I’ve put together this tribute to my dear friend, Julian Hopkins. It’s not what might be seen as a proper obituary. I hope it doesn’t fall between too many stools. The very act of writing and doing some limited research has made me determined to produce a much longer article detailing Julian’s career. He deserves such a closer scrutiny of his hopes and fears. I believe he still has something to say that chimes with the state of race walking today. In doing so I will reveal my own misgivings about the impact of the ‘straightened’ as opposed to ‘straightening’ knee on the levels of participation in our sport across recent decades. Julian and I were nearly but not quite on the same page. Enough for now.
I would welcome comments and memories, which can be added to the ones to be found below. Please let me know if you would prefer your comment be deleted or replaced. I’ve pinched them from all over the place.
The arrangements for Julian’s funeral are now in place. The service will take place on Tuesday 8th September at 11.30 a.m in the West Lancashire Crematorium, Pippin Street, Burscough L40 7SP. Afterwards there will be refreshments at Maghull Cricket Club, Tommy Gent Way, Hall Lane, Maghull L31 3DY. If anyone is interested in attending could they please email Vivienne Hopkins at viv.hopkins13@gmail.com or text/ WhatsApp on 07504081823.
On Thursday, 13th August 2026, race walking lost one of its most engaging and controversial characters, often laid back yet unapologetically outspoken. Julian Hopkins was a prominent athlete in his own right but made his name as an outstanding, meticulous and ultimately dissenting coach, who in Ron Wallwork’s words was ‘ahead of his time’.
Born on the 16th December 1944, in his school days he showed an interest in the sprints and long jump, lacking in truth the necessary number of fast-twitch fibres to be successful. Although his fascination with athletics in general was never to dim. He became a Liverpool Harrier in 1957. Then via a chance encounter in 1960 with Martin Trotman, a member of Surrey WC, he discovered the art of race walking, joined the Lancashire Walking Club, going on to study at Liverpool University. As the cliche goes, the rest is history.
Our paths first crossed in around 1961 at the Hindley Green Labour Club, nestling between Leigh and Wigan, at a Lancashire WC club race. This sort of venue was typical in its day, a working-class haven, where you changed in the Committee room and were welcomed home after your exertions with a large cup of sweet, milky tea, poured from large, green cast iron kettles. Julian was showing promise. I was younger, shy and retiring, allowed to do only five of the ten miles event. His friendly overture on that day meant a lot. By 1967 ‘The Times They Were a-Changin’. Julian was teaching Maths/Physics and I was nearing the end of my teacher training. He had been featured on the cover of the Race Walking Record as ‘a rising star’, ‘helping Lancashire Walking Club to second place team in the National 20 km and 20 miles championships’. Encouraged by Ron and Julian, I was to finish 6th in the National Junior 5 miles close behind Olympian Brian Adams, future European bronze medallist, Roger Mills and the ill-fated, mercurial talent, that was Phil Embleton. In the next few years Julian and I urged each other on.
1968 was a pivotal moment in Julian’s career. Recovering from the disappointment of not making the Mexico Olympics, Ron Wallwork energised the formation of a committed and enthusiastic club training group of mainly younger athletes, such as Steve Crow and Mick Entwistle or steeplechasers turned race walkers, such as Dave Vickers. We called ourselves ‘Groupo Uno’ and everything was possible. We experimented with all manner of training possibilities. We lifted weights and completed leg-trembling circuits, courtesy of a school caretaker, who entrusted us with the keys; we played with different intervals and recoveries on the track; we tried even-paced sessions on the road: we contorted ourselves in mobility sessions; and ran on the fells and on the track. In all of this, Julian was both a participant and a thoughtful observer of our exploits. Increasingly he took on a coaching role without ever being named as such, influencing up and coming talent such as Tony Malone and Chris Harvey. On the road he proved a crucial counter in the club’s memorable successes of the period, notably winning the 1970 McSweeney Trophy awarded to the top team in the country and the 1971 National 20 kilometers title. Looking back, although he never used the now tarnished phrase, he sought to persuade us to ‘follow the science’. However, being a good scientist he would not have meant the science rather the best science available at the time, which he was intent on discovering and providing.
