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]