Widespread tributes after death of Belfast Marathon chair John Allen a day after latest race
In a statement on Monday, marathon organisers announced the death of John Allen and described him as a 'deeply respected figure in the athletics community and a cornerstone of the Belfast City Marathon'.
It's understood Mr Allen had been undergoing treatment for cancer over recent years.
Tens of thousands of people across Northern Ireland took part in the annual marathon on Sunday.
Mr Allen had been a director of the organisation for over four decades and served as chair for six.
In a statement the marathon organisers added: 'John dedicated much of his life to the advancement of athletics in Northern Ireland.
"He was instrumental in shaping the Belfast City Marathon, serving as a Director since its inception in 1982, and more recently as chair for six impactful years.
"His vision, leadership, and passion for sport helped elevate the event into one of the most anticipated fixtures in the city's calendar.
'Known not only for his remarkable technical contributions but also for his mentorship, John played a pivotal role in guiding the Marathon's management team. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment left a lasting legacy that will continue to influence the event — and its people — for years to come.
'John will be remembered as a gentleman, a leader, and a tireless advocate for athletics. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the wider sporting community.'
Other tributes in the athletics community came from east Belfast running club Willowfield Temperance Harriers, who said Mr Allen had a 60 year association with the organisation.
"John has been associated with Willowfield for over 60 years,' they wrote.
"His many years of service into the club have been invaluable especially around the clubs race, the Seeley Cup, who without him the race wouldn't be the success it is today.
'His wisdom and unwavering commitment to the athletics community in NI will always be remembered and he has left a lasting legacy that will continue for years to come.
'We know he will be greatly missed by everyone at Willowfield, his colleagues in Athletics NI, UK Athletics and at the Belfast Marathon.'
Alliance Party MLA Peter McReynolds added his own tribute, writing on social media: 'I'm very sorry to see this. I was fortunate to have met John over the years.
'A huge loss but he'll be fondly remembered and his hard work will live on with every event he helped shape.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Courier
a day ago
- The Courier
Gordon Strachan says Dundee set for 'new philosophy' with next boss as Dens chief reveals appointment timeline
There will be a 'new philosophy' beginning at Dundee with the appointment of a new manager says technical director Gordon Strachan. The Dark Blues are on the recruitment drive for a new boss for the third time in the past four years after sacking Tony Docherty. Docherty led the Dens Park side to safety in the Premiership but results fell short of the standard expected according to the club. Now the search for his replacement is set to stretch into a third week, as revealed by Courier Sport on Wednesday. Now the club's technical director Strachan has confirmed that timescale saying a new man could be in place 'within the next eight days'. And there will be more change than just a new manager as managing director John Nelms begins a shake-up behind the scenes. 'At the moment, John's got a short list. That doesn't mean they're all small people!' Strachan joked to the Edinburgh Evening News. 'It's just that John's got about four or five that he's talking to in the next couple of weeks. He knows what's needed, he knows what type of manager he's after. 'Over the last three years, he's changed manager. But each manager must be proud of what they've done. 'Because we were promoted to the Scottish Premiership with one manager, Gary Bowyer, and then Tony's taken over in there. 'John's now decided that he sees something else that he needs, so that's what he's doing now. 'I would imagine within the next eight days, there'll probably be an announcement, and there'll be a shake-up in what we actually do with the coaching staff. 'There'll be a new philosophy in the coaching, to be honest with you.'
