George Hazle

George Hazle started out as a marathon and cross-country runner, but turned to walking after he was 30-years-old and won his first South African title in 1958 in the 3-mile event. In 1959 he won the South African 50 km title by over 25 minutes. He would eventually win 22 South African national championships, as follows: 3 miles – 1958-65, 1967; 5000 metres – 1968; 20 km – 1961, 1963-65, 1967-68; 50 km – 1959-63, 1967. Hazle also won the renowned London-to-Brighton walk in 1964 in 8-25:20 and placed in 1965 behind Olympic champions Abdon Pamich and Don Thompson. Hazle also won the Big Walk between Cape Town and Simon’s Town (80 km) in 1963 and 1965, setting a course record of 7-54:44 in 1965, breaking a record that had stood for 36 years. In 1963 Hazle was awarded the Helms Trophy as best African athlete for the year.

Personal Bests: 20kmW – 1-33:46 (1960); 50kmW – 4-27:55 (1961).