Getting to Know… Ian Horlock – Edition 19 
We’re eighteen profiles in — and it’s time to bring out one of the big guns. Club Chairman. England Masters athlete. Le grand fromage… Ian Horlock.
If you’ve seen someone flying around lane 6 on a Tuesday or Thursday night — smooth stride, big finish, sprinting like he means it — chances are you’ve seen Ian. He’s one of the most recognisable athletes at the club: fast, friendly, committed… and always up for a challenge.
This year, Ian’s fallen back in love with the 400m.
“I would’ve said 400m hurdles earlier this year, but after running PBs in the 100, 200 and 400 — including my first ever sub-51 at 38 — I think the 400m flat might be my favourite again.”
Ian first got into athletics after London 2012.
“I’m not sure the ‘inspire a generation’ tagline was aimed at mid-20-year-olds, but it worked. I left football, cricket and golf behind (well, except a bit of golf) and gave sprinting a go. Going from fastest in the football team to slowest in most SAL races was humbling(!), but I stuck at it and found my calling in Masters Athletics.”
Athletics has shaped him more than people realise.
“I used to get incredibly nervous before races. Even now, big Masters finals — like my first M35 World Championship Final in Finland — get the heart going. But overcoming those moments has made big work presentations feel like a walk in the park.”
And when he’s earned it, Ian celebrates properly.
“That’s easy — a few drinks and a curry! I eat pretty healthily these days and definitely drink less beer than my football years, so it’s great to kick back with the team after a SAL or Championships.”
He’s collected some unforgettable moments along the way: winning SAL Division 2 (and throwing Kay Trinder in the steeplechase water), making his first Masters World Championship Final in Finland, winning European Bronze in the 4×400m with club mate Dave Awde, and just weeks ago making the European 400m Final in Madeira — with a PB on the day.
And then there’s the legendary 800m showdown with James Gamble. A sprinter vs an endurance athlete. Hyped loudly — almost entirely by James.
When the gun went, Ian stayed composed, bided his time, and unleashed a final-lap surge Gamble simply couldn’t match. A clear, controlled win — and an instant Woking classic.
Away from the track, Ian has another unusual achievement:
“I’m also a five-time World Champion at Danger Golf — a sport invented by friends and I, sponsored by WKD. It was once the fastest-growing extreme sport in the Woking area… before plateauing at about 20 players. So it’s not that impressive.”
For the last 2.5 years, Ian has also served as the club’s Chairman — something he’s incredibly proud of.
“The togetherness of the club is amazing. The team spirit in Rosenheim and the SAL is unbelievable — and even though I’m not part of the cross-country or road groups, you can absolutely see the same there too.”
His message to anyone considering athletics is simple:
“It’s never too late. I wasn’t quick at school and athletics wasn’t obvious for me, but now I love it — and I love how your work always pays you back. It’s individual in some ways, but such a team sport in others.”
(Editor’s note: Sprinter, hurdler, Chairman, Danger Golf royalty… and the man who tactically dismantled James Gamble over 800m. Ian is doing a brilliant job leading the club — he genuinely wants to hear your ideas, so if you see him at the track, go and chat to him. **)**
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Inspired by Ian’s story?
Whether you’re brand new to the sport or returning after years away, there’s a place for you at Woking AC.
Come train, compete and be part of a club fuelled by energy, teamwork and stories just like Ian’s.
Interested? Email seniors@wokingac.com to get started.