Stuart’s name lives on as runners pound streets in his memory

Fifth year of race sees 140 athletes take part to raise cash for medical charity

Runners of all ages and abilities were pounding the streets of Glenrothes yesterday evening in memory of late amateur running enthusiast Stuart Duncan.

Stuart, 58 at the time, was a keen road running athlete who died in 2015 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Since then his family and friends have organised a charity 5km race in his memory, pulling in clubs and runners from across Fife and Dundee.

Now in its fifth year, the Stuart Duncan Memorial Race has proved hugely popular, having grown from a handful of friends to become an annual favourite among athletics clubs and running enthusiasts.

This year’s event was expanded due to demand to include 140 runners, with all places sold out in a single afternoon.

The event, which attracts road race enthusiasts as well as novice runners, set off from the Lomond Centre before winding its way along a 5km (3.1-mile) course using the town’s cycle and pedestrian paths.

“Every year I am astounded by the level of interest for the event, so much so that this year we’ve even had to increase the number of places for runners once again,” said Margaret Duncan, Stuart’s widow.

“It’s testament to how popular Stuart was and how much people want to come and support a good cause.

“Because Stuart loved his running so much and got involved in helping to organise events for fellow runners, we thought it would be nice to do something in his name.

“It’s now become an annual fixture on the race calendar.”

Margaret and her family have also used the race’s popularity to raise funds for the Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland charity.

Winner of this year’s men’s race was Alistair Gudgin from Fife AC in a time of 16:22, while first to cross the tape in the women’s contest was Hailey Marshall of Falkland Trail Runners with a time of 20:32.

As well as trophies for the first male and females, each runner who took part received a commemorative medal as a token of the family’s appreciation.

Afterwards, Margaret said: “I can’t thank people enough for coming and making it such a success once again, especially the volunteers and officials who gave up their own time to support us – it’s very much appreciated.”

The event raised more than £1,000 for the charity.

“Every year I am astounded by the level of interest for the event. MARGARET DUNCAN, WIDOW OF STUART

Pictures: Steve MacDougall. From left: Nicola Livingstone presents Hailey Marshall with her trophy while Margaret Duncan, widow of Stuart, is alongside men’s winner Alistair Gudgin, being presented with his prize by Ross Duncan. Ross and Nicola are Stuart’s children.