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Charity event will honour popular John Gilardi by giving 'A Hunner Percent'
The fundraiser will ask competitors to give 'one hunner percent' - a phrase John was renowed for using. When John Gilardi died in a horrific car smash last year, his family and friends were utterly devastated. Known affectionately as 'Mr Hunner Percent', the 49-year-old accountant and businessman was loved and respected for his larger than life personality, generous nature and natural enthusiasm. Reeling from the news, his friend Liam Walker vowed that when the time was right he'd 'do something really big' to honour the memory of the man he greatly admired. A year on, he's true to his word and planning a huge fitness event to raise money for the charity that John helped found before his death - the Ayr-based Harbour. Liam, who owns Eevo Training, at Sandyford on the outskirts of Ayr, will host HPX: Hunner Percent Race at the town's Riverside Sports Arena this summer, with athletes travelling from across the country to take part. He explained: 'John was my client, a friend, a mentor and business advisor, he had such a big impact on everyone who knew him. 'We've called it the 'Hunner Percent Race' because that is what he was all about, you'd ask him if he thought something was possible and his response was always 'a hunner percent' 'There were never any half measures with John, 'if you are going to do something you do it big and you do it well', that was his attitude, so this is why we are going to make sure this event does him proud, great quality for a great cause that John believed in.' HPX has the support of John's wife Arlene, son Jacob and daughter Beau, with all profits donated to the 'My Heart is With Harbour - the John Gilardi Legacy' fund, a subsidiary of the addiction charity Harbour that he co-founded and where he also acted as trustee and treasurer until his death. The group supports people recovering from drug and/or alcohol addiction, helping them become independent and integrate back into the community. Liam explained: ' The charity meant a lot to John, he was so well respected among those who knew him and he did a lot of good. 'He passed away just a few days after taking part in the charity's inaugural sleepout, he was really committed to it. 'Fitness and health were really important to him, he gave a 'hunner percent' there as well, there were no half measures for John, he'd love what we are doing, it's what he was about, he'd have been the first to sign up. We've had great support for the event, including from the council and Active Schools, we really appreciate the help they have given us.' The event takes place on Sunday, August 10 and has both competitive and non-competitive divisions. It is a Hyrox-stye race, and includes a range of functional-fitness exercises, with lots of running thrown in to make sure there is plenty of sweat to go around. Some of the fittest athletes in the sport are expected to take part in what will be the hotly-contested male and female (pairs) competitive divisions, with thousands of pounds in prize-money up for grabs. Mixed pairs are acceptable in the aptly named 'no-regrets' non-competitive race, again reflecting John's lust for life. He added: 'The no regrets division will be exactly what it sounds like, take part, help us raise money for a great cause and have a brilliant experience, you don't need to be the fittest person around to join in, just be willing to have a go and give it a hunner percent.' It costs £120 per pair to take part and you can find out more by visiting the HPX Fitness Race page on Facebook, or by emailing team@ Liam went on: 'John Gilardi did everything to the max, we want to honour his memory by doing the same, we want to wow everyone with this event and raise lots of money, but most of all we want to do his memory proud.'
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
The coolest running events around the world, from Andes ultra marathons to Italian parkruns
To hit the ground running, little equipment or kit is needed. Team this up with the social aspects of run clubs and park runs, plus the mental and physical health benefits, and it's not surprising there has been a vast uptick in people pulling on their running shoes. From couch-to-5k schemes, to runs across the entire length of Africa, it's a community that thrives in a challenge and taking part in events. This year, a record-breaking number of runners crossed the finish line at the London Marathon, an event that captivates the nation every year, and inspires many to take up the sport. For some, a jog around the local park won't cut it. These runners need to go big and are willing to travel around the world to put themselves through their paces in global events. Known as 'running tourism', this new breed of active holiday often spotlights overlooked destinations, offering an entirely new perspective on a place. Sometimes runners will travel to take part in a particular prestigious race, like the Boston Marathon or UTMB. In other cases, it's to experience running across a whole new lanscape, such as across the Sahara Desert or through Patagonia's peaks. And you don't have to be a seasoned runner to enjoy this sort of holiday. Plenty of events offer shorter distances, including 5k and 10k races, and even runs for children. We've rounded up some of the coolest events around the world to seek that runners' high, while also getting to experience amazing landscapes. 