Norman Wilson ultra-running guru and coach

The sport of ultra running is in mourning with the recent passing of guru and coach Norman Wilson. Wilson a previous IAU Vice President and Director  will be remembered for his interest in the global sport and the various initiatives he drove over many years in the sport.

Norman Wilson passed away on June 4th, 2021 after a short illness in hospital.

Norman worked hard in many areas from his Gloucestershire base. He was the  IAU Vice President (2008-2012), IAU Director (2012-2016) and had chaired IAU Committees in the areas of Statistics (2008-2012) and Records (2008-2016). Prior to that, he was European Area Representative (2004-2008) on the IAU Executive Council.  In 2018 he was recognized and awarded the international careers award from the IAU at the IAU Congress in Sveti Martin na Muri in Croatia.

Previously he had been a successful runner having won the Berlin marathon and held a personal best time of 2:13:17 set back in 1981 at the Boston marathon. In the UK he had played a vital part in later years for ultra-running as a coach, race organiser and as part of the GBR ultra-distance management. 

He will be remembered also for his interest in the global sport and the various cultural traditions he encountered in the sport. We will miss you Norman as you were part of ultra-running family for many years.

Norman was always passionate for the sport and his top notch organisational skills stood him and his associated events well over the years. Norman was a catalyst for the Commonwealth Ultra and Mountain Running Championships in 2011.

Nadeem Khan, the current IAU President added

“His smile, words of advice and forever presence on the international ultra-running scene will be sorely missed. On behalf of the IAU, I extend my deepest condolences to Anne and family on the passing away of our exceptional friend. RIP Norman, my friend!”

Hilary Walker the IAU General Secretary said “I have enjoyed working with Norman both in the UK and for the IAU and we have spent many a time together officiating at both national and international events.   He was tireless in wanting the best for his athletes and the sport and we benefited from his enthusiasm to provide racing opportunities and also to record and recognise performances with his work on records and statistics. He was also instrumental in setting up both the successful Commonwealth Ultradistance and Mountain Running Championships that have been held.  We will sorely  miss him.”

On behalf of the IAU our thoughts are with Norman Wilson´s family and the Great Britain and Northern Ireland ultra-running family during these very difficult times.

IAU Council