David Bedford (athlete)

David Bedford OBE ( Colin David "Dave" Bedford, born December 30, 1949 in London) is a former British long-distance runner, who was one of the world leaders in the early 1970s.

In 1969, he won the junior race of the nations Cross.

In 1971 he won the Nations of the Cross in the adult category and placed two European records on: June 12 in Edinburgh over 5000 m ( 13:22,2 min) and on July 10 in Portsmouth over 10,000 m ( 27:47,0 min ). At the European Athletics Championships in Helsinki, he led until just before the end in the 10,000 - meter race, but then had the phenomenal spurt of Juha Väätäinen and Jürgen Haase nothing to oppose and fell back to sixth place.

The following year he was English champion over 5,000 and 10,000 m and placed it with 13:17,2 another European record over 5000 m. At the Olympic Games in Munich, he was twelfth in the 5000m and sixth in the 10,000 m.

In 1973, he presented at the British Championship with 27:30,8 min on a world record over 10,000 m. Starting for England, he was. At the British Commonwealth Games in 1974 fourth over the same distance and Eleventh than 5000 m After injuries meant that he had to end his career.

David Bedford is 1,83 m tall and weighed about 66 kg competition times. He started for the Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers and was coached by Bob Parker. The characteristics of the athlete nicknamed " Bootsie " had long hair, a mustache and red socks. Since 1989 he has worked for the London Marathon, where he currently holds the position of Race Director.

In 2014 he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Personal Best

  • 2000 m: 5:03,16 min, July 8, 1972, London
  • 3000 m: 7:46,4 min, June 21, 1972 Leuven Hall: 7:53,4 min, January 29, 1972 Cosford
Long-distance running International Cross Country Championships 5000 metres 1971 European Athletics Championships 1974 British Commonwealth Games London-Marathon 3000 metres
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