Harold Chapson

Harold B. Chapson

(1902-1992)

Harold B. Chapson was a masters athlete who set numerous American and World Records while in his 70s and 80s. In 1989 he held over 40 World Records based on one year age brackets, shattering expectations of what was possible for athletes in these age groups.

Harold was originally from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and contracted polio at age five, which limited the use of his left arm. Nevertheless, he adjusted his running style to adapt to the handicap. He was involved in track and field for more than 60 years, dating back to the 1920s, where he was a track star at Colorado A&M in 1925 and 1926. 

He moved to Hawaii in 1929, teaching shop and agriculture at a junior high school. After he retired in 1964, he began walking for exercise and took up running again in 1968.

He served as president of the Hawaii Masters Track Club in 1976.

Harold Chapson’s mind-boggling World Record track performances include:

• 400 meters – 68.1 (age 72 on 7/5/75)
• 400 meters – 75.4 (age 80 on 7/9/82)
• 800 meters – 2:40.0 (age 75 on 5/14/78 – still an American Record as of 2023)
• 800 meters – 2:49.4 (age 81 on 8/9/83 – still an American Record as of 2023)
• 1500 meters – 5:21.1 (age 73 on 8/9/75)
• 1500 meters – 5:54.5 (age 80 on 7/17/82 – still an American Record as of 2023)
• Mile – 5:54.0 (age 71 on 11/25/73 – the first man on record, over age 70, to run a sub-six- minute mile.)
• Mile – 6:43.3 (age 80 on 3/4/83)
• 3000 meters – 11:46.2 (age 73 on 3/28/76)
• 5000 meters – 20:51.6 (age 72 on 4/27/75)

Harold passed away in 1992 in Honolulu. The Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club hosts the popular and competitive Harold Chapson Memorial 8K starting and finishing in Kapiolani Park every January.