It is with deep sadness and regret, we wish to announce the passing of a Troon Tortoises legend, John McKinlay.

John was one of the founding members of Troon Tortoises, secretary for 33 years and lately Honorary Member.

Without John and his tireless work, the Troon Tortoises 10K, from it’s inception in 1985, would not have grown in reputation to now having 1400 runners and being a sell-out event year after year.  At the start, entries were postal with no such luxuries such as  chip timing or social media to advertise the event.

The committee would spend many hours after races recording the results in writing at John & Margaret’s into the early hours of the morning – always with delicious home-baking.

John was a keen and excellent runner.  His first marathon was at Inverclyde, his furthest away was ‘The Seven Sisters’ in Eastbourne.  He ran the Benbecula marathon and London marathon within 24 hours of each other.  He won the Benbecula marathon the following year.  His fastest marathon time was 2.47 in Glasgow.  He ran his 70^th marathon on his 70^th birthday in London, quite an amazing achievement.

John was a proud Irvine man, a stalwart Rangers fan and a huge music lover.  He was a devoted Husband, Daddy and Grandpa.  He is survived by his wife Margaret, his children Morris, Kirsty and Martin and his grand-daughters Toni, Eilidh and Maisie.  He will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and fellow runners both past and present.

John’s funeral will take place on Friday 30^th October.  The cortege will leave 6 Solway Place  Troon around 11am.  Due to present restrictions, if you wish to pay respects, please meet in Solway Place or Deveron Road to pay respects to this local running legend.

Troon Tortoises