Scottish endurance runner Alastair Hay dies

17/06/2024 17:00

Tributes pour in following the sad news about the 2010 Commonwealth Games runner

Alastair Hay, a multiple Scottish champion and Commonwealth Games 1500m finalist in 2010, has died aged just 38.

Scottish Athletics announced on Monday (June 17): “The Central AC legend was a towering figure in every sense in our endurance community and club scene for more than 20 years.”

Hay had a best of 3:38.9 for 1500m, a 3:58 mile on the roads and 14:07.81 for 5000m. He stepped up to the marathon last year, too, clocking 2:27:50 in Frankfurt.

His club, Central AC, said: “Ali was an outstanding performer for Central for over 20 years. Moreover, he was an even better friend to all within the club, incredibly kind spirited, and a great supporter of the club and all its athletes.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife Lynsey, his young sons and all his family. A memorial and funeral service will be held at West Lothian Crematorium on Thursday 27 June at 11am for all to attend.”

Mark Pollard, head of performance at Scottish Athletics, added: “Ali was a gentle giant in our sport whose quality and consistency was extraordinary over the years.

“For me, he was a real catalyst for the resurgence in male 1500m in Scotland. Ali showed the way for the likes of a young Chris O'Hare to aspire to, which led to a chain of success down the years that continues to this day.

“His record at the National Cross Country in particular was superb. He won the senior men's gold on two occasions and a bronze medal in two further years. But I am pretty sure he took just as much enjoyment from being a mainstay in the Central AC team who won the Senior men's team gold year after year after year. Ali was a massive influence on his club-mates and many others.”

Clubmate and Olympic 5000m finalist Andy Butchart posted on social media: “Super Ali Hay. You were my inspiration. I'll always remember my first nights down at Central AC in awe of what you could do on the track.

“I always hoped one day I would be as fast as you (I knew I could never be as smooth). Plenty of miles done will be forever cherished. A true warrior and genuinely one of the nicest lads you will ever meet.”

Hay leaves behind a wife and two children.

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