[1] Coombes was educated at Hampton Grammar School, he was for some years in an insurance office, and became well known as an amateur runner and walker.
Coombes was a vice-president of the New South Wales Amateur Athletic Association from its foundation, in 1893 was elected president, and held the position until his death.
He also frequently acted as handicapper, starter, judge of field games or referee, at important athletic meetings, managed the New South Wales team in contests with the other states, and in 1911 was manager of the Australian team at the Empire games in London.
When the Australian Coursing Union was formed in 1917 he was elected its first president[4] About 1895 he formulated a set of walking rules which have been widely adopted.
Coombes's greatest work was the inauguration of the Australasian amateur athletics movement, which at the time of his death was healthy, vigorous and carried on in the best traditions.