BOB COLE THE RUNNER the strange life of a forgotten champion. Questo articolo non è disponibile.BOB COLE THE RUNNER the strange life of a forgotten champion

This is the intriguing story of a world champion runner of the 1920's who took titles at both 10 miles and the marathon as well as competing successfully at the famous Powderhall Games in Edinburgh. Bob Cole's name is almost forgotten now although in his day he was one of the most famous professional pedestrians on the circuit. If he had been an amateur he might well have competed for Britain in the Olympic Games. But this was never a possibility, as Cole lived in the remote Herefordshire uplands, training on a home-made track in isolation without the benefit of a coach. But there is more to Cole than his defying of the odds athletically. He was an eccentric and a recluse, a man of mystery. He was reported to have been a member of the Royal Scots during the First World War but local legend has it that he evaded conscription by taking to the hills and outrunning his pursuers. He also raced a pig through the streets of Hereford. And on one occasion, not content with the share of the gate money he received after a race at the local football ground, took the Club to court, conducting his own case with conspicuous lack of success. But not without exciting a good deal of laughter in court. Bob could be scary and was not slow to voice his opinion. He tended to be terse and pithy and accounts of his outrageous responses to everyday questions have passed into local folklore. In this new biography of Bob Cole, about whom virtually nothing has been written before,Steve Herington stylishly does justice to both the man and the athlete as well as placing him in historical context. The many striking illustrations help to bring this remarkable story from a forgotten past to life.