Derek Turnbull

For the rugby player, see Derek Turnbull (rugby union).

Derek Turnbull (born 5 December 1926 in Waikaka, New Zealand - 2 November 2006) was a New Zealand runner. A farmer, he took up the sport of long distance running in his early 40's.

Biography

As a pioneer in masters athletics he achieved worldwide acclaim by setting numerous Masters Athletics World Records. Several of those records, set in the 1990s,[1] remain the current world record in those age divisions. Three of Derek Turnbull's notable marathons include the New York Marathon in 1990 placing 1st for his age group 60-69 in a time of 2:41.21. Derek also placed first for the London Marathon, 2:41.57 in 1992 in the 65-69 age category. However his fastest marathon time in the 60+ age group was at the Alaska marathon in 2:38.46 in 1987.[2] His story was documented in the book The Fastest Old Man in the World by Vince Boyle,[3][4] later also made into a film of the same name.[5] He was awarded the Queen's Service Order for his service to the community. Derek Turnbull died in his sleep at the age of 79 on 2 November 2006.

References

  1. ↑ http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=10245
  2. ↑ Boyle, Vince, (2006), 'The fastest old man in the world', p 246.
  3. ↑ http://www.sherwoodforest.co.nz/dereks_running.html
  4. ↑ http://craigprint.co.nz/store/product_info.php/cPath/29/products_id/60 ISBN 0-473-11137-3
  5. ↑ http://www.runningmovies.com/category/biographical.htm
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