We are sorry to advise members of the death of Maureen Smith. As Maureen Bonanno she was a founder member of Highgate Ladies and was their first Treasurer. She was a middle distance runner of high standing and the third runner in the World to go under 5 minutes for the mile and was part of…
Basil Heatley, A Tribute
Basil Heatley, a young 17 year old worker from a farm just outside Coventry saw an advert by Godiva Harriers asking for would be athletes to take part in a recruitment ‘Novice Race’. Basil, having been very interested in athletics since seeing the great Czech runner Emile Zatopek’s medal achievements in the 1948 London Olympics…
Diane Leather
The English Cross Country Association is sad to hear that Life Member, Diane Leather, who later married to become Mrs Charles has died peacefully on Friday 7th September aged 85. Diane was a great distance runner both at Cross Country and on the Track. It was over the mile that Diane hit the headlines becoming…
Alan Brent
The English Cross Country Association is sad to report that Alan Brent has passed away aged 98. Alan was President of the English Cross Country Union in 1989 and worked hard for the ECCU as an Official and Course planner. He was also President of the South of Thames Cross Country Association in 1966 and…
Obituary – Dr Leo Carroll
It is with great sadness that ECCA has learnt that Dr Leo Carroll has passed away peacefully following a short illness. He had been the Association’s President back in 2007. Please see a tribute taken from the Northern Athletics web site. Leo had been the current Northern Athletics President and had proudly carried out his…
Basil Heatley – Hall of Fame
At the Hall of Fame Dinner held at Hilton Metropole, Birmingham, Basil Heatley was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Basil now 82 years of age had a fantastic record as a Cross Country runner and started and finished his career with Coventry Godiva Harriers. He won a bronze in the National Youths race in…
Graham Botley Obituary
One of the great supporters and organisers in the world of Cross Country, Graham Botley, died peacefully at the age of 71 on Sunday 30 August in the QE II hospital in Birmingham after fighting bone cancer for 8 years. Graham was best known for his organisation of Athletic Tours which started in 1979 because…