James HATTON

Northern Counties champion at 4 miles (1921) and 10 miles (1920), James Hatton finished fifth at the AAA 4 miles in 1920 and the following year improved to take second place behind Walter Monk, when he also finished fourth in the mile. Hatton represented the British Empire vs. the USA in the 4 Mile relay in 1920, after the Olympics. Despite overtaking his American rival Joie Ray in the third mile, Philip Baker, who ran last for the Empire, could not hold off the challenge of the USA’s fourth man, Larry Shields. Earlier in 1920 he was 14th for England in the International Cross-Country race and was a member of the winning team, and in 1921 won the 3 miles at the Kinnaird meeting and the 4 miles at the Triangular International between Ireland, Scotland and England at Belfast. Hatton emigrated to Australia in 1923 and regularly topped the Australian rankings at three miles.

Personal Bests: 3000 – 9:00.6 (1920); 2 miles – 9:41.4 (1922); 5000 – 15:29.0 (1922); 4 miles – 20:03.8 (1921); 10000 – 32:13.3e (1920).