In the world of long-distance running, Mike Gratton is a name synonymous with dedication, passion, and achievement. As an elite runner who won the 1983 London Marathon and a Commonwealth Games bronze medal, his story will inspire athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. In this Mike Gratton profile, we take a closer look at the journey of this extraordinary athlete and our very own head coach, from his humble beginnings to his impressive running and coaching career.
Mike Gratton discovered his passion for running at the tender age of 13. In 1968, he made his entrance into the running scene with an impressive display of talent, securing second place in the British Forces Schools Germany Junior 800-metre championship. He clocked an outstanding time of 2 minutes and 10 seconds, leaving a lasting impression. Later, returning to the UK, he joined his local athletics club, Folkestone AC, in Kent, England. Notably, he clinched a coveted English Schools title in the fiercely competitive 5,000-meter event in 1974. Mike’s journey as a runner is a testament to his unwavering dedication and unwavering spirit.
“I was surprised to find I could run so fast and my school PE teacher also saw it, pointing me in the direction of the local running club”.
Mike Gratton
As an aspiring artist, Mike applied to art school but faced rejection due to colour blindness. Undeterred, he pursued a dual degree in Physical Education and Art Teaching at West Sussex College (now Chichester University).
During his time there, he had the privilege of training alongside renowned athletes such as Steve Ovett at Brighton & Hove, as well as Rab Heron, a College librarian and accomplished marathon runner with a personal best of 2:17.
This training regimen, a combination of intense interval sessions in Brighton & Hove and numerous long and steady runs with Rab Heron, laid the foundation for the specific training approach that ultimately led to his victory in the London Marathon.
“Running twice a week on the track with Olympic 800m Champion, Steve Ovett, and 20-mile runs with Rab Heron on a Sunday, gave me balance at both ends of the training spectrum”.
Mike Gratton
The journey towards winning the London Marathon was far from a linear path. After leaving college, Mike worked part-time at a construction site while simultaneously applying for teaching positions.
In 1978, a life-altering accident occurred when Mike was run over by a truck while on the job, resulting in a crushed left foot, five metatarsal fractures, and a dislocated ankle. This unfortunate incident could have spelt the end of his running career, but instead, it ignited an even greater determination within him.
“I got my first interview for a PE teacher role at the Charles Dickens School, Broadstairs in late 1978 and turned up on crutches… so I was offered the also vacant art teacher role!”
Mike Gratton
After a nine-month recovery from the accident, in 1979 he accomplished an impressive feat – his first marathon in Essonne, Paris. Finishing 11th with a time of 2:21:30, he proved his resilience. His journey continued with a victory in the Poly Marathon in Windsor, followed by a commendable third-place finish in the 1982 London Marathon, clocking in at 2:12:30. The next of his achievements came that year, when he secured the bronze medal in the Brisbane Commonwealth Games, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:12:06.
Throughout most of his running career, he relied on self-coaching. However, when he reached the milestone of 2:16 for the marathon, he sought the guidance of a trusted friend and clubmate, Cliff Temple. Cliff, a Senior Coach, accomplished author, and esteemed athletics correspondent for the Sunday Times, provided the expertise needed to propel him to the next level. Under Cliff’s proactive coaching for just a year, he achieved remarkable results – running the marathon in 2:12:30, 2:12:06, and finally an impressive 2:09:43.
“Running is an introverted activity and sometimes you just keep doing the same things – to make the final jump you need someone to suggest changes. Cliff Temple did this for me”.
Mike Gratton
Gratton continued to make his mark on the international running scene when he earned a bronze medal at the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games, competing in the men’s marathon. He clocked in at an impressive 2:12:06, finishing behind the World record holder, Australia’s Rob d’Castella, who broke the Commonwealth record that day, and Tanzanian Juma Ikangaa, who went on to win the New York Marathon.
“I was a late England team selection for the Commonwealth Games Marathon, with Ian Ray and Ray Smedley chosen before me. I took the opportunity and ran a personal best on the day”.
Mike Gratton
The pinnacle of Mike’s running career came in 1983 when he won the highly acclaimed London Marathon with a time of 2:09:43. His victory was a testament to his perseverance, dedication, and strategic training approach. Mike Gratton joined an elite group of runners who have won the London Marathon, cementing his place in history as one of the best long-distance runners in the world.
“When I ran 2.21 for my first marathon I never thought 2.09 was possible. With gradual improvements over 4 years new horizons reveal themselves”.
Mike Gratton
Aside from his marathon achievements mentioned above, Mike Gratton boasts an impressive list of career highlights:
After retiring from competitive running in 1991, Mike turned his attention to coaching. He has been actively involved in training amateur and professional runners for over 20 years. In addition, he has shared his expertise through various coaching courses and workshops.
He qualified as a UK-qualified coach in the previous British Athletics Board system. With his extensive experience as an elite athlete, Gratton was asked by UK Athletics to be available as a mentor, and decided to use his vast knowledge to help train others. After acquiring his Coaching qualification, he began mentoring runners looking to achieve great heights in the sport, often working with the coaches of developing marathon runners, such as John Bicourt, who was working with Chicago winner and 2.08 performer, Paul Evans.
Alongside Coach the Run, Mike also runs 209 Events and his own coaching company.
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