Award helps keep young runner's memory alive

A promising young athlete from the Borders who died from cancer last year is being remembered with the annual presentation of a merit award.

Craig Angus, from Innerleithen, was a popular member of the Moorfoot runners club throughout his teenage years.

He was only 20 when he died last June.

His former coaches and clubmates gathered on Friday for the presentation of the first annual Craig Angus Merit Award.

Every recipient of the trophy will need to mirror his athletics attributes of a strong work ethic, courage during races, and respect for other athletes.

Coach Gregor Nicholson said: "We wanted to recognise the attributes Craig brought as an athlete.

"He wasn't a prolific medal winner but he brought with him a great work ethic and he had a lot of respect for the others he trained and raced with.

"Craig always got stuck in and it's those attributes that we want to recognise with this award.

“It's not a performance-based award, it's one that recognises admirable attributes."

Since Craig’s death several of his former training partners have raised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Organisers of the historic St Ronan's Border Games, which take place each summer in July, have also named a race in Craig's honour.

His father, Colin, said: "This award shows how much Craig was appreciated and it's a lovely way to keep his memory alive.

"It's obvious from how people have reacted since Craig's death that they thought really highly of him."

Colin, along with Craig's mother, Susan, presented the inaugural award to Sabine Jefcoate.

The 16-year-old cross-country runner from West Linton was delighted.

She said: "I feel very honoured and I like that I'm also being regarded as a good role model for the younger athletes."

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