Charles Kilpatrick

Charles Henry Kilpatrick (October 23, 1874 – December 5, 1921) was an American athlete. His best event was the 880 yard run, in which he became the national champion three times and established a long-lived world record time of 1:53.4.

Biography

Charles Henry Kilpatrick was born in Albany, New York on October 23, 1874 to an Irish-American family.

Kilpatrick became a noted runner while at the New York State Normal High School. He went on to study at Union College, It was at Union College that Kilpatrick reached his peak as a runner, breaking the world record in the 880 yards and becoming both intercollegiate and national champion in that event. He then became athletic director at University of Wisconsin before returning to his home state and entering the employ of Spalding.

In a September 21, 1895 dual meet between the New York Athletic Club (which Kilpatrick represented) and the London Athletic Club, described by Sports Illustrated as the first major international track meet ever, This time demolished Walter Dohm's previous record of 1:54.5, and was only beaten 14 years later by Emilio Lunghi of Italy. Kilpatrick also represented his club in the three mile run, in which he quit after five laps; this was of no consequence, as only wins counted and teammate Thomas Conneff easily took the race home.