Derby athletics legend dies just days before 101st birthday

He dedicated more than 70 years of his life to sport in the city and was recently given a civic award

Ernie Cripps has died aged 100 - just days before his 101st birthday(Image: Derby Telegraph)

Tributes are being paid to a Derby athletics legend who dedicated more than 70 years of his life to sport in the city.

Derbyshire Athletics confirmed on Friday (October 30) that Ernie Cripps, a "stalwart" of athletics in the county, had died just four days short of his 101st birthday.

Mr Cripps had been involved in athletics most of his life and received multiple awards for his efforts, including Derby City Council's civic award back in September.

His journey began in 1962, when Mr Cripps was working at Rolls-Royce and organised the company's athletics in his spare time.

He arranged for the Rolls-Royce Harriers to compete against the grammar schools in the Derby area at cross-country events.

Mr Cripps qualified as a timekeeper in 1985 and went on to also become a level 2 field judge, a level 4 endurance official and an event adjudicator.

He also took Rolls-Royce staff to open track meetings within the Midlands area, and even competed in the sprints and relays himself - recording sub-10 seconds for 100 yards.

Ernie also promoted local BBC Blue Peter fun runs in the 1990s and was heavily involved in the organisation of Derby's Ramathon.

On retirement from work, Ernie's involvement in club and county athletics increased, and he also took on the role of granting race permits, which were introduced to maintain the integrity of the sport.

In addition to the recent civic award, his volunteer work was recognised by England Athletics last year, and two representatives from the East Midlands Regional Council visited Derby Athletic Club, where Mr Cripps was working.

"It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of Ernie Cripps, a stalwart of Derbyshire Athletics, at the great age of 100 years, just 4 days short of his 101st Birthday," a spokesperson for Derbyshire Athletics said.

"Ernie was a Timekeeper of the highest calibre who taught and mentored a great many officials. He was a highly respected and ‘Gentle man’.

"Our condolences to his family and his circle of friends who cared deeply for him."