by Larry Eder
Mariano Haro, one of Spain’s finest distance runners, has died. He was 84.
Haro, a figure of resilience, was one of the most respected and toughest Spanish distance runners in the 1960s and 1970s. He battled many of the finest distance runners in history, leaving a legacy of determination and strength.
Haro competed in the Mexico Olympics (steeplechase, 9:15.93, heat 2, was Dqed, had originally finished 5th) in 1968. In 1972, Mariano Haro competed in the 10,000m, finishing 4th in one of the finest 25 lappers in Olympic history. Mariano Haro was one of the oldest in the field, at 32. Mariano pulled out of the 5,000m, focusing on the 10,000m. In 1976, in Montreal, Mariano Haro finished sixth at the ripe old age of 36.
And remember, up until 1992, the Olympic 10,000m had heats!
Mariano Haro set Spanish records in everything from the 1,500m to the hour run! In fact, Haro’s hour run (20,493 meters, or 12 miles, 1,261.41 yards) is still the Spanish record! His PBs include 7:51.6 for 3,000 meters, 8:37.2 for the steeplechase, 13:36.4h for 5,000m, 27:48.14, and 1;35.25 for 35 kilometers (road).
From 1972 to 1975, Mariano Haro was runner-up at the Cross de Nations, which preceded the World Cross Country Championships.
Mariano Haro won 27 national championships, 11 in cross country, 9 at 10,000 meters, 5 at the 5,000 meters, one at the steeplechase and one on the roads (remember his 35k noted above?, Mariano was considered one of the pioneers of Spanish Long distance running).
Here’s how Real Madrid announced his death:
Real Madrid CF, its president and Board of Directors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mariano Haro, a true legend of athletics and Spanish sport.
“Real Madrid extends its condolences and support to all of its family and loved ones.
Mariano Haro was one of the great pioneers of Spanish athletics. He was crowned champion of Spain on 27 occasions and was a four-time runner-up at the world cross country championships. At the Munich Olympic Games in 1972, he took 4th place in the 10,000 meters.
Mariano Haro has passed away at 84 years of age. Spanish sport regrets his loss. May I rest in peace.”
This is a video compilation from RTVE, the Spanish television station:
Rendimos homenaje a Mariano Haro, todo un ídolo y ejemplo del atletismo español 👟
En 2013, recordamos parte de su trayectoria en este ‘Conexión Vintage’ de @PacoGrandeTVE 📺 con testimonios como el de Alejandro Blanco (@COE_Presidente)https://t.co/wEzgcSpQgm pic.twitter.com/f8lB3t5pAD
— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) July 27, 2024
In my travels, I recall a story from Ian Stewart, 1970 Commonwealth Games champion at 5,000m, 1971 European champ at 5,000 meters and Olympic bronze medalist at the 5,000m in Munich 1972. Ian told me about racing Mariano Haro in cross country: “Every time I raced in Spain and Portugal in cross country, I raced against Haro. He was always tough. I always knew that, with 800 meters to go, we were going to battle to the final steps.”
What greater honor is there than to be complimented by your competitors? (Stewart also won the World Cross Country in 1975 after winning the European 3000m (he had won in 1973).
Mariano Haro retired after the Montreal 1976 Olympics, where he placed sixth in the 10,000m. He had planned on competing in the marathon, but that did not come to be.
After his athletics career (Haro retired at 36 after the Montreal Olympics), Mariano Haro went into politics, where he became the mayor of his home town, Palencia.
‘El León de Becerril’ will be missed, not only for his racing and his leadership in sports, but his drive and focus.
Here’s a link on Mariano Haro’s racing history, courtesy of World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/spain/mariano-haro-14354715
