Jim Hunt’s first association with APSOC goes back to 1953 when he competed with limited success. However, after a spell of National service in the RAAF and a year working in England, by the 1956 season Jim had become one of the best runners in the competition. The middle to late fifties and early 1960s were successful seasons for the Old Melburnians in APSOC teams competition and Jim was always the spearhead of his club’s wins.
He won or had fastest times at the following events:
Dyson Relay: ’57,’58,’60,’61,’62,’63,’64
Jamieson Handicap: ’58,’59,’60,’64
Orchard Handicap: ’58,’60,’61,’63,’64
Lodge Handicap: ’62,’64
Cooke McClelland: ’58,’60,’61,’64
Clearly, Jim dominated APSOC events in the period 1957-1964, and in many of his wins he set course records. In 1963, his 11:56 around the “old” Dyson course became the first sub 12 minute lap by an APSOC runner. He bettered this time the following year.
Jim found the flatter courses of the APSOC calendar more to his liking, a reflection of his talent on the track during summer, over distances from 880 yards through to six miles. His best result on the track was possibly his fourth place in the 1963-64 Victorian Six Mile Championship.
As a contributor to the organisation of APSOC, Jim conducted the Mt Eliza runs held in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the Cheltenham Park Handicap. He served as APSOC President 1975-1976 and was elected to Life Membership in 1981 for his contribution to the Association over the previous twenty-five years.
