Colin started his running career at an early age as a member of Bristol AC, now Bristol and West. He went onto to represent Madeley College, Staffordshire where he trained as a teacher.
After qualifying as a teacher he moved to work in the Midlands and joined Wolverhampton and Bilston. At that time Wolves were one of the top clubs in the country and won the British Track and Field League on many occasions as well as having strong teams on the road and country. During his time with Wolves Colin represented them on the track in the British League and as league champions they often qualified for the European Clubs Track and Field Championships. Colin ran for them on the track in these championships in Lisbon, Madrid, Belgrade, Paris and Verona. His best performance was in Madrid in 1980 when he placed 6th in the 5000m in 14.23.4.
His other track pbs are
800m 2.01.2 - 1975.
1500m 3.58.5 - 1976
3000m 8.17.8 - 1980
3000m S/C 9.43.8 - 1979
10,000m 30.10.2 - 1979
Colin has represented Wales on the track, road and cross country, most recently at the Vets International in Belfast. He is hoping to get selected in the over 60’s age group for this seasons international.
On the road he won a bronze medal with Wolves in the National 12 Stage Relay in 1978. In 1980 he won the first leg of the Midland and then the National 12 Stage Relays. His short leg in the Midlands was 14.20 and his long leg in the National was 25.47. He went onto win a gold medal with Telford AC’s over 50 Masters Team in the British Road Relay Championships in 2007.
He has run a sub 50 minutes 10 mile race on 14 occasions between 1975 and 1984, his personal best for 10 miles coming when he won the Tipton 10 in 48.16 in 1981. His other 10 mile victories were
Michelin 10 ( Stoke ) - 48.29 in 1980
Burnsall 10 ( Yorkshire Dales ) - 51.00 in 1980
Wrekin 10 - 51.05 in 1981
Telford 10 - 51.33 in 1982
Bromsgrove 10 - 51.12 in 1982.
Colin won the Lake Vyrnwy in 1980 and 1981, in 1980 it was an 11.4 mile race just around the lake shoreline in 55.56 and then became a half marathon in 1981 when he race 68.19. ( A time that would have given him 2nd place this year )
He won the Much Wenlock 7 race held in conjunction with the Wenlock Olympian Games in 1980, 1981 and 1982 his fastest time came in 1981 when he ran 34.27.
His other road distance personal bests make mouth watering reading as
5 miles - 23.43 at the Sparkhill 5 in 1978
10k - 29.42 in the Harry Lapworth 10k in Coventry in 1979
Half Marathon – 64.08 in the Wimbush Half, Birmingham 1982
25 K – 78.13 in the LRRC International in 1982
Marathon – 2.26.19 in the Sandwell Marathon in 1981.
Since joining Telford AC, he has represented the club in various cross country, road races and relays. Colin also organised his own race in Broseley for many years. Until recently he has coached a large group of boy and girl teenage athletes, at the Telford Stadium, who are all at least county standard, including many county champions. He also coached a large group of senior men for many years. He is currently a team manager for the Shropshire Schools Track and Field and Cross country teams.
Colin keeps himself very fit and as well as running he trains at swimming and cycling and has competed in many triathlons including the original Tinman Triathlon based on Madeley Court in 1987.
Happy Birthday Colin, have a good one!
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