Talk of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Race Walking Club [RSC] within the ranks of our sport’s followers and the introduction of the christian name, Ken is likely to conjure up images of the unsurpassed 1964 Olympic gold medallist, Ken Matthews. Yet, across the same period and indeed for longer, the RSC club was the home of another Ken, a great athlete in his own right, namely Ken Harding, pictured below at a full and impeccable stride.

His daughter, Karen Brown has kindly supplied the following personal background to Ken’s great career.

My dad was 96 when he passed and all he ever asked for on birthdays and Christmas was another one, which we did as he passed away on Christmas Day. The funeral was at St Lawrence Church, Biddulph on Thursday 29th January. [Chris Harvey, our president and former Great Britain international was proud to represent the Lancashire Walking Club at the funeral.]

My dad was born in a small village on the outskirts of Congleton called Buglawton, Cheshire. He was one of four brothers, he always used to tell me that his parents could not afford the rent for fresh water so collected water from a nearby stream. He was into his running at school, I’ve sent you a photo that was in a local newspaper, my dad spotted it a few years ago. It was when he was 8 years old I believe winning a race.

Our dad was always a sporty young lad, very competitive and was a runner as a young man he won the Staffordshire AAA Cross Country Championships. 

He met my mum in 1946 but was called up for National Service in 1947-1949 at Longleat in Wiltshire, when returning home they got married in 1949.

He continued his athletics, running various distances from 100 yards to the mile. 

In the early 1960s he developed tuberculosis and was admitted to Loggerheads Sanatorium for 6 weeks, where he was told he must take it easier. When he returned home he took up race walking afresh as it was less strenuous than his running on his chest.

He continued race walking with the Royal Sutton Coldfield and Lancashire walking clubs. 

He placed and won a lot of races in his time and gained his first GB vest in 1970 and his last in 1978.

He won Manchester to Blackpool 5 times 1974,75,76,77 and 1979 placing 2nd in 1978. 

He did all of this alongside working full time as a stock controller at a local engineering firm 

He trained 3 times in the week and all day Sunday, come rain or shine.

He continued with his career in race walking until he was in his early 50s but never as a veteran.

He had many interests over the years including boating, he had a cabin cruiser on the canal and in later years a speed boat he sailed on lochs in Scotland and The River Dee in Chester.

For his 70th birthday we bought him a clay pigeon shooting lesson which he continued until his late 80s and also shooting at a local rifle range 

He was very much a family man and him and my mum celebrated 65 years of glorious marriage in 2014. He cared for my mum for years also as she developed rheumatoid arthritis when she was 26 and suffered until her death in 2015. 

He was indeed a legend a very disciplined athlete, he was very fit and agile right to the end. Never suffered with joint pain or flexibility it was unbelievable really.

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EDITOR’S NOTE – Initially, with Roy Gunnett’s help, I drew up a list of excellent results achieved by Ken over the decades. However, increasingly, I felt that they needed context, a sense of time, place and humanity. In the case of the latter, who were the individuals with their own unique histories against whom Ken was competing. Thus, in the end, I have tried to give a fuller, if still partial, picture of each result by recording the leading positions. Doing so has meant that this tribute took on a life of its own. I hope it keeps your interest. Those of us, long in the tooth, will remember many of the names to be found therein. However, I hope younger readers might be encouraged to find out more about the multitude of names that crop up alongside Ken’s. Among these are Olympic, European and Commonwealth medallists, the likes of Thompson, Matthews, Vickers, Nihill, Wallwork, Middleton, Sutherland and Mills. Enormous thanks are due to the archives maintained by the Race Walking Record and the Athletics Weekly.

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When I began to scour the records to follow Ken’s career, 1947 revealed the first surprise. He became the very first AAA One Mile Junior champion, racing as an unattached entrant. As best we can see Ken was not pursued and recruited by any of the Midland clubs of the day.

Indeed it was fully ten years before his name appeared in the news with high placings at the 1957 Leicester and Highgate Open 7s.

1958 saw Ken in fine early season form in the North and the Midlands. And, thanks to a note from Ron Wallwork we know he competed in the Lancashire Walking Club’s Alison Trophy 7 miles on November 22nd at Sutton Macclesfield. This was Ron’s first year in our sport and he talks of Ken putting him in his place, praising Ken’s “mode of progression as immaculate. So smooth, seemingly effortless and in the days of leather soled shoes, remarkably quiet.” Result: 1. Ken Harding 54:42 2. Ron Marsden 56:49 3. Ron Wallwork 58:32. For more of Ron’s affectionate and self-deprecating recollection, see the tributes at the end of this post.

During 1959 Ken raced exclusively in Midland events, always chasing Ken Matthews. For example in Birmingham.

