Almost 500 runners took to the streets of Thornhill at the weekend to take part in the village’s first ever 10k race in honour of a farmer who died from a rare form of cancer at the age of just 54.
Thornhill 10k, held on Sunday, was created in memory of Steven Black and raised more than £6,000 for the Beatson Cancer Charity.
In February last year, we told how the Thornhill farmer had been on the holiday of a lifetime with his wife Pam – a cruise of South America – to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. It was on the trip that Mr Black lost his appetite and his symptoms worsened.
He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of duodenal cancer – a cancer of the small intestine - in January 2020. He passed away just a month later.
Lifelong friend, police officer Constable Neil McLaren, undertook a year-long fundraising effort for the Beatson Cancer Charity in Steven’s memory. He ran 10k a day for a full year to raise more than £10,000.
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Following that, the 10k was created in Steven’s memory with Steven and Neil’s families teaming up with Tay Fitness Events to deliver the event.
The weekend route saw runners tackle the same one that Neil took every day for a year, with £2 from every entry fee going straight to the Beatson Cancer Charity along with fundraising on the day.
Pete Waugh of Tay Fitness Events said: “We all want the memory of Steven to live on in the village and to continue to support Beatson Cancer Charity, in his honour.”
The men’s race was won by local runner Gregor Yates in a blistering time of 31:30. Susie Armstrong claimed victory in the women’s race, in a time of 39:37.
Pete added: “We’re delighted to have raised more than £6,000 for the Beatson Cancer Charity. This was raised through £2 from each registration fee going into the pot, additional donations from participants when registering and from the sale of hot drinks, baking, soup and sandwiches on the day.
“The catering was headed up by Pam Black, wife of Steven. She was assisted by friends, family and members of the Thornhill community who also came out in their droves around the route to cheer on the runners. We are all hugely appreciative of the warm welcome we have received and support given to the event.”
There was entertainment on the day on the course, provided by three musicians – piper Murray O’May and a two-piece act at the 5k water stop, Marc Fallon and Iain Watt.
- See Friday's Stirling Observer for full results and photos.
