Essendon FC mourns the passing of Australian running great Ron Clarke.

Born in Essendon, Ron was the younger brother of Essendon Hall of Fame Legend and premiership captain Jack Clarke and son of former player and Windy Hill ground curator Tom Clarke.

Ron who played U19s and Reserves football for Essendon was also involved in training Essendon’s players  during his brother’s years as senior coach from 1968 to 1970.

Ron Clarke was the world junior mile record holder and held a total of 18 world records during his running career.

At one time he held every world record from 2 miles to 20 kms and in 1965 set 12 world records during  44-day period running in eight different counties.

Clarke was later the Mayor of the Gold Coast for eight years until 2012.

The club extends its condolences to the Clarke family.