1. PolarNight Marathon and Midnight Sun Marathon Tromsø, Norway Its extreme location 200 miles north of the Arctic circle means Tromsø has seasons like no other. From November to January, the city descends into full darkness, while it experiences full hours of sun between May and July. The city's two marathons offer runners from around the world the opportunity to embrace a unique climate. The PolarNight Marathon is a chance to run beneath the Northern Lights, or you can opt to run in the slightly bewildering constant daylight (even when it's actually nighttime) as the sun never sets at this time of year, during the Midnight Sun Marathon. With shorter distances available, this is a novel way to immerse yourself in the area's beauty. Where to stay Right on the water, from Clarion Hotel The Edge, you can take in the views over the Tromsøysundet strait both from your bedroom and rooftop terrace bar. As its walking distance from many attractions, you can slip out easily to enjoy the rest of Tromsø post-race. 2. Man V Horse Marathon, Powys, Wales As the name suggests the Man V Horse puts runners up against horses (and their riders) in a marathon across the rough terrain of Powys in mid-Wales. Founded in 1980, the idea for the race was curiously sparked up after a landlord overheard a conversation at a pub suggesting that at a great distance, any man is equal to a horse. It was only after 25 years of the race that this point could be proven as Huw Lobb clipped his equine challenger to the finish with a time of two hours and five minutes. Set within rich green hills, combine the race with a break exploring the region steeped in Welsh history and arts. Found in Llangammarch Wells, The Lake Country House Hotel and Spa is a Welsh country retreat with lavishly furnished rooms. Relax and ease achy your muscles in its swimming pool and sauna after tackling the hills. 3. Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc, Médoc, France Combining 'wine, sports, fun and health', the Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc doesn't take itself too seriously. From the start line near Bordeaux, the route takes runners through 59 vineyards where they are encouraged to sample the local wine and local specialties from oysters to steak, all while wearing compulsory fancy dress. With a focus on enjoyment, it's an event for all running levels. La Maison Reverdi is a historic guest house with boutique features, a small pool and a terrace. Fuel up before the marathon at the selection of delicious pastries served at breakfast. 4. Parkrun, Lucca, Italy Since the very first in London's Bushy Park in 2004, parkrun has gone global, with volunteer-led 5k events now taking place every weekend in 22 countries. This worldwide movement has given rise to a niche community of 'parkrun tourists' – dedicated runners who travel the world to tick off locations and meet fellow enthusiasts. Among the many locations now to choose from, Lucca in Italy is often heralded the most special. In Italy's Tuscan region, the fortified city is famed for its well-preserved Renaissance ramparts, which encircle the historic centre. Parkrunners swing around the tree-lined pathways atop of these medieval walls, enjoying privileged views of the city and a backdrop of the Apuan Alps and Pisan Mountain Range. With rustic furnishings, exposed walls and medieval features, embrace Lucca's historic charm at Luxury Corte Di Re Artù. The elegant four-poster beds are a dream to wake up in before taking on the parkrun. 5. Meridian Hydro Half Marathon, Te Anau, Fiordland New Zealand Home to massive fjords, snow-clad mountains, and dramatic waterfalls, the Meridian Hydro Half Marathon is a unique way to embrace the spectacular beauty of Fiordland, New Zealand. Beneath the shadow of the magnificent Mount Titiroa, the route snakes through beech forest and alongside the crystal clear Waiau River finishing at the stunning Te Anau lake. Passing Tui Bay and the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, spotting New Zealand's native birds, a takahē and kākā, offer an interesting running distraction. It's an inclusive and community-focused event, and all the money raised is dedicated to the preservation of the trail. On the banks of Lake Te Anau, Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments, unsurprisingly, offers stunning views and is within walking distance to Te Anau town centre. It's an ideal spring-board to explore the beautiful national park. 6. The Cabbage Marathon Tsumagoi Village, Gunma, Japan As one of Japan's main producers of cabbages, Tsumagoi Village celebrates its agricultural heritage with its unique half marathon. The route takes runners from Lake Baragi at the base of Mount Azumaya, through lush cabbage fields, and past Aisai no Oka or The Hill of the Beloved Wife – a point steeped in romantic legend, where visitors cry out their declarations of love. Fittingly in a village whose name means 'love for wife', the event embraces the romantic spirit by encouraging participants to enter as couples or as parent-child pairs. And if scenery and sentiment aren't enough – every runner goes home with Tsumagoi Highland cabbage and a cabbage cooler bag to keep it safe. Where to stay In neighbouring Kusatsu Onsen, Kusatsu Onsen Hotel Village is a serene retreat with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, as well as saunas and pools. Hire a hotel bike to cycle around the mountainous green surroundings while giving your feet a deserved break. 7. Reverse London Marathon, London As one of the most iconic running events in the world, a ballot ticket to the London Marathon is one of the most-sought after. With a record-breaking 1.1 million entries for the race in 2026, the competition has never been more fierce. So if you, like many others, can't break past the spectator barriers, why not join the keen group who go out the night before and run it in reverse? Starting at midnight, the runners use the very course laid out for the morning but set off from Central London between 2am and 4am to the finish line at Greenwich. It's free to join the group who are now in their hundreds. Bright, modern and well-equipped Staycity Greenwich is ideally placed in the city to watch the marathon the following morning. After the excitement, explore the cultural offerings on the hotel's doorsteps like the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum. 8. Aconcagua Ultra Trail, Mendoza, Argentina Set beneath the towering Mount Aconcagua – the highest peak in the world outside the Himalayas – this ultra marathon is a true test of physical and mental endurance. The Aconcagua Ultra Trail begins at over 2,500m above sea level and climbs to dizzying heights of 4,000m. Its rugged out-and-back route offers a unique way to experience the raw beauty of the Argentine Andes. Due to the challenging weather, lack of oxygen and gnarly hills, the event should generally only be attempted by experienced runners. Where to stay W&H Casa de Huéspedes is right in the action, so you can experience of the best bits of Mendoza's food and cultural life after recovering from your run. Its minimalistic décor compliments the city's relaxed cosmopolitan vibe while contrasting with the rugged adventure of the Andes.
