Ernest Leatherland

The son of a Nottinghamshire paper bag manufacturer, Ernie Leatherland worked for his father upon leaving school. He served in the Northumberland Fusiliers during the War and after the hostilities he took to race walking and long distance running and, as a member of the Polytechnic Harriers, won his first major race, the 1922 Brighton Marathon and was placed fourth in that year’s Polytechnic Marathon. He won the first of two consecutive Northern Marathons at Manchester in 1923 and victory in 1924 saw him gain entry onto the British Olympic team as the race served as an Olympic qualifying event. Despite being one of the fancied Britons in Paris, Leatherland did not finish.

Leatherland came close to his third Northern Marathon in 1925 but finished second to Dunky Wright, and in 1927 he was fourth in the AAA Marathon behind the holder Sam Ferris at Manchester. It was the first AAA Marathon to be held outside London. He finished third inn the 1928 Poly and the following year was also third behind Harry Payne and Sam Ferris in the AAAs Marathon over its traditional route from Windsor Park to Stamford Bridge Stadium. In 1932, at the age of 38 Ernie Leatherland finished sixth in the AAAs Championship.

Personal Bests: Mar – 2-44:14.6 (1925).