Ronald (Ron) William Clarke (born February 21, 1937 in Victoria) is a former Australian athlete, and one of the best known middle and long distance runners in the 1960s. He is best remembered for setting seventeen world records.
He attended Melbourne High School. His brother was the former VFL star Jack Clarke.
In 1956, when Clarke was still a promising 19-year-old, he was chosen to light the Olympic Flame in the stadium during the opening ceremonies of the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne.
He won the bronze medal in the 10,000 m at the 1964 Summer Olympics, but never won an Olympic gold medal. At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Clarke collapsed and nearly died from altitude sickness sustained during the gruelling 10,000 m race final. He suffered permanent heart damage from this event, as he was not conditioned to running in high altitudes as were some competitors.
During a 44-day European tour in 1965, he competed 18 times and broke 12 world records, including the 20,000 m (just short of a half-marathon). He lowered his own 10,000 m world record by 39 seconds to become the first man to break the 28 minute barrier, running a 27:39.4.
To win against a field of kickers, Clarke needed a fast pace throughout or a sustained surge at the end. He improved his 2-mile speed in 1967 and 1968, lowering Jazy's world record by 3 seconds, running an 8:19.8 and then an 8:19.6.
On March 15 2006, Ron Clarke was one of the final four runners who carried the Queen's Baton around the MCG stadium during the 2006 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
He was elected Mayor of the Gold Coast, Queensland in 2004, defeating the incumbent Gary Baildon.
