the 72.545 km covered by the winner Victor Bagré. His professional status for the race caused some controversy in the Netherlands but he was eventually allowed to compete for the Dutch Athletics Association as an amateur. Büff was selected to run in the marathon at the 1908 London Olympics but he dropped out early into the race. After his competitive career he was one of the founders of the Pro Patria club in Rotterdam where he served as their chairman for twenty years.

Personal Best: Mar – unknown.