From the record books alone Ron Clarke would have to be judged the best distance runner of all time. In the 1960s he set over 20 world best times for races between two miles and 30,000 metres. In 1965 he held seven world records simultaneously: three miles; 5,000 metres; six miles; 10,000 metres; ten miles; 20,000 metres and the one hour run. To some critics Clarke's inability to win either Olympic or Commonwealth Games honours marred what was otherwise a glittering career. Today this chartered accountant from Melbourne has channelled his talents into managing fitness centres. Barry Davies talks to Clarke in one of the leisure centres he is developing, on the outskirts of Bath.

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