Harry William PAYNE

Harry Payne first took up athletics after serving in the Army in World War I and finished fourth in the AAA 10 miles in 1921. He quickly developed into an outstanding cross-country runner, representing England in the International Cross-Country Championship in 1922 (12th), 1928 (5th) and 1929 (19th), and finishing second in the National in 1928. At the age of 35 he tried the marathon and on his début finished fourth in the 1928 Poly race. In his second marathon he won the 1928 AAA title with a new British record of 2-34:34 but injury spoiled his Olympic chances and he could only finish 13th in Amsterdam. Later in 1928 Sam Ferris took over as British record holder, but in the 1929 AAA race Payne recaptured the record with a new British best that remained unbeaten for almost 22 years. His time of 2-30:57.6 came within one minute of the world record. In 1930 Payne finished third in the Poly race and went to Canada for the British Empire Games, but while training on the Niagara Highway he was knocked over by a car and, although he started the race, he did not complete the course. His last major marathon was at the 1932 AAA Championships when he finished well behind the winner in third place and he was not selected for the Los Angeles Olympics. He was the first international from Woodford Green AC and was club President in 1956-57.

Personal Bests: Mar – 2-30:57.6 (1929).