John Disley: London Marathon co-founder dies aged 87

John Disley: London Marathon co-founder dies aged 87


They were involved in another race 31 years later in 1979. This time it was the New York marathon and they were so impressed they determined to set up a similar event in London.

The pair convinced the Greater London Council, the police, the City of London, the Amateur Athletics Association and London Tourist Board to back the event.

And after securing a sponsorship deal to cover any potential cash shortfall, Disley and Brasher staged the first London race on 29 March 1981, with 7,474 runners taking part.

In 2015, a London record of 37,675 runners finished the race.

Disley continued as president of the London Marathon Charitable Trust after Brasher’s death in 2003.

The Welshman, born and raised in Corris on the southern slopes of Snowdonia, held several other posts in sport.

He taught physical education at Isleworth Grammar School, and was the chief instructor at the National Mountain Sports Centre in Plas y Brenin in Snowdonia.

He was vice chairman of the UK Sports Council for eight years and was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Disley was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and was also BBC Cymru Wales Sports personality of the year in 1955.



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