In retrospect Group Uno constituted a laboratory of experience, out of which Julian Hopkins, the methodical and insightful coach emerged. Underpinning our efforts and parallel grass-roots initiatives across the country was a recognition that despite our historical standing we were falling behind internationally. This led in the early 1970s to the creation of the British Race Walking Club, committed to opening up international opportunities for our leading and promising athletes. Julian was in the vanguard of this development.
In 1974 our dedicated student of the discipline was appointed to be the National Event coach, not without murmurs about his lack of international experience as a walker in his own right. Nevertheless the warmth of his personality, the depth of his knowledge and his pioneering enthusiasm won most people over to his side, not least within the Junior Squad he nurtured. Indeed, in 1976, he penned what is widely agreed to be one of the best, if not the best, in-depth introductions to the art and science of our sport. Yet he was to resign from his role in 1984. In his own words, he left because he could not accept the disqualification of technically proficient walkers for lack of contact. Thus his innovative decade as National coach has been overshadowed by the outcry over his heretical ideas regarding the definition of race walking. Indeed in some recollections his contribution to the sport has been given short shrift.
A closer interrogation of Julian’s sojourn as National coach will have to wait another day. Such an undertaking will be worthwhile, not least because the issues he raised still haunt race walking. As an example, in 1993, Julian challenged the proposal that an electronic device capable of detecting loss of contact was the answer to the sport’s contradictions. He worried that it could finish race walking as a competitive event. Over thirty years later, déjà vu, the search for the Holy Grail of a technological solution continues with microchips, able to measure the length of the aerial phase, being inserted into shoes. Julian’s caution as to the consequences of such developments retains all its pertinence.
Whilst Julian was somewhat disillusioned following his departure from the establishment, he remained deeply in love with our sport. He kept in touch with wider contacts in Europe, the Americas and Australasia, all of whom held him in high regard. Back home he supported and advised such outstanding individuals as Mark Easton, Steve Barry, Ian McCombie, Oliver Flynn, Phil Vesty, Chris Maddocks, Murray Lambden, Marion Fawkes and Roger Mills, amongst many others. All remember him with respect and affection.
Slowly he did drift away from race walking, returning to his roots, to become secretary of the Merseyside Schools Athletic Association in the early 1990s. As you might expect, armed with a tannoy, he was a welcome and articulate announcer across the region’s activities over the next two decades. Revealingly, in a profile on the Liverpool Harriers web site from 2011, he wondered whether his years spent trying to modernise the coaching of our discipline were wasted. He pondered whether he should just have focused on being the best race walker he could be. In hindsight his regret is in part understandable. However his misgiving does a grave disservice to his cutting-edge work as a coach and to the impact he had on so many men and women, young and old in our sport, Above all, he was a genuine, compassionate soul, an expert in his role, who could always stand his ground when he thought it mattered.
To end with a few anecdotes about Julian, my dear friend and training partner of yore, to whom I owe so much.
- In the early 1970s, when he often stayed over at our house for the weekend, the Sunday morning ‘stroll’ was obligatory, around three hours. Being lovers of classical music, to pass the time, we would hum passages from the symphonies or concertos and challenge each other to name the work in question. Heaven knows what people thought as we passed them by! And, by the way, his favourite piece, was the second movement of Beethoven’s violin concerto.
- In 1985, just after his resignation, we met for a meal on the Isle of Man, where he was always welcomed warmly by its vibrant race walking community. The Lugano Cup finals were taking place. He shared his frustration about the previous decade as national coach. Yet all such angst was tempered by the fact that he had been disqualified earlier in the Open 10 kilometres event held alongside the major championship. DQed for bent knees! To his eternal credit he accepted the inevitable banter with good grace and a knowing smile.
- In 2023, nigh on four decades later, Julian happily agreed to attend a special anniversary Lancashire Walking Club race, the Fred Pearce relay. However, given he still didn’t drive, I had to pick him up at a railway station. From the moment he climbed into the car, time didn’t stand still, it reversed rapidly. It was as if we were back in 1985 or even 1967. So much so that he decided to compete, so many years on! It didn’t go well. Imagine our concern as he appeared at the finish, courtesy of a passing car, bleeding and embarrassed. He’d tripped over and bashed his head. Bloodied, but unbowed, within minutes he was in animated, eager conversation with anyone within his reach. Present were a few of us from the 1968 Group Uno, Ron Wallwork, Mick Entwistle, Dave Vickers and myself. Observing his still boundless, infectious enthusiasm reminded us vividly of being together on the moors above Bolton, striving to be the best we could be. Julian was the last person to leave the village hall that day, still keen to explore afresh his love for this extraordinary, humbling activity called race walking. I found myself near to tears, reflecting how much the sport missed him and how much he missed the sport.
