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. James Clark (United States) set the men's marathon world record of 2:46:52.8 in New York City, United States on February 12, 1909. It stood 3 months, until Albert Raines's 2:46:04.6 on May 8, 1909. Wiki link