PICTURES: Alness running group plans heartfelt tribute for much-loved member
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AN Easter Ross running group dedicated a 24-hour virtual relay run to a much-loved member whose death shocked the community and galvanised plans for a fundraiser for a charity close to his heart.
The quirky Halloween run had already been arranged by the Alness Jogscotland group before the death of James Birtles became known.
The group is now planning a special tribute run to honour Mr Birtles, of Ardross, on Sunday, November 22.
With details still to be finalised, the plan is to run in five groups of 12 runners covering the same route but starting at different points.
The group said: "We hope it will be a special run for our special friend and that we can raise some money for a charity that James supported, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
"We were all so sad to hear the terribly shocking news of the sudden death of our friend. James was a big part of our Jogscotland family, he simply loved Jogscotland and we loved him."
The Halloween run was dedicated to him with runners – many in fancy dress – heading out separately over a 24-hour period.
Gary Leonard of Garleoncraft made some special, well-received medals for the event.
Several of the runners said afterwards how incredible it was running in the night and said they were delighted to try something different.
The group previously helped spread cheer during the lockdown with individual runners in fancy dress pounding the pavements, bringing smiles from children learning remotely from home and people shielding.
It will share its plans for the tribute run on its social media.
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