James Ashworth (runner)

Ashworth competed for Bingley Harriers.[1] In 1983, Ashworth won the Piccadilly Marathon in Manchester, England.[2] Later in the year, he came second at the 1983 Berlin Marathon, 24 seconds behind Karel Lismont.[3] It has his personal best time.[4] He finished second at the 1984 Miami Marathon behind Sweden's Tommy Persson. Ashworth had been leading until 5 miles (8.0 km) to go in the race, when he was overtaken by Persson. His finishing time was five seconds slower than in Berlin the previous year.[4] He came seventh at the 1984 London Marathon,[5] and 24th at the 1984 New York City Marathon.[6]

Ashworth won the 1985 Miami Marathon in a time of 02:18:50.[7][8][9] American Barry Brown had been leading the race for the first 20 miles (32 km), before Ashworth overtook him, as Brown was suffering with a leg injury.[8] Ashworth had spent most of the race in the leading pack behind Brown,[10] and gradually caught up to him.[8] Ashworth himself was running with a knee injury sustained two months before the race.[10] Later in the year, he won the 1985 Berlin Marathon, in a time of 02:11:43.[7][11] He finished more than two minutes ahead of Henrik Albahn, who finished the race in second.[11]

In 1986, Ashworth chose not to race the Miami Marathon, and competed in a 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) race in the city instead.[9] He attempted to qualify for the marathon event at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.[12] Later in the year, he came 12th at the 1986 New York City Marathon; he was the highest finishing Briton at the race.[13]

Ashworth is from Bradford, Yorkshire, England.[8][9] As of 1985, he was married and had two children.[10] Aside from running, he worked as a dustbin man.[1]

• Jimmy Ashworth at World Athletics