Ken Roost C557

With regret, we report the passing of Ken Roost at the age of 95 in Welwyn Garden City in August.

Ken left home at 16 to join the Royal Air Force and there took on many sporting challenges, including water polo, steeplechase, cross country and race walking, representing the service. After retirement from the RAF, Ken qualified as Centurion 557 in Ewhurst in 1975, finishing in 22 hours, 3 minutes and 26 seconds. He competed in an array of long distance events, stating the London-to-Brighton (52 miles), Leicester Mercury 20 miles and Birmingham Outer Circle (25 miles) as his favourites.

Ken continued to support and enjoy the brotherhood of the Centurions and returned to race in 1979, again in Ewhurst. With supreme pacing, Ken achieved a sub-20 hour finish with 19:52:53, finishing 9th from 107 starters and leading home the victorious team of Enfield Harriers, alongside Jack Rossiter C577 and Peter Worth C491. Ken was later bestowed the honour of life-membership of Enfield Harriers and assisted at races after retiring from competition.

Ken enjoyed many passions, including snooker, horse-racing, Bournemouth Football Club and Coronation Street. He is survived by his son, Tony, and stepson Ian.