Road Runners pay tribute to Ian
Date published: 29 January 2010
A GROUP of 17 Royton Road Runners entered the Gloucester Marathon in memory of popular club member Ian Casey, who tragically collapsed and died while taking part in the race last year.
All bar four of the club’s athletes completed the full 26.2 miles.
They ran as a team in three packs, and pride of place went to Julie Greenwood, who completed her first marathon – accompanied all the way by Tony Hunking – in an impressive four hours 50 minutes 51 seconds.
Other Royton finishers were Bryan Lawton, Colin Green, Bernard Cassidy, Stuart Carroll, John Higgins, David Emanuel, Bernie Goodwin, Chris Eavers, Barry Greaves, Dave Phillips and Steve Shaw.
Club marathon champion Dave Kershaw completed most of the course, as did Owen Flage, Tony Kane and Shiela Waite.
In a fitting tribute to Ian, Royton members held a gathering at the fateful point after 15.5 miles, which also attracted a great deal of support from other runners.
Ian, a father of two, was one of the club’s top competitors and was also an endurance swimmer with the Royton Bluefins.
He was only 45 when he passed away.
