Touching tribute to tragic Alness parkrun participant who inspired so many
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A CLOSE-KNIT community of runners has paid tribute to a much-loved man who tragically died while participating in an Easter Ross parkrun.
Derek Adamson, a member and a coach with Kirkcaldy Wizards and a regular parkrunner, took unwell at a recent Alness Parkrun and sadly died after being taken to hospital at Raigmore on Saturday, March 16.
It’s understood he was treated with a defibrillator at the scene after taking unwell.
In a touching tribute shared on Facebook, runner Andrew Ritchie said: “Derek was both a runner and a coach but he was so much more to the running community. Derek had a background in Falkland Trail Runners, as well as Fife AC and Kirkcaldy Wizards. Derek coached at the Wizards for a number of years and in addition to the time he spent coaching, he worked hard to promote the Kirkcaldy Wizards to the wider public, in order to ensure runners reached their best potential.
“By being so open and inclusive, Derek helped make runners who believed running wasn't for them, not only participate but thrive in the sport. Derek also organised club open meetings and was responsible for arranging guests to come and speak. Derek did this in an effort to ensure every single person at the club had a voice and had a platform to raise any suggestions or concerns.
“In his running career, Derek competed at various distances. This includes over 200 half marathons, which was his favourite distance, in locations as diverse as Benidorm and Coll. Derek ran the London Marathon twice as a Fife AC ballot entry. Derek also loved to tour Parkruns. It spoke volumes for how highly regarded Derek was in the running community, that regardless of how far you'd travelled with Derek to complete a Parkrun, there was always someone he met that he knew.
“Derek was someone who always looked out for and encouraged others. He was a softly spoken quiet man but his words always carried weight. His demeanour exuded warmth and kindness. Derek was selfless too. Even if Derek was injured and unable to run himself, Derek would always be at races volunteering and offering encouragement from the sidelines to other runners.
“While Derek was passionate in promoting the success of the Kirkcaldy Wizards, Derek would encourage you at a race regardless of what club vest you wore. It is no exaggeration to say that Derek has played a crucial role in the success that the Kirkcaldy Wizards and Fife AC enjoys today. Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to Derek's family, friends and loved ones during this tragic time.”
Some 312 runners turned up at the most recent Kirkcaldy parkrun to pay tribute, many wearing caps in a nod to Derek’s trademark running headgear.
One of those taking part posted: “Thought you did an amazing job of honouring Derek. That would have been difficult for whoever took up the mantle of Run Director, so we definitely appreciate you stepping up. Nice to see so many caps and once again all the different clubs in Fife showing up, just shows how loved Derek was in the region and beyond.”
