Gerry North Wins Two Major Titles in One Year

Born in Chester in 1936, Gerry North had a distinguished career as a long-distance runner, representing several clubs including Blackpool and Fylde AC, Belgrave Harriers, and City of Portsmouth AC. His impressive personal bests included 3:57.2 for 1500m, 14:06.1 for 5000m, and 29:06.2 for 10,000m. In 1962, he gained national recognition for his victory in the English Championship cross-country event near Blackpool, defeating European three-mile record-holder Bruce Tulloh by two seconds in a thrilling race. North’s win, along with his inter-counties title in the same year, marked a rare and significant achievement.

Though small in stature, Gerry North was known for his powerful long stride and his trademark white handkerchief tied around his fingers as he bounded across the countryside. His early career saw him running for Blackpool and Fylde AC, before switching to Belgrave Harriers, and later competing as a veteran for Portsmouth AC.

North’s athletic abilities weren’t confined to cross-country running. As a schoolboy, he placed third in the 220-yard race and won the 880 yards, signaling his potential for longer distances. He was also a talented footballer, playing for the Blackpool FA Youth Club team that defeated Leeds 4-2 at Elland Road, alongside George Eastham and Jimmy Armfield. Despite his success in football, North felt there was little financial opportunity in the sport and preferred the individual nature of athletics, where he could rely on his own efforts rather than teammates.

One of North’s standout early victories came in 1957 when he won the Junior National Cross-Country Championship at Parliament Hill Fields by a considerable margin. He later said that the race felt easy to him after training on the challenging sand dunes of Blackpool’s beaches.

Gerry North went on to become a respected coach and continued to be involved in athletics throughout his life. He passed away from cancer at the age of 77 in 2014, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain’s finest cross-country runners.