I regret to share the news of Ron Bentley's passing. I will try to write up something more comprehensive later, but for now, some background and the note from his club.
Ron's competition in the late '60s - '70s included Jon Tarrant, "The Ghost Runner," Don Ritchie, Cavin Woodward, etc. For some background on the ultrarunning scene in those days, please see ultra historian Nick Marshall's 2013 introduction to a video he shared of Bentley to the Ultra Listserv.
Video here:
Notice from Ron Bentley's club, the Tipton Harriers (with minor edits):
RIP Ron Bentley - Former World Record Holder, Comrades Marathon Team Winner & Tipton Harriers Legend
Tipton Harriers are deeply saddened to report the death of Ron Bentley at the age of 88 after a long illness.
Ron was a former holder of the 24 Hour World Record, accomplished ultra distance runner and was Team Manager for many of Tipton Harriers winning teams over many decades.
A detailed obituary can be found here. (Please feel free to abstract what information you require. Copies of all photos are attached.)
Details of the funeral arrangements will be posted on the club website in due course.
Should you wish to relate your memories of Ron please see the following link for how to do so.
Please circulate to all those that may be knew Ron or may be otherwise interested.
Links to the story of Ron's 1973 world record may be found at the following links, in 5 parts. The account is well worth reading. At that time 24 hour races were scarce, almost entirely in Italy, and it had been twenty years since the great Wally Hayward’s first modern record.
Regards
Chris Holloway
Tipton Harriers Archivist/Historian
This is the account of his club's win in the team competition in Comrades, 1972