Occasionally I do some book reviews on here about books that
truly leave a mark on me.
I recently finished reading ‘The Ghost Runner’ by Bill
Jones. It is the story of John Tarrant -an English runner in the 1940s, 50s and
60s who was banned for life from competing in the amateur era due to the fact
that he had received a small sum of money during a previous life as a boxer.
Tarrant fought this ban till his dying day and never is a
more riveting story told of one man’s complete and utter devotion to the sport
and winning despite his efforts never counting towards the record books or any
trophies being conferred. I was captivated from first page till last.
At one stage he was good enough to make the British Olympic
team but wasn’t chosen on the basis of his ban. Imagine being good enough to
win marathons and ultras outright but knowing that your records will never
stand.
He even at one stage broke the 100 mile world record as well
as holding the 40 mile world record. All while as an unofficial athlete. Last
but by no means least, he ran and came 4th in the Comrades marathon
of 1968 where for the first time he was not the only unofficial runner as the
race was for many years considered only to be for the white population with
other race groups forbidden from entering.
I love an underdog story and hearing about runners who
compete merely for the purity of the sport. In the ultimate act of
sportsmanship, his mate Dave Box who also ran Comrades in 1968 and is listed as
finishing 4th in the records presented him with his gold medal from
the day on Tarrant’s deathbed.
A true tale of commitment and dedication to the sport.
Running together (while fighting injustices in sport),
stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller
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