Fare thee well 'The Flying Scotsman'

The Flying Scot: Michael Whalley in the
Bermuda Day Half-Marathon in May 2011

We were both doing something we had loved most of our lives when we first met - running.

Michael Whalley was an approachable, friendly Scotsman who would always take an interest in how you were. His talent and competitive spirit was evident even though his advancing years had slowed him down, as happens to us all. 

In his prime he was given the nickname "The Flying Scotsman", and in 1981 he achieved a top three spot in Bermuda's signature race, the May 24 Marathon Derby (now known as the Bermuda Day Half-Marathon).

Mike's regular appearance at races meant he was an important fixture of the tight-knit community of runners who share the pain and pleasure of the good, and the not so good, race days. Through those encounters we kept up, to a degree, with one another's lives.

His wide circle of acquaintances continually expanded during his more than 50 years in the island running scene.

I appreciated his welcoming attitude, his candor, and the way he gave support. I have lost count of the many times he called out support from the other side of the road as a race route double-backed. I'd call back. Those mutual calls to one another as we battled our way to the finish line were important sprinkles of encouragement. 

Mike was an outstanding example of friendship, humanity and acceptance. It is hard to think that he is gone, at 74, and that he will no longer be there on race days. I thank good fortune that I was able to have known him these past 15 years. Fare thee well, my good friend.

After a race: Mike Whalley, Otis Robinson and I relax at the post race breakfast following
the 30th anniversary Fairmont-to-Fairmont Race in January 2007

Milestone: Mike Whalley, at 70, finishing the Bermuda Day Half-Marathon in May 2016. Behind
him are Poole Runners' Carole and Paul Ingham. A third Poole Runner (me) can be seen near the
top left watching. Mike's last finish in the famous race was the following year.