Banff Probus Club learn of runner's Olympics experience
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Members of Banff Probus Club got to hear of a runner's Olympics experience.
The group met in Banff Springs Hotel for their last formal meeting of the session.
After welcoming everyone the chairman called on all to stand and observe a minute's silence in memory of Eileen Donald who had been a past chairwoman and part of the group for many years.
The guest speaker on this occasion was marathon runner Douglas Cowie from Forres and formerly of Findochty.
Although now retired he had spent his early years in the Royal Air Force and latterly as sports and leisure manager with Moray Council.
During that time Douglas took part in more than 50 marathons in the UK and overseas. He now competes in triathlon events.
A club spokesman said: "The highlight of his running career was to be chosen as one of eight security runners to take part in the pre-Olympics round the world relay in 2004.
"This involved running with the Olympic torch team in each of the 34 cities they flew to around the globe that had previously hosted the games.
"Between each of these cities and during the flights the security team were responsible to ensure the flames in the three special lanterns were kept alight.
"In the course of these events Douglas met many world famous athletes of all sports who were the main torchbearers in their own countries.
"Being the only Briton of the eight security runners, and being Scottish, Douglas was proud to wear a tartan scarf at every off-duty opportunity and thereby was met and welcomed by numerous people with Scottish connections."
The club thanked Douglas for his talk and expressed the members appreciation in being told of the behind the scenes work involved in staging such a worldwide event.
