Ernest Harper

Biography

Champion long distance runner Ernest "Ernie" Harper was born on August 2, 1902 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England. Harper finished fifth in the 1,000 meter race and fourth in the individual cross country event at the 1924 Olympics. Ernest subsequently finished 22nd in the 1928 Olympic marathon and went on to win a silver medal for England by placing second in the men's marathon at the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin, Germany. Moreover, Harper not only was the Northern Counties champion for the years 1923, 1925-1926, and 1928-1930, but also finished second in the six miles event at the 1930 British Empire Games, won the Amateur Athletics Association ten miles title in 1923, 1926-1927, and 1929, and represented England in the International Cross Country Championships for nine successive years from 1923 to 1931 (Harper won the English title in both 1927 and 1929 as well as won the individual competition in 1926). In addition, Ernest ran for the Hallamshire Harriers athletic club in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. Harper eventually turned pro in 1939. Ernest died at age 77 on October 9, 1979 in Tullamarine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.