Grandad of fell running dies on the hills

By LFTO News Team

Outdoor headlines

07 October 2011 11:13

Bill Smith, the Grandad of fell running, and author of the sport's seminal publication 'Stud Marks on the Summit' died recently in tragic circumstances whilst out on the hills.

His body was discovered by walkers submerged in a peat bog on the remote Trough of Bowland last weekend. It is believed that Mr Smith, aged 75, became trapped in the bog as he ran across Saddle Fell.

Fell Running Photographer Pete Hartley had fond, glowing memories: "Bill was a greatly respected man, the most selfless individual I have ever met, whose book on fellrunning was written for no financial gain but in the interests of the sport he loved. In his later years when he wasn't able to compete he often travelled to far flung races by public transport to help marshal the event and meet his friends - he didn't own a car.  He was a wonderful quiet knowledgeable Liverpudlian who came into his own when out on the hills and fells he loved."

Our thoughts go out to Bill Smith's family and friends at the loss of this truly inspirational man.