Alex Duncan

Initially a noted track runner, Alex Duncan later took up the marathon. After winning the Northern Counties 4 miles in 1906 and 1907, he won the AAA 4 miles in 1907 and finished second in the 10 miles that year. His target for 1908 was the Olympic marathon and after losing a 20-mile race to Fred Lord, he won the AAA 10 miles in mid-April and the following week won an Olympic Trial organized by the Polytechnic Harriers over 22½ miles. As the first six finishers in this race were picked for the Olympic marathon, Duncan led the British challengers for the Olympic title, but like seven of his teammates, he failed to finish the race.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 15:38.4 (1907); 4 miles – 19:51.4 (1907); 10 miles – 53:40.6 (1908); Mar – unknown.