Alexander Duncan (athlete)

Duncan belonged to the Kendal Welcome Harrier Club.[1] Duncan won the English Open Mile in 1902 and came third in the English Half-Mile. He won the Salford Harrier's sports and Preston Guild mile as well in 1902.[2] In 1903, he won the Mile at New Brighton and the Two Miles Handicap at Stanley Park in Liverpool. He then picked up more victories in Barrow, Dalton-in-Furness, Darlington, Jendal, Glassgow and Leeds. Duncan won the British Northern Counties 4 miles race in 1906.[3] In 1907, Duncan won the Northern Counties 4 miles again and won the 1997 AAA 4 Miles.[4][3] Duncan also came in second place in the 1907 AAA 10 miles race.[3] In 1908, he won the AAA 10 miles race[4] and then won the 22.5 mile English Marathon Olympic Trial.[4][3] Duncan competed in the men's marathon at the 1908 Summer Olympics[5] but did not finish along with seven of his teammates.[3]

Duncan was scheduled to race in the US and Canada in 1909 as part of a tour with Fred Appleby.[6][7][1] He joined the Kendal Police Force in 1910 and his police duties effectively retired him from the track.[2] He later became a Vice-President of the North Staffordshire Harriers.[2]

Duncan was also said to be skilled at gardening and produced "admired" floral displays".[2] Duncan was married and passed away on January 21, 1959.[3][2][8]