Adrian Jarvis

By Paul Veitch on Nov 27, 2015

At the Riverside Runners presentation dinner last January, I said the following:

“Some club members get on with the stuff that isn’t always in the spotlight, but it probably would be if someone, somewhere wasn’t busy getting on with it. This individual organises the Cambridgeshire County Cross Country every year, he is Chairman of the Frostbite League and is invariably helping somewhere at all our races and events. Somehow he still found time to nip over to Paris to complete the marathon there. It give me great pleasure to award the Veteran of the Year Trophy to Adrian Jarvis.”

Every one of them still rings true. Adrian joined Riverside Runners soon after the club was formed and has been a central figure in the club’s life ever since. He was a regular both at club events and on the local race scene, with a special relish for the challenge of the marathon. His list includes London, Edinburgh, Beachy Head, Reims, Zagreb, Snowdon, Loch Ness, Palma, Brighton, Windermere, Paris and others. I recall especially his delight at the finish of Brighton in 2013. On a windy and difficult day for running he finished in 3:54, taking real satisfaction in his fastest time for many years.

Adrian is the only member of Riverside Runners to have served as club chairman on two occasions. I took over at the end of his second stint and Adrian was the perfect predecessor. He remained on hand to help when I asked, he remained in the background when I didn’t, and most importantly handed over a club which ran more smoothly than I thought possible, such was his ability to keep on top of the many aspects of club life. He has my sincere thanks for this. He is also the only chairman of Riverside Runners to have caused a bomb scare at one of his own meetings. The police eventually saw the funny side of this incident and Adrian was reunited with his kit bag, but under strict instructions not to leave it unattended again.

Adrian has also been Chairman of the Frostbite League for the past 14 years. This is a local league of 16 running clubs that aims to promote participation and enjoyment of all runners and friendly competition between clubs. The league has thrived under these guidelines and Adrian’s stewardship. Participation in all races continues to increase, with over 700 senior and junior runners taking part in the most recent event. Ever fond of a spreadsheet, especially one with an upward trend, Adrian would be proud to see his hard work appreciated as the league goes from strength to strength.

I spoke to many Riverside Runners about their memories of Adrian and the common themes were that he never sought the limelight or any credit for his contribution, he just got on with doing the right thing. One recalls how when she was new to running and out on club runs he would run alongside for a bit, asking how her running was going and what races she had coming up. After a chat he would move on. He took time out of his own run to get to know other runners. He did this with numerous people, spreading encouragement and just being the nice person that he always was.

Perhaps the best measure of the high esteem in which Adrian is held amongst the local running community is the number who have come here today to pay their respects. As a runner, a supporter, a chairman and a friend, he was liked and respected by all. I hope that this might be some comfort to Jane and his family at this difficult time.

Comments (2)

Mick Entwistle:
Nov 27, 2015 at 07:15 PM

Well said paul a great tribute to a great friend who will be missed by us all
Sam Windebank:
Nov 28, 2015 at 10:24 AM

Lovely words. Well said Paul.