Fourteen months after this nostalgic reunion, Julian suffered a dramatic stroke from which he never fully recovered. I know he was overwhelmed by the messages of concern, conveyed to him from across the race walking world.
Thanks, Julian for the memories, both ordinary and exceptional. You will indeed be missed.
Tony Taylor
Ron Wallwork – I was saddened to get the news about Julian. He was a dear friend and a key member of Groupo one. You, Julian, Mick Entwistle, Mike Hatton, Dave Vickers and Dennis Mason. Memories of Sunday mornings training around the Wayoh reservoir spring to mind. Jools staying-over at weekends either at Parkdale Road or Eagley, shared car journeys and of course his often used explanation “There must be a scientific reason”. The brush with the law on Bull Hill Darwen, the book we published and the LWC’s period of national success. A very special time!
Regarding, his controversial resignation as National Coach – Subsequent events and the way race walking has developed mark him as being ahead of his time.
Chris Maddocks – During the 1980’s, Julian Hopkins was the British National Coach for race walking. During my early international career he was an important figure and a friend. He wrote an informative training book in 1976. Famously or infamously, he is remembered as a National Coach way ahead of his time, hounded out of the sport for observing that contact was increasingly impossible as the event developed. Above all else, I remember him as a really nice guy who was recently mentioned by Michael George in another facebook post. The two ‘sunny’ photos are mine from 1984 at a pre-Olympic training camp in Lanzarote. Group L-R, Chris Maddocks, Barry Graham, Paul Blagg, Julian, Ian McCombie. The other shows Ian with Julian during the time the British squad were on a mountainous team camel ride. [See image in my tribute TT] We also did a lot of hard training! An extra personal note: In 1980 I had a British record 50km and Olympic qualifying time for Moscow but not selected. In 1984 I had two new Olympic 50km qualifying times but was unsure of selection. Arriving in Lanzarote, I met Julian with his outstretched hand and with a beaming smile; he said…”You’re in…” I think I cried. Thanks Julian.
Dave Evans – How very sad. He was quite a character and an extremely knowledgeable guy.
Edward Shillabeer – Sad story. He took the trouble to take coaching at the Brickfields track when Dad was involved in Dawlish & South Devon Race Walking Club based in Plymouth. He must have had a positive effect because we won the Sparta Trophy….a good bloke! Edbanger C590
Chris Hobbs – Sorry to hear of the passing of Julian Hopkins. It is a fact of life that coaches can change lives. I first met Julian at a coaching session in Tonbridge in 1979 and into the 1980’s. That with his coaching book, that I still own, have made me a better coach than I would be without his input. You don’t need to be a Physicist to appreciate “the Ripple Effect”.
Stu Cooper, Australian Centurion 5 – I was aware of Julian’s standing as a coach and writer during the 70s, and I still have my copy of his coaching book.which gave me my first true concept of periodization in walk training. I know little of the conflicts which led to his withdrawal from the sport but I hope that, eventually, he’ll be remembered more for his contribution to it.
Ian Hodgkinson Rip Julian – a great coach
Cal Partington – So sorry to hear of Julian’s passing. He was a great man who also became a good friend to us during our time in Liverpool X
Philip Vesty – Great coach, great guy. Helped me achieve at the highest level. RIP Julian.
Olive Dobson – Bob & I are very sorry to hear this news. He gave so much to Racewalking in the 60’s & 70’s.
Cath Duhig – Very sorry to read this. His little book on racewalking was one of my earliest encounters with advice when I first discovered the sport.
Graham Morris – Very sad news. RIP Julian.
Raymond Funkhouser – Sorry to hear. Have had a copy of his book for years.
Steve Barry – R I P JULIAN, ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS
Bridget Kaneen – Very sad to hear of his passing. A genuinely lovely man and friend to all in the athletics community.
