RUNNERS have paid tribute to Roy “Razzer” Clarke for his tireless efforts for a club he formed more than 30 years ago.

Razzer’s Runners boasts 70 members, who meet at Barnton Football Club.

Roy died last month, aged 74, following an 18-month illness, during which he continued to lead the running club he started in his late 30s.

His funeral took place in December, and the club contacted the Guardian to pay tribute to Roy, who spent his life in Little Leigh.

“Little Leigh Church was bursting at the seams at his funeral, and through a show of hands it was amazing to see that half the congregation had run with Roy at one time or another,” said club treasurer Tom Banks.

“Roy was all about supporting and encouraging people to have a go, and we all miss him.

“The legacy he leaves is a friendly group of runners who meet three times a week at the football club.

“The emphasis remains one of helping people to start and continue running, and every run ends with a cuppa at the club.”

Roy left school at 15 and became a joiner, and soon began working for himself, which he continued to do all his life.

He was chairman and a member of Little Leigh Parish Council for 10 years, and a member of Vale Royal Council Association for four years.

Roy didn’t start running until he was 38, and soon teamed up with friends to run from his house.

The club formally became Razzer’s Runners in the year 2000 on Roy’s 60th birthday, and was registered with UK Athletics.

The club was formed with Roy’s ethos of encouraging anyone to run regardless of previous running experience or fitness levels, and Roy founded a number of local running events including Whitley Village Fun Run, which continues as the Whitley 10k, and the former Northwich Glass 10k race.

Last November club members organised a charity 10k run from Roy’s house to support cancer charities, and together with the funeral collections and seven members completing the 2014 Liverpool Marathon, raised £3,500.

There was a big turnout for the run, and Roy shared another “traditional” cuppa with members at the finish.

Roy leaves his longtime partner Sue Maddock, and for details about the club call Alan on 07511 781350 or visit www.razzersrunners.org.uk.

For more about the club and how to get healthy and fit with the right support see next week’s Guardian.