Members will be saddened to learn of the death of Mel Batty, following a heart attack at the age of 71.
Mel was the coach of London Marathon winner Eamonn Martin and, with Eamonn and their wives, attended both our 21st and 25th birthday celebrations which he entered into whole-heartedly, being a jovial figure.
From 2008 until 2010, Mel provided sponsorship for 26.2’s Valentines 10k race through his association with Hi-Tec.
Mel was an outstanding runner, being the 10 miles world record holder in the 1960s. He also set world best times at 7, 8 and 9 miles as well as 15k. He was both third and second at World Cross Country Championships. There is a nice tribute to him in this week’s (2nd September) ediion of Athletics Weekly.