Long, Bert C (1887-1966), Harrier

Bert Long joined the Polytechnic Harriers in 1905 and was a senior Vice President of the Club. His running career spanned more than 20 years as he was still taking out cross-country "packs" up to the late 1920s. He won the Club 10 miles Championship in 1906 and on five later occasions, the last being in 1922, 16 years at championship level, a unique record. In 1909 he was 3rd in the AAA 10 miles track Championship and 3 years earlier he had been 4th in the National Cross Country Championships. At the close of his active career he became Cross Country Hon. Secretary and continued in this office until the outbreak of war. He then took over as Hon General Secretary and kept the Club alive throughout the war. In all these years he served on the Southern Counties AAA and on the General Committee of the AAA, eventually being made a Life Vice President of the AAA.

His influence on many generation of young Poly Harriers was wholly admirable and unforgettable, as the writer, among so many recalls with gratitude. He became a grade 1 Timekeeper and acted in that capacity at the Wembley Olympics of 1948 and at the Commonwealth Games at Cardiff. Both he and Mrs Long, who pre-deceased him by a few months, gave the Poly and the Harriers in particular, a lifetime of service for which they will always be remembered and honoured.