Colin Robinson, a prominent figure in British distance running and administration, passed away at age 86. He was a long-standing member of Rochdale Harriers, the Lancashire-based running club, having joined as a teenager in 1955 and serving as its president during the final 13 years of his life.
Robinson established himself as a competitive distance runner across multiple formats. He set several records that remained on Rochdale Harriers’ books, including a 2,000 metres time of 5 minutes 8.2 seconds recorded in 1968, which was a UK record at that time, and a mile time of 4 minutes 5.3 seconds from the same year. He competed for England in cross country running on two occasions—at Sheffield in 1962 and at Cambridge in 1972, finishing 16th in both competitions. Early in his running career, he became the inaugural Junior International Cross Country Champion in 1961 at an event held in Nantes, France. Robinson was particularly noted for his performance in the Three Peaks race, a 22-mile fell running event in the Yorkshire Dales, where he secured first place in 1969 and finished second in both 1971 and 1972. He maintained his competitive involvement until 2010, when he was 70 years old.
Beyond his personal achievements, Robinson contributed significantly to the running community through administrative and officiating roles. He served as a timekeeper and official at various events throughout Lancashire, particularly with the Red Rose and South East Lancashire cross country leagues, often working alongside his wife Brenda. In 1970, he became a founding member of the Fell Runners Association, a national organization, and co-founded the Red Rose Cross Country League. Robinson continued this officiating work in retirement, serving at league events before stepping down at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Robinson is survived by his wife Brenda, whom he married in 1964, their son Kristian, and three grandsons: Dylan, Alfie, and Finlay.
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