Chris Maddocks – So sorry to hear this sad news. RIP in Julian, your help and friendship was much appreciated and never forgotten.
Elizabeth Corran – Very sad news. Julian was such a lovely person and a great coach. He will be sadly missed.
Catherine McGrath – Very sorry to read of Julian’s passing. He was very kind, knowledgeable and will be missed.
Dougie Corkill – I met Julian Several times. TOPMAN GB coach when we could field 12 International walkers in Championships! Now 0ne! A very sad day for GB walking. I still have his book. Great read and memories. A very sad Doug. I will keep mentioning his name along with Colin Young . I also agree with his view. Get rid of the contact rule.
Sarah Sowerby – Remember Julian well. We had his book. RIP Julian 😢
Gerry Willwerth – Met MR. HOPKINS when he attended the 1973 U.S. NAT’L. AAU 20 km Championship on the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He was a visiting guest of Olympic gold medalists’ Bill Toomey and Mary Bignal Rand, Mr. Toomey’s wife. Mr. Hopkins was a
bit miffed that he couldn’t spot American RON LAIRD as the field cleared the finish line after the first couple of laps. Ron had gone out fast in an attempt to break 90 minutes and met with the displeasure of the judges, a shocking DQ before 5km had been completed!
Mark Easton – Appreciated all his coaching and advice he gave me over many years. RIP Julian
Hazel Cross – Sorry to hear this about Julian. A fantastic coach to everyone he gave advice to.
Chris Harvey – Oh my god, very sad news. He was a hero, god rest his soul. I remember going to a junior squad day and it was in the gym. Julian was getting us to do gym tests and then came the press ups. Most did around 30 or 40. Then it was my turn. I did 67 pushing hard and a tap on the back from Julian. Then someone said go on Julian how many can you do?.Bloody hell he did a 100. Amazing.
He never blinked. Then the next week we were going to Italy and Julian was joining us at the airport.
I stopped with my niece in London and suddenly released I’d forgotten my passport. Shock horror. I phoned Julian and he said the train was stopping at Runcorn . I spoke to my dad and he said he would meet the train as it pulled into Runcorn. He shot over there in the morning but got stuck in traffic. He abandoned the car and ran down the path into the station. He saw this long arm jutting out of the train window. Julian shouted “Ray” and the exchange took place as the train was just moving out. Mission impossible became possible!!!
Greg Smith – So sorry to hear this news. I always felt that Julian was a forward-looking, imaginative coach with whom you could have an open discussion about all aspects of race walking. He will be missed.
Len Ruddock – Sad news indeed. A champion for the sport. Len Ruddock
Denis Holly – So sad that Julian has left us. He was a great innovator and saw the future which was denigrated by the old school during the 1970 and 1980’s. He influenced my participation in Race Walking by letting me have a copy of the sort of training which the East Germans were doing which at that time I wasn’t far off. It was clear the the effort needed but I was at the stage where I had to chose work or walking. Coming from a council house in Essex there was little choice.
Bill and Kath Sunderland – So sorry to hear of the passing of Julian Hopkins. As a greatly respected RWA National Coach in the 70’s he changed the mindset of British International Race Walkers totally and the remarkable chain of success that followed especially in the Commonwealth Games was down to his inspired wisdom. He has been greatly missed ever since. May He Rest in Peace and join the long list of many famous Race Walking names in the Heavens. With great sympathy to his family and so many friends from yesteryear.
Ian Richards – A truly sad loss. Julian played an important part in me making the GB teams for both the European Championships in Prague and the Moscow Olympics. Julian, Reg Wells and Peter Marlow were an awesome trio who had great success in promoting elite race walking in the 70s and 80s. How we could do with them today.
Alan Buchanan – Sorry to hear about Julian’s passing. I liked him, he was a good coach and wrote an excellent race walking coaching manual. He seemed to lose the favour of the powers that be and from National Coach seemed to fade into the background. I still have photos of racing beside him in the Met Police 7 at Imber Court in the 60s with snow visible off the road back in walking’s heyday. I was fortunate to replace him in the 70s as coach with the National Junior Squad for a week in France, Chris Maddocks etc., when as a school teacher he could not go in term time.
Mike Parker -Very sorry to receive this news. Another great friend of racewalking gone.
Lancashire Walking Club : Health The First Wealth 