Derek Turnbull

Derek Philip Fraser Turnbull (5 December 1926 – 2 November 2006) was a New Zealand middle- and long-distance runner. He took up Masters athletics at the age of 40, and went on to set 25 Masters Athletics World Records.

Early life Born in Waikaka, Southland, 28 km northeast of Gore, on 5 December 1926, Turnbull was educated at Southland Boys' High School. He went on to study at Massey Agricultural College, gaining a Diploma of Agriculture with honours. 1987 Adelaide Marathon, winning the men's 60+ category in a time of 2:38:46, his personal best for the distance 1990 New York Marathon, winning the men's 60-69 category in a time of 2:41:21 1992 London Marathon, winning the M 65 category in 2:41:57.

In the 1988 Queen's Birthday Honours, Turnbull was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for community service. His story was documented in the book The Fastest Old Man in the World by Vince Boyle, published in 2006, and later made into a 30-minute film of the same name.

Later life and death Turnbull suffered a mild stroke in 2001. He died on 2 November 2006, and was survived by his wife, Pat, with whom he had six children.