Malta marathon founder dies

Kathleen Vella

Sep 20th 2011, 01:43

Every Maltese athlete will sorely miss John and
His encouraging short speech before every Half
Marathon Start - I can still hear his voice in my mind
Callling us to the start " 5 minutes to go Lads" he would say
Always motivating us to enjoy the run-a great man with
Always a positive word to say to everyone-
We will miss you John ! thankyou for everything you did,
Quietly and with humility

Robert Attard

Sep 19th 2011, 21:12

I am still extremely shocked with John's passing away. He was still relatively young and looking healthy. Along with the other members of the Malta Marathon Organising Committee, which John formed an integral part, they gave me and other athletes a lot of opportunities to compete in several races in Sicily against some of the world's reknowned long distance runners. Also, if it was not for the MMOC we wouldn't have run so many exciting half/full marathons in Malta..and what about my favourite race? Mdina-Spinola, a classic! It was the emergence of the Marathon that contributed to a running boom in the late 1980s which also had a positive effect on shorter long-distance races. It would be strange, now, to go to the Mdina-Spinola and Malta Marathon races without John being present. I can still hear his unique voice saying "5 minutes to the start" and 10, 9, 8, 7... Rest in peace John, and thanks for all the opportunities. My sincere condolences to his wife, Carol.

barry whitmore

Sep 18th 2011, 11:52

The recent sad news of the sudden death of Mel Batty, a person John knew very well has now been completly over shadowed by the shocking news yesterday of John, a fit and healthy man, passing away whilst out jogging. I and I belive the whole of the Malta Athletices fraturnity will still be in a state of shock over this.
John, you bought distance running to Malta, you brought me to Malta! Thousands of Maltese have a lot to thank you for and now we will have one giant whole to fill. Your witty features, with your "straight" talking and intelligent and experience will be we missed by myself and all that are fitness and heath orintated. I hope you find peace and help those that have gone already. To Carol, an MCM winner 3 times, our deepest condolences through these difficult times - we are all here for you. Barry M. Whitmore

Mr d. attard

Sep 18th 2011, 08:20

the passing on of a person who committed to society goes beyond tragic...it is also a call for others to similarly commit themslves to communities...Condolences to his family and may his achievments and spirit remain for always with us

Silvana Ungaro

Sep 17th 2011, 23:15

Such sad news......John was an amazing coach who managed to inspire lots of athletes. Thanks John, you’ll always be remembered. Condolences to his family.

Mr Peter Barbara

Sep 17th 2011, 20:36

John, you left this world doing what you liked best

William Attard McCarthy

Sep 17th 2011, 20:16

I have head the pleasure to know and work with John Walsh.. he was a great guy, always with a smile on his face no matter the amount of pressure. I am sure he will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Farewell, John.... till we meet again....

joanne pace

Sep 17th 2011, 20:06

So sad,condolances to his wife and family.

James Fenech

Sep 17th 2011, 19:36

John was a great coach and great gentleman. Condolences to all his family.

Benny Gauci

Sep 17th 2011, 19:24

John treated us all equally as athletes, regardless of our abilities as runners - if you cared enough to show up at the track for training he'd be there; heat, cold, rain or shine with his notebook and advice; his personal comfort always second to his runners' needs. His belief in us spurred us on. Some, like me, he coached from a distance. I know all his runners had a special place in his heart and he in ours. Good bye and thank you for the running my friend.

JONATHAN ABEL

Sep 17th 2011, 19:24

Reminds me so much of my late dad. Look upon us together now.

Stephen Mangion

Sep 17th 2011, 18:17

Condolences. He was a great Man.

Mr Christian Cassar-Torregiani

Sep 17th 2011, 17:52

It seems like yesterday when as a group of young athletes we set up the Malta Marathon Organising Committee and organised the first Malta Marathon back in 1985.It seemed crazy at the time but with people like John and other determined characters it set in motion what today is unquestionably the biggest athletics event in Malta.

John will be remembered for his dogged determination to promote athletics in Malta, for his frankness when speaking his mind, and above all his unique sense of humour.

To his dear wife Carol, his athletes and all those who had John close to their hearts, my sincerest condolences.

If there is sports in Heaven, I am sure John has already been recruited to help out up there.

James Wightman

Sep 17th 2011, 17:44

A sad day indeed. My sincere condolences to John's family and Maltese long distance runners everywhere. A true sportsman and a leading light in bringing international calibre events to Malta, well deserving of the states gratitude and respect.

