RON HILL-- who many believe to be the best ever all-round British runner -- was in Blackpool recently visiting his mother, who unfortunately has been involved in an accident. Instead of doing his daily run, Ron took part in the first Blackpool Beach 10K Sand Race.
Born in Accrington, Ron went went on to run in three Olympics, was a gold medalist in the European Marathon in Athens, scored two victories in the English Cross Country Championships and held world records for 10 miles, 15 miles and 25 km. Nearer to home, Ron's Freckleton Half Marathon and Rossendale Half Marathon records still stand.
Ron has a doctorate, founded his own sports and clothing company, and has been the subject of two books. He still runs every day at the age of 63 and is a regular visitor to the Fylde since his parents retired to the area.
Not many in the excellently organised Blackpool Beach 10K race would have realised that they where running with a world champion -- but there are not many sports where that would be possible.
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