John Barnard (1950 - 2025)
John, who has died at the age of 74, was one of Ranelagh’s top runners during the 1980s.
His distinctive 6’4” frame, long stride and size 12 shoes made him a very visible presence at races.
Having completed a degree in mathematics at Manchester University, as well as developed his evolving running there, John had a career working in IT.
Initially, John concentrated on track racing and joined the well-known Polytechnic Harriers club based in Chiswick when he came down from university.
His strength laid in the 3000m steeplechase at which he competed in the prestigious British Athletics League through the 1970s and into the 1980s.
His best time of 9:06.43, for many years a club record, stands the test of time as a high-class performance.
With Ranelagh Harriers not having a track section, a number of members ran for track clubs during the summer months, particularly so that they could run in the British League.
Thus, in the early 1980s John was joined at Polytechnic (the club later changed its name to Kingston & Polytechnic Athletic Club) by such club luminaries as Hugh Jones, Simon Collingridge, Steve Pautard, Mike Riley and Kevin Harrison.
When John decided to compete more on the road it was therefore natural that he crossed from Kingston to Richmond, he thus joined Ranelagh Harriers.
John became an integral part of a very strong team in the early 1980s. His background in the steeplechase stood him in good stead at cross country where he had some fine results, particularly in the first division of the Surrey League.
He also led the club home at the infamous snow-covered National on Town Moor, Newcastle in 1986, thus winning the Charles Roffey Salver.
This writer also remembers a particularly strong performance at the Priory XC Relays in Reigate in 1985 when John was second fastest (behind Riley) of the club’s runners in a great team effort (also Collingridge, Pautard, David Wright & Simon Hedger), finishing 7th in a top-quality race, where Tim Hutchings and Steve Ovett both competed.
It was on the roads that John excelled. He was a prolific racer and it is difficult to pinpoint his greatest achievements or to be sure of his best times.
His peak came around 1985, that February he ran 52.xx in a blizzard for top 10 of 3,000 in the one-off M25 ‘10’ near Leatherhead (just before the motorway opened!). He also ran a personal best 31.08 for 10km.
He had something of a resurgence as a veteran. He stands 3rd in Ranelagh’s all-time V40 records at both 10km (32.01) and half marathon (1.10.29), both run in 1992. A year later he ran a 2.23.05 marathon.
A great team man, John was part of numerous club wins over many years: in 1989 he led the club to victory in the Turks Head ‘10’ (placing 3rd/400), Camberley Half Marathon and Hook Arena 10km (placing 4th/703).
With a number of former Polytechnic Harriers friends, John was instrumental in setting up a new club based in Chiswick, West 4 Harriers, in 1989.
He remained at Ranelagh for a number of years whilst he was running successfully, but eventually moved across to West 4 Harriers for the remainder of his running career.
As well as his athletic prowess John was a convivial socialiser, always enjoying a beer after a race and on his (Christmas Day) birthday, when many friends were invited to join him.
John’s widow Mary was a constant at his side during his years of suffering with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
Until about a year ago his son, Samuel, took John in his wheelchair to watch his beloved Fulham FC. John & Mary’s two daughters Elizabeth and Annabel also supported him unfailingly in his latter years. All this despite his three children still only being in their 20s.
Obituary written by David Wright
Image by Rob Wise
John’s funeral will be held on Saturday May 10 at 2.30pm at St Paul’s Church, 56 Grove Park Road, W4, close to the river, Strand on the Green and the railway. All welcome.
Refreshments after, but the family would appreciate a notice of numbers, so please email coordinator@ranelagh-harriers.co.uk if you are planning to attend.
