In Pictures: Memorial unveiling and race day held in memory of Team GB runner at Daviot
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A MEMORIAL to honour a Daviot mountain runner was unveiled this weekend as friends, family and the community paid tribute to Chris Smith.
The 43 years old died while out on a training run at Glen Lyon in Perthshire last October.
Close friends began to organise the creation of the memorial at the end of 2020 and following its completion, it was unveiled in a ceremony by his wife and children, Lindsay, Cameron and Alistair.
As a community event and in tribute to Chris' passion for running runners from across the UK travelled to take part in a specially organised 5k run to celebrate the life of the athlete who represented Team GB.
Proceeds from this were channelled back into the Chris Smith Memorial Fund – a charity set up by his family to give young runners the opportunity to thrive and excel in athletics.
Mr Smith’s wife Lindsay said: “Chris had quite a skill for coaxing people into lacing up a pair of trainers and getting into the fresh air.
“Despite his incredible natural talent, he would encourage and support anyone, simply because he wanted everyone to share his joy in the sport."
In what turned out to be unseasonally good weather compared to that of late, just under 100 runners set off on the challenging hill course that skirted around the perimeter of the community area.
Coming home first for the gents in the inaugural event was Matais Arguello Narganes from Aberdeen and for the ladies, Chloe Sangster also from Aberdeen.
In tribute to local tradition amongst youngsters who had over the years carved their names in the local beech trees, the winners planted two new beech trees in proximity to the memorial.
Lindsay continued: "A massive well done to all the runners that took part today, we had a lot of people come a long way today, from Belfast and down south.
"When I first met Chris down in London one Friday night, he was very quick to tell me about the village he grew up in and the beauty of Bennachie.
"About his wonderful adventures and the Daviot lads and lassies.
"It wasn't long before I had the oportunity to come up here myslef and see the beauty for myself and get to meet everyone.
"Over the years I could see why this was such a special area to Chris and why these people were so very special to him.
"When I was called last November and told about the idea to create the memorial here I knew it would be the perfect tribute to him and I am sure you will all agree that this is a special thing to do for him, this beautiful memorial and this special day.
"He's have loved that first hill for sure.
"I hope over the years that future generations can come and enjoy it, the local community can enjoy it and I expect that family and friends will also come to see it.
"Of course it couldn't have happened without lots of people who have made this memorial happen.
"Daviot Community Trust who have overseen all the work and this day.
"Garioich Road Runners and the Scouts for their help marshalling, Donald Brodie from DAB Fabrications for the plaque and everyone who has supported us and our family over the past months for making this happen and of course to the lads and lassies for building this and giving up your time.
"It means so much to us as a family with what you have achieved here.
