THE PEOPLE

THE CHARACTERS

Any sporting era will throw up some characters who become completely associated with their chosen pursuit.

Often it is the competitors who become the most famous but athletics, like any other sport, relies on the dedication and time of the countless thousands of people who give up their time to help ensure their chosen sport can take place.

Here we focus on two people who were present at Stacey Hill Farm for the 1932 National. One was a runner whose successes at the long distance events on the track and across the country are equal to anyone before or since. The other became involved with athletics as a young man, was a founding member of some of the earliest organised clubs and still helping organise major events into his seventies. Neither has any great connection to Milton Keynes except for having attended the cross country races, but perhaps they are here in spirit.

JACK HOLDEN

Jack Holden was born 13 March 1907. He died 7 March 2004.

Although he was only third in the 1932 race Jack Holden was probably the most prolific runner of the period. He won the AAA 6 miles in 1933, 1934 and 1935 and the AAA 10 miles in 1934.  He also won the "National" in 1938, 1939 and 1946.

Like many sportspeople of the period his career was interrupted by the Second World War. Despite the long break in official competition between 1940 and 1945 Jack Holden appears to have continued where he left off in the 1930s. He won the AAA Marathon title four years in succession from 1947-1950. In 1950, at the age of 43, he won the European and Empire Games Marathon titles. Winner, National 1946.

In all he won 57 major titles during his career. For this reason he may perhaps be the greatest ever British long distance runner.

See some of Jack Holden's results from the International Cross Country race 

FRANK THOMSON

One of the stewards at the National in 1932 was Frank Thomson who spent a lifetime involved with all forms of athletics.

Stewards are an important part of any athletics event. They help organise the event, make sure that competitors compete fairly, take measurements and keep times. At a cross country event, for example, the stewards would make sure that the competitors stick to the proper course.

Frank Thomson was a long term member of Belgrave Harriers, one of the country's most famous and oldest clubs. He joined the club in its early years and as a young man competed in a number of events for them. He was made an Honorary Life Member in 1893. His competitive career was cut short by injury in 1903. By the 1920s he was closely involved with the running of the club and over the ensuing years held a variety of positions including Honorary Secretary, Treasurer and President.

He also served on a number of regional and national bodies including the Southern Committee of the AAA and was President of the Road Walking Association. 

Frank Thomson continued to be involved with the club and was active as a steward at road racing events until he died just before his 80th birthday in February 1953. One of the last events at which he was present was the 1952 bath to London 100 mile walking race.

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