A LIFETIME of running and coaching earned Leigh Harriers
President Derek Howarth the honour of carrying the Olympic torch.
At 81 Mr Howarth, of Stone Cross Lane, Lowton, is the oldest
runner at the famous athletics club and is delighted to have been chosen to
take his place on the Olympic trail next month when he carries the torch along
a stretch of the at Stockpot.
Born in St Helens Road, Leigh he joined the Harriers in 1950
and has been a stalwart member holding several important roles including nurturing
an impressive number of young athletes at the club, both at the former Athletic
Ground and at the Harriers' current home at Leigh Sports Village.
In his youth he started running as a sprinter and played on
the wing for soccer sides Glazebury and Golborne Sports teams and often played
alongside another local sporting hero Roger Hunt who went on to help England to
a memorable 1966 World Cup victory. He was also a winger with Tyldesley and
Leigh rugby union clubs.
A former National Serviceman Mr Howarth was 31 when he
decided to take up teaching and taught Maths and PE at a school in Kirkby,
Merseyside. "I ran at least six days a week and I have records of every
day's running for 35 years until 2011. I never ran less than 1,000 miles a year but since having
radiotherapy for a prostate problem it has affected my breathing and I'm now
down to about 20 miles a week," said the amazing octogenarian.
His fitness came in handy on Friday nights when he would
help his late wife, Dorothy, collecting money from her milk round customers in
the Lowton area. One thing is for certain, Mr Howarth's torch won't be up for
grabs on E-bay!
"I've bought it and it's going in the Harriers' museum
after I've carried it down the A6 on June 24," he said. There it will join
his impressive array of 35 awards and memorabilia amassed over an incredible
sporting life as a perpetual reminder of his marvellous contribution to Leigh's
sporting history.
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