Joe West

Born in Ireland, Joe West started running with his local club before joining Owenabur Athletic Club where he flourished as a runner. He emigrated to England in 1947, working in Coventry as an engineering machinist. He joined Coventry Godiva Harriers and became a top road racer and cross-country runner.

West ran the 1952 Olympic marathon, placing 49th, after running with Emil Zatopek in the early part of the race. He had won the Irish marathon trial, although he had never run farther than 15 miles, and he then placed 11th at the Polytechnic Marathon shortly before the Olympics. West won three Cork County cross-country titles (1943, 1945, 1947) and competed at the 1953 International Cross-Country Championships. He added a fourth Cork title after returning to Ireland in 1954, when he also helped his new club, Rising Sun, win the team title. He twice won Irish titles in the 15-mile road race, in 1953 and 1954.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-36:48 (1952)