Track tribute will shine light on hill running legend

THE LIFE of a founding member and former captain of Annan and District Athletics Club (ADAC) will be celebrated at the town’s Everholm Park next week.

Len Prater, who died around a year ago, was active in many aspects of life in the Royal Burgh but is especially remembered for his interest in hill and other running challenges who in the process motivated others take up the sport.

He was a long-time admirer of achievements by his friend, the late Lake District farmer and long distance fell runner Joss Naylor MBE.

A ‘light up for Len’ event has been organised on the Everholm running track at 6 pm on Thursday November 13 and those who knew Len or shared his many interests are invited to pop along to walk, jog or run round the 400 metres track at their own pace.

The facility will be illuminated through a combination of lights, torches, glow sticks and other devices and a collection will be made for Dementia UK, a charity close to Len and his family’s heart.

For those who cannot make it along but wish to contribute online a JustGiving page has been launched at www.justgiving.com/page/lightupforlen?

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INSPIRING . . . Len Prater in his early days as a veteran athlete and coach[/caption]

A club official said: “The event is not expected to last much more than 15 minutes and we would encourage anyone from across the community who would like to join us and try the track, covering a distance as little or as far as they wish.

“The track was a special place for Len, who was made a club life member, and the event will also shine a light on what has been an excellent facility for the local area for many years and encourages people to stay as active as possible.”

Meanwhile, Len’s family have donated a new club trophy which will be awarded annually in his memory. It will recognise inspiring achievements on the local athletics scene.