Career
Bennett, a train driver born in Shapwick, Dorset, was one of the top British middle-distance runners in his years, winning the American Automobile Association 4-mile (64 km) championship in 1897, and the cross country running title in 1899 and 1900. That distance had a rather weak field, and Bennett lead throughout the race, defeating local favourite Henri Deloge in 4:06.0. That time was an official world record, although many athletes had already run faster in competitions over the slightly longer mile.
Bennett finished first in the race, with an unofficial world record 15:29.2, beating teammate John Rimmer.
His third event was the 4000 m steeplechase, in which he just failed to catch up with the same Rimmer in the final part of the race, settling for second place. Bennett died in Bournemouth, aged 79.
In December 2011 Bennett was commemorated after Anthony Ives Memorials of Bournemouth donated a proper headstone to recognise his feat. The plinth, unveiled on the eve of the year of the London Olympics, reads: "In loving memory of Charles Bennett 1870-1948.