Whilst I have mentioned before that I have met some amazing people during my many years in sport for which lots of them have turned out to be lifelong friends, for those who followed our recent Hadrian's Wall Challenge will know that one of my old mates, Ian Bloomfield, gave up his time to drive our support vehicle as we made our way from Bowness to Wallsend. 
 
Ian, of course, has been a brilliant athlete in his time, hence why he knew exactly what was required during our pit stops along the way.  
 
I first met Ian from Chester-Le-Street (now living in Stanhope) after being selected to run for GB at the Kosice Marathon (Czechoslovakia) in 1987 (See Behind the Iron Curtain without a toothbrush). A race which has lots of history such as being Europe's oldest marathon dating back to 1924 and for many years a race which would see the world's greatest marathon runners competing in. For both of us it was a first time in a GB vest with Ian finishing eighth and me 13th. 
 
At the time Ian was already 34, but it meant nothing to him as he continued to improve and have some amazing success for many years after with further GB representations including European and World Marathon Cups. 
 
In total he ran 10 sub 2 hour 20 min marathons (4 times when aged over 40) with a PB of 2:17:42 when finishing third in the V40 category in the Boston Marathon (US in 1994). He also won the Boston Marathon in his age group at 50 years of age in 2005 in 2:45:25 and the London marathon aged 64 in the V60s in 2016 (2:49:02). However, and whilst he also set a British record aged 62 in the Manchester Marathon in 2014 in 2:44:26, so very disappointingly the course was found to be 380 metres short two years later. Taking those missing 380 metres into account, he would still have set a British record but of course it could not stand. 
 

(Image: Ian Bloomfield)

His full CV as an athlete is just amazing but I am convinced that his success was not just down to having natural ability. For those who know him they will also know that he has always had a tremendous work ethic when it came to training and racing. Nothing has changed too with regards to his mindset still being exactly the same now as it was back in those early days. He has also proved himself as an excellent coach for which his monthly Sunday morning 15 milers starting at the Killhope Mining Museum in the North Pennines and finishing in Frosterley attracts runners from all over the north of England. 
 
This weekend Ian will be in Norfolk for which he will also be making an appearance at Sportlink. So, for anyone who might want to come along and meet him, here’s your chance to also pick his brains and pick up some tips from his longevity as a top marathon and distance runner. 
 
One thing which I know will not be repeating itself this weekend is what happened last time Ian visited me 30-odd years ago when turning what was meant to be a nice long easy Sunday run with the Norfolk Gazelles into a mega burn up. 

We ran 26 miles in 2 hours 27 minutes for which I remember thinking with just over two miles to go I will get him on a hilly section of the Hellesdon Low Road. No such chance though as he went past me whilst laughing.   

I think Nigel Arnold summed it up perfectly afterwards when saying: "I have never known anything like it.” 

For those who know the Nigel of old will also know that you never had an easy run with him either. 
 
Anyway - here's looking forward to meeting up with my old mate once again and as mentioned you too can meet up with him if you pop along to Sportlink between 10am and 11.30am on Saturday morning. You really could not wish to meet a nicer and more approachable person. 
 
Below is a list of Ian's amazing marathon career. 
 
Chester Le Street AC-DOB 23/11/1952 
Represented England and GB between 1985-1995 including, Europa Marathon Cup (Belgium) 1988 World Marathon Cup (Athens) 1995 
 
Marathon Progression:- 
1981 Wear Valley Marathon 2:55 (25th) 
1982 Wear Valley Marathon 2:36 (2nd) 
1983 Wear Valley Marathon 2:30 (1st) 
1984 North Tyneside Marathon 2:28 
1985 London Marathon 2:18:54 
1986 Selby Marathon 2:20:19 (1st) 
1986 Glasgow Marathon 2:20:16 (6th) 
1987 London Marathon 2:18:53 
1987 Kosice Marathon 2:18:45 (8th) GB 
1988 Europa Cup (Belgium) Marathon 2:18:32 GB 
1988 Berlin Marathon 2:18:16 
1989 Belfast Marathon 2:20 1st 
1989 Aberdeen Marathon 2:22 1st (ENG) 
1990 Houston Marathon 2:21:52 (19th) 
1991 London Marathon 2:18:32 
1992 Hong Kong to China Marathon 2:21:41 (4th) 
*1992 Majorca Marathon 2:18:36 (1st) 
1993 Boston Marathon 2:23 
1993 Kosice Marathon 2:19:35 (8th) GB 
1993 Majorca Marathon 2:17:44 (1st) 
1994 Boston Marathon 2:17:42 
1994 Twin Cities Marathon 2:23: 
1995 World Marathon Cup (Athens) 2:24:51 (GB) 
*Turned 40yrs 
 
Age group performances:- 
V40 2:17:42, 2:17:44, 2:18:36, 2:19:35 
V45 1999 London Marathon 2:29:12 
V50 2005 Boston Marathon 2:45:23 
2007 London Marathon 2:43:25 
V59 2012 Sunderland Marathon 2:51:25 (3rd) 
V60 2014 Manchester Marathon 2:44:27 (380m short) UK Age Group best? 
2016 London Marathon 2:49:02 (1st V60)