Malcolm was born in London, England, and in 1977 came to the United States on a track scholarship to the University of Arkansas. He wasn’t happy in Fayetteville, so he ended up at Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh.
Malcolm had a stellar career at CCAC, winning three national titles. He won the JUCO: Cross Country national championship, 10,000 meter title and the Marathon national title. After graduating, he ran for Allegheny Nike and when he showed up at a race in Western PA, everyone looked around to see who was going to finish second. He was my boyhood hero, I wanted to run just like (although, not as fast) Malcolm East!.
In 1982, Malcolm won the Pittsburgh Great Race (10K) in 27:57! Finished in 5th place at the Boston Marathon in 1981 (2;11;35).
After these successes, New Balance signed him to run for their team alongside the likes of Dick Beardsley and Pete Pfitzinger.
Malcolm represented Great Britain in the marathon for the European Championships and England for the World Cross Country Championships.
His track times were just as impressive as his road races: 3;43 – 1500m, 7:56 – 3000m.
About five years ago, Malcolm moved to my then hometown of Bethel Park, PA, and we got together and ran quite a few 10 milers together and afterwards “tried to solve the world’s problems” over a few beverages.
If you are in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh, stop by Fleet Feet in Norman Center and have him fit you for a new pair of shoes or at least let him tell you a few great stories.
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