Runner Doug dies, aged 75

Doug Morris, from Oswestry, was crowned a Midlands Unsung Sports Hero in recognition of his lifetime of commitment to local athletics and road running.

The 75-year-old collapsed and died on Saturday during his daily run and was discovered by his son-in-law, Andy Walling, who had been training with him.

A veteran runner, Mr Morris was best known as the organiser of road races across the Oswestry area.

Today his wife Margaret, who helped organise the popular events, said she wanted Wednesday's Chariots of Fire race at Park Hall and the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon in September, to go ahead, despite his death.

Mrs Morris said: "He died running on what was his favourite course and doing what he loved the best. I am glad he carried on running - it was his life, it was our life."

Mr Walling said: "We have the consolation of knowing that he died doing what he loved."

Mr Morris's daughter, Helen, is also an athletics official.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Morris for his unstinting enthusiasm for the sport.

Over the years he inspired thousands of people to take up running, in 1981 helping found Oswestry Olympians Athletics Club. He later became vice-president of the club, running the London Marathon five years ago in aid of the club's new track appeal.

Jon Hancock, Oswestry Olympians chairman, said: "We are all devastated and it is difficult to come to terms with. The whole of Oswestry will be upset by the news."

Mr Morris organised the Oswestry Pentarathon. It is a five-race series which has its last event on Wednesday - the Lake Vyrnwy half marathon - recognised as one of the best in Britain, and the run section of the Ellesmere Triathlon.

He also helped Hope House Children's Hospices organise last year's Santa Run in Oswestry.

David Featherstone, from the charity, said: "Without Doug's energy and enthusiasm, the Santa Run would not have got off the ground. We will regard this year's event as a tribute to him."

By Sue Austin