Les Leyland

MASTERS CHAMPION - TRACK & FIELD

Les has been active in distance track and field competitions provincially and internationally since the age of 72. Now 83, Les is the Canadian record holder in the 10,000 metres outdoors, and the 800, 1,500 and 5,000 metres indoors, for persons between the age of 80 and 84 years old. He is also the holder of the US record in the 12 kilometre race for those between 80 and 84 years of age, and the 5,000 metre outdoor for those between 80 and 84 years of age. In 1998, Les competed in the World Association of Veteran Athletes in DURBAN, South Africa, finishing fifth, in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres.

In 1999, Les competed in the World Association of Veteran Athletes in Gateshead, England, where he finished 9th in the 1,500 metres.
Les has competed in numerous Masters events in long distance running, including the National Masters Championships in the United States; the Ontario Masters Indoor Championships; the Canadian Masters Championships in Toronto, Saskatoon and Quebec; the BC Seniors Games; and various fun runs, including the Vancouver Sun Run, Spokane Bloomsday Run, and local run events.

Les competed in the North American Masters Championships in Kamloops, BC, which also doubled as the Canadian Championships. Leswon the North American and Canadian Gold medals in the 5000 metre race and followed that up by winning the Canadian Gold medal in the 10 km run.

Les passed away at the age of 94 in April of 2012.