Then in 1960 Ken disappeared from view. Afflicted by tuberculosis, Ken spent six weeks in the Loggerheads sanatorium in Staffordshire – see Karen’s story above. She adds that her father admitted that not exercising was driving him mad. Evidently he was told off several times by the doctors for walking in the hospital grounds. No surprise, there!

By the spring of 1961 Ken was back on course

The above race prompted this cautionary, school-masterly and amusing comment from the Race Walking Record of the day!

Ken’s outstanding result in 1962 came via the Midland 10 miles championship.

1964 saw Ken racing successfully at a range of distances, including an iconic event on the Northern calendar, the Dick Hudson’s in Bradford with its closing climbs that could problematically bring even a race walker to his knees.

MAY 9th NATIONAL 20 MILES from Hillsborough

1965 drew from Ken an outstanding third place and bronze medal in the National 10 miles championship, all of which led to him participating in a curious Invitation 3/4 mile track walk held in conjunction with a GB versus USA indoor match, which featured Mary Rand and Lyn Davies in the long jumps.

The race report concluded, “it was pleasing to see Ronnie Wall-
work making a come-back and, although he
has established himself as a distance walker,
he probably has done nothing better over ten
miles in top company. Harding’s performance
was also impressive”.

Ken began the 1966 season in my home town of Leigh tussling once more with Ron Wallwork, who was to become the Empire and Commonwealth Games 20 miles gold medallist later in the year. Mention must be made of the participation in this race of his younger brother, Derek, who gave a great deal to the sport as a competitor and, in his later years as an official. In the 1990s and beyond he was a helping hand at almost all Lancashire WC races. Sadly he is no longer with us after a tragic accident.

NATIONAL 20 MILES CHAMPIONSHIP– EMPIRE AND COMMONWEALTH GAMES TRIAL

Across the years 1967-68 Ken stepped out of the limelight.

1969 saw Ken’s return to racing, focused increasingly on the longer distances.

ELEY STORMS TO VICTORY IN RWA 50km, July 19th, Redditch

1970 witnessed Ken gaining his first GB International vest, following his eye-catching challenge to Ray Middleton in Birmingham and his sixth place in the National 50 kilometres championship.

The RWR commented, ” Two who have been around for many years, Don Thompson in his second race of the season and Ken Harding were very impressive. For the latter there was a personal best at 41 with an eight minute improvement on his best set in 1965.”

1970 RANKINGS

By 1974 Ken was in his fifth decade and about to put in, arguably, his greatest performance in the Accolade 8 Hours event. I’ve managed to insinuate myself into the story by drawing attention to Ken’s first race of the season in the combined Lancashire and Cheshire championships!

As 1975 dawned Ken was cementing further his reputation as an outstanding distance exponent. Ironically, though, the first race mentioned here is a club 15 kilometres, in which Ken held off the up and coming Chris Harvey by a mere two seconds! Chris has always been at pains to underline how he was challenged and inspired by Ken as he began a career, within which he became the RWA 10 miles champion in 1979.

FRENCHMAN CRACKS IOOKM TRACK RECORD, MARCH 16th, 1975, ST DENIS, FRANCE

IT was a day for the Veterans when Roy Thorpe
won the BRWC invitation track 50km at Wood
Green on April 20th and Charlie Fogg made the
international team.

WARHURST REGAINS RWA 50 KILOMETRES, LEICESTER JULY19th

“Veterans Ken Harding and Dave Boxall came through strongly as others tired”.

1976 – another year of striking performances.

1977 – This was the amusing or embarrassing year when Ken’s record breaking win led to the Mayoress of Blackpool being late for his arrival at the Town Hall. Evidently both Ken and the Mayoress were tact and diplomacy personified in rescuing the situation.

1978 – Ken remained amazingly competitive across the distances.

WITH international selection assured for the first
four British finishers in the 53rd London to
Brighton Walk on September 2nd there was
disappointment at some of the missing names at
the start and there was disappointment at the
finish for some of the more fancied names. A
British team has been invited to compete in the
race from Compiegne to Paris, a distance similar
to the ‘Brighton’, on November 11th to
commemorate the Great War Armistice and it
was announced that the first four would go.

BRITISH TEAM REMARKABLE IN FRENCH EVENT

THICK fog at both Heathrow and Charles de
Gaulle Airport, Paris, delayed the flight of the
British team so much that they did not arrive at
their hotel until 2 am and had barely 3 hours
sleep. Their performances, therefore, in the
Compiegne to Paris 85km Walk on November
11th, which commemorated the 60th Anniversary
of the First World War Armistice, were quite
remarkable.

“Ken Harding passed through 10km 22nd in 51:50 alongside Peter Worth. Peter, at 49, became the oldest athlete to make his debut for Britain while Ken, one month his senior, became the oldest ever to compete in the GB team.

