When were the first running competitions in Britain held?

The Commonwealth Games (known as the British Empire Games from 1930-1950, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954-1966, and British Commonwealth Games from 1970-1974) is an international, multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930, and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, which were cancelled due to World War II, has taken place every four years since then.