Derek Turnbull
New Zealand runner (1926–2006)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Derek Philip Fraser Turnbull QSM (5 December 1926 – 2 November 2006) was a New Zealand middle- and long-distance runner. He took up Masters athletics at the age of 40, and went on to set 25 Masters Athletics World Records.
5 December 1926
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | Derek Philip Fraser Turnbull 5 December 1926 Waikaka, New Zealand |
| Died | 2 November 2006 (aged 79) |
| Education | Southland Boys' High School Massey Agricultural College |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Sport | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Sport | Masters athletics |
Event | 1500 m to marathon |
Early life
Born in Waikaka, Southland, 28 km northeast of Gore, on 5 December 1926, Turnbull was educated at Southland Boys' High School.[1] He went on to study at Massey Agricultural College, gaining a Diploma of Agriculture with honours.[1] He became a farmer, and owned and farmed 105 hectares at Tussock Creek, 30 km north of Invercargill from about 1980.[1]
Athletics
While at Massey, Turnbull was awarded New Zealand University blues in cross country and athletics.[1] He began competing in Masters athletics events when he was 40 years old, going on to win 28 gold medals at world veteran track and field championships.[1]
Over his career, Turnbull set 25 Masters Athletics World Records across various age categories and events.[1] In 1992, he set six world records in the 65–69 age category as well as two further world best times for the year. As of 2025[update], records set by Turnbull that still stand are:
| Event | Age group | Record | Date | Place | Meet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mile | M 65 | 4:56.4 | 29 February 1992 | Christchurch | |
| 3000 m | M 65 | 9:47.4 | 8 February 1992 | Christchurch | |
| 10,000 m | M 65 | 34:42.2 | 15 March 1992 | Christchurch | |
| Marathon | M 65 | 2:41:57 | 12 April 1992 | London | London Marathon |
Three of Turnbull's notable marathons include:[2]
- 1987 Adelaide Marathon, winning the men's 60+ category in a time of 2:38:46, his personal best for the distance
- 1990 New York Marathon, winning the men's 60-69 category in a time of 2:41:21
- 1992 London Marathon, winning the M 65 category in 2:41:57.
In the 1988 Queen's Birthday Honours, Turnbull was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for community service.[3] His story was documented in the book The Fastest Old Man in the World by Vince Boyle, published in 2006,[4] and later made into a 30-minute film of the same name.[5]
