Bill O'Connor, Legend!
- Dustin Daniel
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
On Sunday 27th April 2025 the 45th London Marathon takes place, and among the thousands starting, will be our very own local legend and current Queens Park Harriers President - Bill O'Connor.
Bill arrived in the UK in the early 70s as a great runner and took part in the 1981 London Marathon (the first) and has done every single one since. He is one of only six runners who have done this, called the Ever Presents.
On top of this amazing feat Bill turns 80 in a week or so after the race so a number of the Queens Park Harriers decided to make it extra special. Strava Artist, and ex President Tim Lewin had been pondering a portrait of Bill for a few years now and this event prompted him to finalise a route - set up stages for 11 runners over the weekend and create a portrait of our esteemed Bill that covered 188 km over three days. Tim was hampered by bike failure but let nothing stand in his way. He ran, walked and cycled the whole route with each of the runners - the results speak for themselves.
Follow the story - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIt5NvzNWq_/
The Strava Art was shared on the BBC London News along with an interview with Bill in his North Finchley home with wife Tricia, as well as a live link to our annual Track Marathon Relay - traditionally held the Tuesday before every London Marathon. Club members take turns to run in pairs in a relay, started off by the club president - this year Bill, The Legend, O'Connor. In a very last minute turn of events the live report was shared from Willesden Sports Centre with comments from Roma Denetto and Gavin O' Sullivan, our secretary and chair of the committee. Video - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIyFOxQNFJA/
They both took to live telly like a Harrier to the track! All coordinated through a contact, through a message in TV land to a sudden action on the day! Roma commented on the inspiration that Bill gives whether that be at track events, cross country or his marathon record and Gavin spoke of Bill's commitment to running and volunteering - the importance of volunteering in local clubs like ours.
Talking of volunteering we also took time at the event to say a heartfelt thanks to Jodie Whitelaw who is leaving to return to New Zealand, in her time at the club Jodie has transformed the refreshments table at our Liddiard event to a top class cafe, helped run the Social Events with the social committee, is a back bone of the Juniors Section of the club and has her hand in the merchandise volunteering as well. She wears more hats than most and does so with a friendliness and warmth like no other - we will miss her hugely.
If you are inspired by Bill and his enormous contribution to running please do consider putting yourself forward to help with some of the roles Jodie leaves - we are a wonderful club - but we are nothing without the volunteers.
Happy Birthday Bill - longest running (pun intended) volunteer in the club!
