German distance runner Lutz Philipp dies, aged 71

European Athletics is sad to hear of the death of the well-known distance runner and three-time Olympian Lutz Philipp last Wednesday.

Philipp died at the age of 71 after a battle against leukaemia.

He went to the 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games and won 24 German titles at a various distances.

His personal best in the marathon came when he won the 1972 Manchester Marathon in 2:12:50, which was briefly the best mark in the world that year.

He also competed in the 1966 and 1971 European Athletics Championships and finished seventh in the marathon at the latter event, his best result at a major international championship.

European Athletics sends its condolences to his family and all who knew him within German athletics.