Bishop Auckland born Charlie Spedding was a British marathon runner and former Darlington Harrier, who had an excellent career. Charlie won London Marathon back in 1984 as well as picking up a bronze medal at the Los Angeles Olympics that year. This year was probably his best year in the sport as he also won the Houston marathon by “the thickness of his vest”.
Charlie nearly won back to back London marathons, finishing 2nd (in a faster time to what he won in 1984) in 2:08:33 behind Steve Jones. He then followed up this success with a third place at Chicago marathon in 1986 then consecutive top 10 finishes at London in 87 and 88 (8th and 10th) before appearing at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, finishing 6th in 2:12:19.
Charlie’s book “From Last to First” talks about his life and his time at the club with his brother….I believe signing initially because his brother was dating a girl from the area.
Here’s Charlie competing for England in the 5000m, at this point running for Gateshead Harriers.
