David Hopkins The Ghost Runner


(5 stars; 3 reviews)

David Hopkins's play, The Ghost Runner, is based on the true story of John Tarrant, one of the great distance runners of the 1950s and 60s. For 20 years, he battled against the absurd regulations of the Amateur Athletics Association. The mystery man threw off his disguise and started to run, with furious stewards giving chase and the crowd roaring. A legend was born.

As a hapless teenage boxer in the 1950s, Tarrant had been paid a small sum in expenses, which led to his ban from running. Now, he was fighting back, gate-crashing races all over Britain without a number on his shirt or friends in high places. Soon, he would become a record-breaker, one of the greatest long-distance runners the world had ever seen.


This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.

Chapters

The Ghost Runner 1:33:43

Reviews

Much more than a drama


(5 stars)

Before hearing this I had never heard of John Tarrant, the "Ghost Runner". My loss. He is now on a very small list of my great sporting heroes. Through all the obstacles he proved himself to be a greater sportsman than cups and medals could have celebrated. I have ordered the book by Bill Jones ("The Ghost Runner", of course) on the strength of this. Not just a play - this made me want to roar with outrage and cheer at his his triumphs through adversity. Days later I keep reliving this. Thank you again Radioannouncer. More than just a play. 6 stars, surely. Just brilliant.

Much more than a drama


Thank you! You made my day and much more! Hearing from you makes uploading worthwhile.... w