Ernie Pomfret

Born in the County Durham village of Haswell, the birthplace of Tour de France cyclist Tom Simpson, Ernie Pomfret began his working life on a farm before spending two years down the local coal mine, until 1959 when he joined the Royal Armoured Corps. He became a lance-corporal in the 10th Royal Hussars attached to the Army School of Physical Education. After leaving the Army in 1965 he joined the Durham police force. It was during his time in the Army that Pomfret developed his athletic skills. Originally a pentathlete, he switched to steeplechasing and was also a good standard cross-country runner. After joining the police force Pomfret won British police titles at both three miles and steeplechase, having won similar titles during his time in the Army.

A member of Sunderland´s Houghton Harriers since 1958, Pomfret finished fourth in the 1961 National Junior Cross-country Championships at Blackpool. Between 1962-67 he won the North of England steeplechase four times and in 1962 Pomfret finished third in the AAA final in a race won by Maurice Herriott. Pomfret then had the misfortune of finishing runner-up to Herriott five years in succession 1963-67. Pomfret was also third in the 1967 AAA indoor two miles.

Pomfret competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games at Kingston, Jamaica, finishing 10th and 6th respectively. He also took part in the 1966 European Championships at Beograd (Belgrade) and finished last of the 12 finalists. Pomfret retired from the police force in 1991.

Personal Best: 3000S – 8:37.0 (1967).