29 May / 2019

Watch our documentary film – Ron Hill The Runner’s Runner

Ron Hill The Runner’s Runner, a documentary film celebrating the achievements of marathon legend Dr Ron Hill MBE. The film, produced by us, features Ron alongside his wife May Hill, and some of his close friends and colleagues from the running community including Dianne Modahl MBE and former 10km World Record holder and former race director of the London Marathon, Dave Bedford OBE.

Ron with his Wife May and the Sports Tours International Team at the film’s Premiere.

Ron talks about everything from his childhood, to University, meeting his wife, and how he came to find his passion for running. Among his many medals, records and accomplishments Lancashire born Ron, who turned 80 in September 2018, is known for not missing a single day of running for 52 years and 39 days. His incredible streak included a car crash in 1993 when he broke his sternum, and bunion surgery.

During his career Ron has run in two Olympic Marathons (Tokyo 1964 and Munich 1972), and has a personal marathon record of 2:09:28. In 1970 he became the first British runner to win the Boston Marathon, by a wide margin, shattering the course record by three minutes with a time of 2:10:30. The film features archive footage from some of his greatest achievements including the Olympics and a few early races at the start of his running career.

In addition to his running achievements, Ron, who has a PhD in textile chemistry, pioneered fabric products for sport including wrap-over shorts, mesh vests, and waterproof running jackets and reflective strips.

Chris Bird, our Chief Executive said: “This film celebrates an amazing man who has had a significant influence on the world of running. As a 17 year old I was inspired by Ron to put on my trainers and start running. As I got older I was fortunate enough to work with Ron via my PR business, and I saw firsthand the creativity, passion and forward thinking that enabled Ron to change the whole running apparel world forever. With all of his athletic and business achievements I am surprised that this film hasn’t been made sooner. I am very proud of our film and also my friend Dr Ron Hill MBE.”

It was revealed in March 2018 that Ron was living with Dementia, which he sees as his biggest challenge yet.

If you enjoyed the film, please donate to The Running Bee Foundation via the Virgin Money Giving Website.

The Running Bee Foundation was founded and supported by Sports Tours International – the UK’s leading sports tour operator.

Through The Running Bee Foundation events we will champion health and wellbeing initatives, promote the benefits of an active lifestyle and help in the fight to reduce childhood obesity. We will make funding accessible to all parts of the communities which we serve with no restriction on age, financial status, religion or gender. Together we can #BeeActiveBeeHealthyBeeHappy

3 Comments

The one and only !
Written by Brian Platt, 4th June 2019 - Reply
Ron Hill.....An inspiration.
Written by Michael Lavelle, 8th June 2019 - Reply
A sporting legend. Met Ron on a few occasions. He always had time for people. Actually had a training run in Spain with him, I was there to compete in a half marathon. His two volume autobiography are among the best sports books ever written. If ever anyone deserved a knighthood it is he. Kevin Connolly
Written by Anonymous, 11th June 2019 - Reply