Harry Sewell

In the early part of the 20th century, Harry Sewell was regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in England, and was capable of running from 100 yards up to 10 miles, and even cross-country. In the heats of the 1908 Olympic steeplechase, Harry Sewell beat the 1904 champion, James Lightbody, and then placed fifth in the final. The following year, and a month after finishing second in the Midlands County Cross-Country Championship at Uttoxeter, Sewell ran in the International Cross-Country, on “home soil” at Derby, and was the last Englishman to finish, in 41st place. It was his one and only appearance in the race.

Sewell spent his career with the Derby & County Athletic and Cycling Club, eventually becoming captain and later president. He won the club 10-mile championship four times, and during his time as captain, one of his vice-captains was Ernie Barnes, who ran 13th in the famous 1908 London Marathon that saw the disqualification of the Italian Dorando Pietri. Between 1903-09 Sewell won 14 trophies at the popular Nottingham Forest meeting at Trent Bridge each May, at either 500- or 1000-yards steeplechase, or one mile handicap. Sewell became a well known Ilkeston building contractor and was elected a local councilor in 1932.He used to officiate, often as a starter, at local charity athletic events in the town.