Herbert James Bignall (28 January 1906 – 30 October 1989) was a British

long-distance runner Long-distance running, or endurance running, is a form of continuous running over distances of at least . Physiologically, it is largely Aerobic exercise, aerobic in nature and requires endurance, stamina as well as mental strength. Within e ...

. He competed in the

marathon The marathon is a long-distance foot race with a distance of , usually run as a road race, but the distance can be covered on trail routes. The marathon can be completed by running or with a run/walk strategy. There are also wheelchair div ...

at the

1928 Summer Olympics The 1928 Summer Olympics ( nl, Olympische Zomerspelen 1928), officially known as the Games of the IX Olympiad ( nl, Spelen van de IXe Olympiade) and commonly known as Amsterdam 1928, was an international multi-sport event that was celebrated from ...

. He also competed in the marathon at the

1930 British Empire Games The 1930 British Empire Games were the inaugural edition of what now is known as the Commonwealth Games, and were held in Hamilton, Ontario, from 16 to 23 August 1930. The games were organized by ''Hamilton Spectator'' sportswriter Bobby Robinso ...

for England and was a carpenter by trade. He was a torchbearer for the

1984 Summer Olympics torch relay The 1984 Summer Olympics torch relay was run from May 8 until July 28, prior to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The route covered around across the United States and involved over 3,600 torchbearers. Rafer Johnson lit the cauldron at th ...

, carrying the flame from Nutfield Police Station to the Warwick Hotel, Redhill. Bignall was a founder of the Rothery Athletic Club, which later became known as the Redhill and Reigate Athletics Club. He was a member of the Highgate Harriers and served as President of the Surrey Amateur Athletics Association. Bignall and his wife, Betty, had a son and three daughters.

References

1906 births 1989 deaths Athletes (track and field) at the 1928 Summer Olympics British male long-distance runners British male marathon runners Olympic athletes for Great Britain Sportspeople from Reigate Athletes (track and field) at the 1930 British Empire Games Commonwealth Games competitors for England English male long-distance runners English male marathon runners {{UK-athletics-bio-stub