Ken Norris

Although he was an excellent distance runner, Ken Norris was probably better known as a cross-country runner. He first made his mark as teenager in 1949 when he led Thames Valley Harriers to victory in the National Under-17 Cross-Country Championship after finishing sixth in the individual competition.

Norris did his two years National Service between 1952-54 and, at the 1954 International Cross-Country Championships in Birmingham, he finished second to Alain Mimoun of France. Norris was, however, a member of the winning England team. He then had three consecutive third-place finishes in the Championships between 1955-57.

Norris won the National Cross-Country Championship just once, when he beat namesake Fred Norris at Warwick Racecourse in 1956. Ken had finished second and third respectively behind winner Gordon Pirie in 1954 and 1955. Norris was again third in 1957, but was the Middlesex Cross-Country champion for six consecutive years 1954-59.

Norris was twice the AAA six miles champion in 1955 and 1956, and at the 1956 Olympic 10,000 metres he finished fifth. One of his finest moments came in 1955 when finishing second to Gordon Pirie in the London v. Prague match at the White City. Norris set a personal best 29:21.4, but had the satisfaction of beating Emil Zátopek into third place.

Personal Best: 10000 – 29:21.4 (1955).