Junior contest will celebrate Harriers legend George

Jul 4 2008 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A MAJOR athletics event, to celebrate the dedication of Perth man George Duncan to local and national sport, is being held in the city next month.

The Duncan family and Perth Strathtay Harriers have come together to organise the prestigious junior competition which will take place at the George Duncan Athletics Arena at Perth Grammar on August 9.

The track was named in memory of Mr Duncan, who was a leading official at the Harriers’ club for many years.

It is hoped it will become an annual event, attracting junior teams from across Scotland to compete against Perth athletes at this excellent facility.

On the day, U11, U13 and U15 age group athletes will compete in a team competition.

A number of senior invitation races are also planned, bringing invited senior athletics to the Perth track.

Jim Hunter, Harriers’ president, said yesterday: “Mrs Margaret Duncan has been the driving force behind this event.

“With the help of past and present members and friends of Perth Strathtay Harriers, she has created what is hoped will be a very special day of athletics in Perth.

“It would be wonderful to see as many Perth athletes, past and present, there on the day.”

Clubs competing in the junior team competition are: Perth Strathtay Harriers, Dundee Hawkhill Harriers, Arbroath, Lasswade, Montrose, Fife AC and Central Region.

The event would not have been possible without the generous support of the following companies and organisations: The Guildry Incorporation of Perth, Perth and Kinross Council, Aviva, Asda, PHysical, Campus Sports, Brooks Running Shoes, McEwans of Perth, Campbell Dallas Financial Services Ltd., and Highland Spring.

The first event on the Saturday will be a road race at 9.50am, with the track events starting at 10.30am.

George Duncan was with the Harriers for over 20 years. He was club secretary for many years and was also a member of Perth and Kinross Sports Council.

In addition, he was a senior Scottish Athletics official, representing Scotland and Great Britain at many of the international events.

He served on many Scottish Athletics committees and was manager for various international teams.

George was keen on all sports and was involved in badminton and the Boys’ Brigade locally, organising their athletics for many years.