Wolverhampton & Bilston Athletics Club would like to wish a very special 90th birthday to former member David Prince, who reaches this milestone on Saturday 6 December 2025.
David, together with his identical twin brother James (Jim) Prince, was a member of the original Wolverhampton Harriers in the mid-1950s. A talented and dedicated runner, David competed in cross country and road racing throughout the 1960s, 70s and early 80s, proudly representing both the Harriers and later Wolverhampton & Bilston AC.
His early passion for running continued during his National Service, where he ran for the Army and once became Army Northern Command Cross Country Champion in 1958 or 1959.
David was known for his toughness and commitment. His son Andrew recalls watching him race as a child, including a famously bitter cross-country event—believed to be in Sutton Park—where heavy snow left many runners struggling in the cold. Memories of clubmates such as Colin Kemball, Peter Craggs, Colin Hunt, Derek Onions, and the encouragement of Ken Evans, remain fondly shared within the family.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, David was one of the founding members of the club’s Over-35s section, alongside Geoff Lowndes, with others such as Billy Wilson (of Donkey Sanctuary fame) also involved.
As his career progressed, David ventured into marathon running, completing events including the Wolverhampton Marathon, the Sandwell Marathon, and ultimately the 2nd London Marathon in 1982, where the finish line was at Westminster Bridge. He retired from competitive running in the mid-1980s as the years of mileage took their toll on his knees, but his love for the sport never faded.
To this day, David still speaks with great affection about former races, rivalries, training partners, and the strong camaraderie that defined his running years. He even still has his old club vest—well-worn but full of memories.
David now lives in Tettenhall, where his family will be celebrating his milestone birthday with him on Sunday 7 December.
From everyone at Wolverhampton & Bilston AC, we send our warmest congratulations and heartfelt best wishes to David on his 90th birthday.
Happy Birthday, David.
