Jimmy Watkins (runner)

Jimmy Watkins (born 30 October 1982) is a Welsh 800 metres runner and musician.[1][2]

James Watkins
Personal information
Born (1982-10-30) 30 October 1982 (age 43)
Sport
Country Great Britain
SportAthletics
Event
800 metres
Achievements and titles
Personal bests
  • 800m: 1:46.33 (2006)
  • 800m indoor: 1:47.23 (2006)

In 2006, Watkins won the AAA Indoor Championships 800 metres in Sheffield and qualified for the IAAF World Indoor Championships; he ran an indoor best of 1:47.23 in the semi-final, and came 6th in the final.[1] Later that year, Watkins ran a outdoor best of 1:46.33 at the British Milers' Club Grand Prix in Watford.[1]

Two years later, he gave up running and decided to pursue a career in music. He joined the rock band Future of the Left although left after all the other band members felt "there were things [they] couldn't do because he was in the band"[3] Later, Watkins joined The Vega Bodegas, although he quit after a couple of years.[4][5]

In 2019, Watkins returned to running, now combined with his love of music. He joined the club Running Punks, which had been founded by his former friend Rhodri Morgan.[6] He has also maintained a social media presence with his videos reviewing albums and singles as he runs.[7]

References

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  1. 1 2 3 "James WATKINS". World Athletics.
  2. Adharanand Finn (10 June 2024). "Episode 38: Interview with running punk Jimmy Watkins". The Way of the Runner (Podcast).
  3. Bell, Steve. "Andrew Falkous Explains The Power Inherent In Fusing The Conventional With The Unconventional". The Music. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
  4. Mulkeen, Jon (14 January 2020). "Jimmy Watkins: running, rock 'n roll and The Ritz". World Athletics.
  5. Wales, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Runner (2 December 2020). "The Rock 'n' Roll Runner". Sport Wales.
  6. "How it began". Running Punks. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  7. "Twitter: Athlete Jimmy Watkins' running music reviews a hit". BBC News. 4 August 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
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