I have just heard the sad news that Danny Hughes, President of the World Mountain Running Association and perhaps the best known figure in the sport of hillrunning around the world, has died suddenly at the age of 72. Danny was a lifelong competitor on the hills, with perhaps the pinnacle of his racing achievements coming when he became British 050 champion in 1988.
His love of the hills and the desire to put something back brought him into the administration side of the sport, as a race organiser and club official for Cumberland Fell Runners. He became involved in the Fell Runners Association, serving as its Chairman between 1980 and 1984. He then progressed on to the world stage, becoming first Secretary and then President of the World Mountain Running Association, which he helped to set up. Over a 25 year period he has done more than anyone to advance the development of the sport – whether you call it fell, hill or mountain running – at the international level.
I'm sure others can add to this brief summary of his contribution to our sport.
He will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with his family and many friends.
Malcolm