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European Athletics mourns passing of John Disley

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John Disley, co-founder of the London Marathon and 1952 Olympic Games 3000m steeplechase bronze medallist, passed away in hospital early on Monday 8 February at the age of 87 after a short illness.

The Welshman helped create the London Marathon – which was run for the first time in 1981 – along with founding race director Chris Brasher, and was responsible for designing the course.

Last April he had presented London Marathon legend, Paula Radcliffe with her lifetime achievement award, named after him, following her final appearance in the race.

Radcliffe led the tributes by saying: “Very sad to hear this - a wonderful man who had a dream that is The London Marathon. As a runner, thank you x RIP.”

After a visit to the New York Marathon in 1979 with Brasher, Disley and him created the London race which was launched in 1981 with just under 7,000 runners. During this year’s event on Sunday 24 April, the one millionth finisher will cross the line.

Radcliffe broke the world record in London in 2003 when she ran 2:15:25, a time which still stands.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of London Marathon Events Ltd, said: “This is a very sad day for the London Marathon family. I have known John all my life and without doubt his attention to detail, patience and ability to get on with people from all walks of life meant that he and my father were a force to be reckoned with.”

Nick Bitel, Chief Executive of London Marathon Events Ltd, said: “John was the architect of the original London Marathon route. Every runner of the race since 1981 owes him a great debt for the vision he realised alongside Chris Brasher. He will be greatly missed by all of us at the London Marathon.”

A renowned runner himself, Welshman Disley won 3000m steeplechase bronze at the Olympic Games in Helsinki in 1952, broke five British records in the steeplechase, and four at two miles.

John is survived by his wife Sylvia, who won 4x100m relay bronze in Helsinki on the same day as him, and two daughters.

All of us at European Athletics pass on our condolences to his family at this sad time.




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