Latest news with #Willowfield
BBC News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Belfast City Marathon chair dies
A man who "was instrumental in shaping the Belfast City Marathon" has died, one day after the 2025 event on Sunday. John Allen served as a director since the marathon's inception in 1982, and more recently as chair for six numbers took part in the race this year - organisers said 6,500 full marathon runners signed up along with 2,750 relay teams (which had between two and five people in them) and 1,200 a statement on Monday, marathon organisers said Mr Allen was a "deeply respected figure in the athletics community and a cornerstone of the Belfast City Marathon". "His vision, leadership, and passion for sport helped elevate the event into one of the most anticipated fixtures in the city's calendar."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," the statement said. 'A lasting legacy' Willowfield Temperance Harriers in east Belfast who Mr Allen was associated with for over 60 years, said Mr Allen's "wisdom and unwavering commitment" to the local athletics community would be remembered, adding that "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."In a statement, Athletics NI said described him as a "true gentleman and a beloved pillar of our community"."John guided the sport through transformative growth with wisdom, integrity, and selfless dedication."
Belfast Telegraph
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Man who ‘helped shape' Belfast Marathon dies a day after race: ‘He leaves a lasting legacy'
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.'
Belfast Telegraph
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
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.'