Joseph Farrugia

Sep 17th 2011, 17:12

alas you are going to miss one of your dreams,a sub 3 hr marathon after turning 60.Still remember those long early Sunday runs early 80s especially a heavy rainy day in July 84.Still miss all your inspirational encouragment in those years and may your god be with you

Richard Portelli

Sep 17th 2011, 17:02

Dr richard portelli
I was deeply saddened and distraught when i heard the news today of John's demise at 6.30 am; when we had just been dining together just 2days previously. John was truly the genuine 'article' and a truly honest man who dedicated his whole life taking care of others with great personal sacriface. Malta will definitely miss losing such a man as John; whilst our deepest sympathy go towards his loved ones we will easily remember John for the rest of our lives mostly because his loving and charming nature and in the end of the day it's all true that only the good ones die young!!

Peter Azzopardi

Sep 17th 2011, 16:29

Rest In Peace John....

Mr Jo Meli

Sep 17th 2011, 15:39

He passed away the way he always wanted to, running and on his two feet.

Malta and the Maltese will miss you.

Thank you John

Condolences to the Walsh Family

Chris Agius

Sep 17th 2011, 15:34

Sincere Condolences to John's family. A true gentleman and a dedicated sportsman that will never be forgotten.

Charles Sammut. (NY)

Sep 17th 2011, 15:29

Rest in Peace. Sad story brought memories of James Fixx. Condolences to his family and friends.

JOE INGUANEZ

Sep 17th 2011, 14:40

REST IN PEACE, good man.

Mr Mark Cutajar

Sep 17th 2011, 13:53

Although I have known John for a number of years, I mostly admired his professional work in these past two and a half years when I had the opportunity to work with him closely as a Director of Sport within the Maltese Olympic Committee. The results his athletes have achieved namely his wife Carol and later Lisa Bezzina and Celine Pace are the perfect proof of his excellent commitment. Moreover John was a true gentleman and will surely be missed and remembered by me personally and by local sport . Deepest condolences in this difficult moment to a friend of mine , his wife Carol, his family and closest friends.

Mark Cutajar
Director Of Sport
Maltese Olympic Committee

Rachel Galea

Sep 17th 2011, 13:31

A very shocking news to the Maltese athletic field. You gave us Maltese the opportunity to run a full-marathon on our own island. Thank you Mr Walsh and may you rest in peace.

Jesmond Bonnici

Sep 17th 2011, 13:31

Along with a small number of enthusiasts John Walsh popularized distance running in Malta. In the early 80s the road runner was the object of ridicule and scorn but within a couple of years, thanks mainly to the Malta Marathon and those unforgettable summer fun runs, running started appealing to a wider range of people and the layman’s perception suddenly changed. John was an integral part of this rapid transformation.
Of course his coaching, though not always appreciated, left a mark on hundreds of athletes who sought his advice on training and injuries. With Carol’s memorable win at the Dublin marathon he had produced the best ever result by a Maltese distance runner. There were then the successive medals at the Games of the Small States of Europe as well as numerous other achievements.
He once told me that when he died he wished to be forgotten as if he had never existed. Unfortunately we cannot grant you this wish, John. Rest in peace.

Joseph Casha

Sep 17th 2011, 13:13

Goodbye to a great coach and friend. I will never forget your advice and encouragement. You will be missed by all. Daniela Casha

Mr Peter Murray

Sep 17th 2011, 12:48

Deepest condolences to his loved ones and now he is running with the angels.But what was the cause of his sad demise?

Carmel Grima

Sep 17th 2011, 12:28

Dear John,your steps will remain embossed in our roads and hearts for us to follow!

Mr M Farrugia

Sep 17th 2011, 12:15

Minbarra coach serju u bravu Malta tilfet bniedem serju hafna fuq xoghol. Persuna li thobb hafna l-isports u dak li kien jaf huwa kien jghaddih lil hadd iehor. Walsh kif hafna kienu jafu qatt ma hares lejn xi ambizzjoni partikulari. Inti min int tajjeb kemm inti tajjeb jew ghadek se tibda it-tahrig tieghek qatt ma kien jirrifujta li jghinek. L_atletika Maltija zgur li tilfet wahda mill-pilastri li ghanda fil-coaching section mod specjali fejn jidhol giri fit-tul. Filwaqt li nitolbu ghalih nghidu l-martu u l-qrabatu li zgur mhux se ninsew. Huwa jibqa fil-memorja taghna ghal hafna snin. Grazzi John ta dak li dejjem ghamilt mat-tfal atleti taghna.

Carmel Grima

Sep 17th 2011, 12:09

Hi John, your steps will remain embossed in our roads for us to follow!

Justin Mifsud

Sep 17th 2011, 11:07

R.I.P John Walsh :(

Joseph Casha

Sep 17th 2011, 10:50

We have lost a GREAT COACH and a gentleman. We will remember you in each run we do. We will never forget what you have taught us. Your spirit and determination will remain with us all. Thanks John.

Kirill Micallef Stafrace

Sep 17th 2011, 10:43

I am in utter shock- A great sportsman and an even greater person. He will be sorely missed by the sporting community at large. Very sad.