RUN, GORDON, RUN!!

When I reflect upon the marvellous Paris Olympics, earlier this year, I marvel at the magnificent scenic locations selected for the sporting events scattered around the historical city. It must have been very satisfying for those dedicated athletes proudly representing their countries, to compete in such auspicious surroundings. Their years of dedicated training in their various events must have proved worthwhile.

This brings back memories of my early introduction to athletics and my very modest achievements by Olympic standards. In my formative years I attended King James 1st Grammar School in Bishop Auckland, County Durham. I played football for one of the school teams on Saturday mornings, then I travelled to Newton Aycliffe by bicycle to play in a junior team in the afternoon. Feeling the need for an improvement in my level of fitness I started running. To my surprise I found I had a natural ability for middle distance running. Les Rawe my PE teacher took an interest in me and even supplied me with running spikes, which my Mum would never have been able to afford.

L-R - Gordon McIntosh, Stan Wilson and can't remember his name at the moment!

I eventually became the school’s mile and half mile champion and in my final year I was the Senior Victor Ludorum for the school. I ran at every opportunity and my PE teacher allowed me to run around the school field in all weathers rather than attend weekly lessons in the Gym. During my runs around the school sports field and being 6 foot and rather lanky I developed quite a long stride. This so impressed my PE teacher that he used to bring out visiting School Inspectors to see me in action.  He also entered me in a Durham County Trial for the mile. I well remember at the start of the race, as I chatted to a fellow competitor . He pointed out another starter and said,

'Watch him, his time for the mile is 4 minutes 30 seconds!' 

As my best time was over 5 minutes I was a little daunted. Sure enough the indicated runner won and I was placed third. Not good enough to represent the County at the White City.

I joined Darlington Harriers as a junior and my 'Chariots of Fire' moment came one evening when I turned up hoping to run. I was asked to complete a Senior relay team just so that the Darlington team didn’t loose points by not taking part. The baton duly arrived and I finished last. I set of with good intent but my 'Chariots of Fire' did not materialise, but I did finish the half mile and got the team points for completing the course. At one meeting, and showing that international athletes often attended, Fanny Blankers Koen, the Dutch Olympic Sprinter, was taking part. As starting blocks were not available in those days Arthur Wint  a West Indian 400m runner of International repute used his heel to make improvised starting block indentations in the soft mud for the Dutch Athlete. A kind gesture.

My next auspicious moment came when I entered an Open Handicapped Mile Event at Feethams, Darlington Football ground . The number taking part was huge. Les Rawe and his wife kindly came to see me run, but I finished well down the field.

I was spurred on during my running by my heroes at the time. Of course they included Dr. Roger Bannister who was paced in his 4 minute mile by Chris Chattaway. I was also a fan of the Olympic Legend, Emil Zátopek, and Lasse Virén, who advocated complete blood transfusions before big races.

As I seemed to have an aptitude for running and training was no hardship, I felt as if I had been taken in hand I might have had a greater impact on the sport I loved.

On leaving School and being employed in Newcastle at Proctor and Gamble, my time and interest in running dwindled somewhat. Although I do remember putting my name down to compete in a race at the staff sports day (even wearing my spikes to show my professional status!), solely with the intention of impressing my future wife, my darling Ann. 

I would love to think my ancient spikes are lurking in the garage somewhere. Happy days and thanks for reading!