In September, in a sleepy corner of West Sussex, memories stir of a local hero and villagers dust off their trainers and start limbering up for a memorial race that celebrates one who had wings on his feet.
Alfred Shrubb was a running legend. He was born in 1879 in the little village of Slinfold just outside Horsham and went on to became a famous middle and long-distance runner. But he started from humble beginnings as the son of a labourer who worked on the construction of the (then) new Christ’s Hospital building. Moving to Horsham, Shrubb started his running career after chasing a fire engine to Southwater in his work boots. His talent was noted and he started running with Horsham Blue Star Harriers. And from that point on, the only way was … fast!
There’s fast…
Running as an amateur between 1899 to 1905, he quickly started winning local, county and then national events despite his diminutive size of five foot. He also claimed a number of records that were to stand firm for many years. In 1901, he became all England champion at the 25th National cross-country championship running 10 miles in 63.45.8. In 1903, he ran three miles in 14:17:6 and by 1904 he held records at the 1 ½, 2, 3 and 4 mile distances! Then in 1905, Shrubb broke seven world records. He was four-times National 4 miles Champion and he won the 10 miles title four times from 1901 to 1904.
In 1905, Shrubb had to turn pro after an “issue” over receiving payment (in the shape of prize money). It’s worth remembering that he was a working class boy running in a middle to upper class world and he had to fund all his expenses which would have included considerable travel.
And there is very fast
He ran as a professional from 1905 to 1912 and won over 1,000 races of about 1,800. In total, he set 28 world records. At his peak, Shrubb was an icon. He travelled to Australia, toured the country and was celebrated in Horsham. In 1907, he set sail for America, touring both America and Canada, coaching at Harvard and finally settling in Canada. He did return to the UK for seven years to coach at Oxford but died in Canada in 1964, largely forgotten.
The Alf Shrubb Memorial Race
In 2010, the Alf Shrubb Five Mile Memorial Race was launched in Slinfold. It was held for a number of years and in 2024 it was relaunched as the Alf Shrubb Memorial 10k, with a 5k route added in 2025. 2025 will also see entrants joined by special guest runner, Vassos Alexander.
The stuff of blockbuster films
At his peak, Shrubb must have seemed unstoppable as he dominated running in one of the most exciting and iconic of eras. He could even out run relay teams such was his speed.
You can find out more about Alf Shrubb at Horsham Museum where you can also see a pair of his shoes, not quite the high tech trainer of today and until the 27th September, they have a display of artefacts related to Shrubb, included in the Horsham Blue Star Harriers centenary display.
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