It is with great sadness that East Cornwall Harriers wishes to announce the passing away of Dave Clatworthy after a long illness. Many members will not have known Dave,  but he was the husband of our current Life Vic President, Hilary Clatworthy.

Dave was well known to many of the longer-standing members of the club. He was a very keen runner and was said to have lived for his running, of all kinds, but in particular, marathon running. Dave competed in the very early days of the Cornish Marathon when it originally was routed between Saltash and Lostwithiel.

He was a highly valued early member of ECH going back to the mid-1980s and was keen to promote running both within the club and for the community. Dave was always ready to roll up his sleeves organising many fun runs and encouraging new runners to become involved in the club. In later years he and Hilary would attend races all over Cornwall and beyond to cheer on his beloved Harriers.

Dave was Race Director of the Cornish Marathon and was instrumental in establishing the course when it moved off the A38 to start at Rilla Mill rising up to Minions and following the route which is so well-loved today. Thank you Dave. Through his Directorship of the Cornish Marathon, he was a well-known figure in the Cornish racing community and to the runners who travelled from all over the country to take part.

Dave was an unsung hero in the early days of our club to whom we owe a great deal for his commitment and enthusiasm in nurturing the club to where it is today. In recognition of Dave’s services to the club, he was awarded a life membership.

Dave will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies are with Hilary.