James A. Clark (?? – ??) was an American long-distance runner who is recognized as having set a world's best in the marathon on February 12, 1909 with a time of 2:46:52 at the Brooklyn Marathon. According to the New York Times, Clark also set an American record in a 20-mile race on November 14, 1909 (1:57:27 3-5).
Approximately 110,000 spectators were reported to have turned out to see 180 runners compete in the New Jersey Athletic Club Marathon.[1] With "scorching heat" noted to have affected many of the athletes, Clark recorded a time of 3:22:07 that was good enough for third place behind James Crowley of the Irish American Athletic Club and Harry Jensen of the Pastime Athletic Club.[1]
On October 12, 1909, Clark competed in a fifteen-mile run described as the "feature event" Columbus Day games organized by the Emerald Athletic Club in Westchester, New York.[2] He placed third behind Jensen and F.P Devlin of the Mott Haven Athletic Club.[2]
On November 27, 1909, Clark finished seventh in the third edition of the Yonkers Marathon (3:01:21).[3] He ran for the Xaiver Athletic Club and was later elected the President of the Long Island Athletic Club.