Harding, who seemed to suffer most from the lack of sleep, had pulled through to 6th in 4:42:38 at 50km. Ken had to battle in the final 20km for a possible 5th place but although relegated to 7th in the closing stages he was still over 5min faster than his ‘Brighton’ 3rd place.”

1979 – the final curtain descended on a remarkable career.

It is fitting, I think, to end this exploration of Ken’s magnificent career on his fiftieth birthday. I’ll continue to do a little more browsing but it seems that Ken called it a day as he crossed the line at Blackpool Town Hall. Our sport has changed its complexion in the last fifty years, an assertion worthy of exploration somewhere down the line. Certainly, though, we will not see again the likes of remarkable all-rounders such as Ken Harding, posting quality performances from 3/4 mile to 100 kilometres. In this sense it’s all the more important and crucial to remember, recognise and respect Ken’s achievements.

TRIBUTES

Ron Wallwork – I made my race walking debut at Sutton Macclesfield in May 1958 and without being “big headed” the six months that followed were very successful with three open handicap wins and good placings in many other events – club and open. So, on the 22nd November I boarded the Claribell charabanc at Manchester Cathedral relishing the return to my debut venue, full of confidence and with high hopes of winning the Alison Cup. The distance was seven miles.
Was I in for a shock?
I bombed off to show who was boss, and was tailed by two walkers I hadn’t previously raced against. After a mile or perhaps a little further, one of them glided past me and just walked away. It looked so easy and relaxed. Ken went on to open a four minute gap by the end of the race. Following Ken demolition of my aspirations that day, Ron Marsden took the opportunity to further put me in my place. Our times were: 54.42, 56.49 and 58.32.
Ken’s mode of progression was immaculate. So smooth, seemingly effortless and in the days of leather soled shoes, remarkably quiet. He was a distance man as attested by five Blackpool wins, one of them under the magical eight hours. GB selection for the 1970 Lugano Cup was a well earned acknowledgement of his talent and determination. I was also on that 1970 GB team and during our many chats he told me that he did all his training, no matter what distance, on a one
mile circuit adjacent to his home.
In all he was a quiet, modest man , may he Rest in Peace.

Rev Dr Roy Lodge – I was saddened to read of Ken Harding’s death. He was a truly outstanding Race Walker and one of Royal Sutton Coldfields finest walkers alongside Ken Matthews and John Paddick. As a senior member of the Club I looked up to him for advice and guidance which he gladly shared and offered. If I remember rightly he and his brother (also a member) lived quite some distance from Sutton Coldfield and had to travel long distances in order to compete but such was their commitment to the Club that this never deterred them. My deepest sympathies to all his family. May he rest in peace.

Ed Shillabeer – Tremendous at ultras. Didn’t know him personally.

John Paddick – So sad about this! Ken was always a target on the road for me at all distances. He lived in Biddulph, North Staffs and used to pick me up to go to races when I first started at about 17. A really top man!

Bill and Kath Sunderland – How very sad. He took a wonderful 2nd place at the Accolade 8 Hours and was knocking on the door to be an Olympian. May he Rest in Peace. Sincere condolences to his family.

Peter Selby [SurreyWC] – A great athlete, who excelled in this race* and a brilliant stylist. I remember him well. Ken was highly respected by all. Believe he was SECOND with a very impressive last couple of hours. 6th at *Accolade 8 hours, over 50 years ago where does the time fly !!

Chris Harvey – Oh dear. He was a star. When I was a junior he gave me a torrid time trying to beat him. Quick over 3 Kms . His Blackpool races were amazing and he had a beautiful style. God rest his soul.

Guy Goodair – Ken was a fine bloke – fond memories of racing against him. RIP

Dave Ainsworth – Ken was aGB International at 50K and 100K, and one who competed in the famous 1974 Accolade 8 Hours at New River Stadium in Wood Green (Haringey). Ken Harding was truly a big name.

Tony Taylor – I made Ken’s acquaintance in the late 1960s and from thence on it was always a pleasure to meet him on the road or in the dressing room, earnestly competitive, ever courteous and unassuming. I’m pretty sure I was present at all of his Blackpool exploits. However my role was to accompany and support those stalwarts at the rear of the field. This led to Ken joking that I had never seen him finish, let alone given him as much of a sponge across his years of dominating Lancashire WC’s ‘blue riband’ event. Thus our post-race catching up always took place in the grandiose splendour of Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. All we needed to complete the picture was Reginald Dixon playing ‘I do like to be beside the seaside’ on the Wurlitzer organ. Nostalgic memories of a great race walker.

[Pointing out errors/absences, posting new information and providing additional tributes welcomed. Contact Tony on tonymtaylor@gmail.com]