Geoff Harrold remembered (Born 25/5/39 died 1/4/11)

Geoff Harrold remembered (Born 25/5/39 died 1/4/11)

       Geoff Harrold died on April the 1st of April, aged 72 but will be remembered not only as a good coach for Enfield & Haringey AC. He coached talented ' under 23' steeplechaser Shaun Collins. Geoff was someone who enjoyed listening to jazz and quality popular music besides his obvious career talent of graphic designing.
   To me he was a genuine and modest person in the World of athletics. A very good Editor of ' Marathon & Distance Runner' and 'Athletics Monthly' as well as being a Vets Editor of 'Athletics Today'  before he worked for Dave Bedford in the London Marathon organisation at one time. Geoff always encouraged me as a writer of that there is little doubt.
   As a small boy his hero in athletics was that stylish miler Bill Nankeville, the AAA's Champion of 1948, 49, 50 and ' 52' who was also the Father  of Bobbie Davro the comedian.
   Geoff had an interesting career as a runner and was Middlesex 'Over 60' Champion for 1500 with 5:14.8, and a National medallist in the younger National veteran age groups on the country, road and track but if you go back to the days he was in his prime, one of the most satisfying performances for him was winning the South London Harriers 30 miles road race in 1977 and being awarded the prize by Tom Richards, the man who came second in the London Olympic Marathon of 1948. Geoff said his SLH 30 result coincided that day with Steve Ovett winning the first World Cup 1500 in Dusseldorf.
 Geoff's best time were 49:47 for 10 miles on the road and 2:22.46 for a marathon.