Popular Conwy runner ‘always had time for everyone’

John Dalzell sadly died aged 48 in Llandudno Junction on Thursday, August 17.

He was an experienced ultra-distance and endurance athlete, who often smashed records due to his determined efforts in long distance challenges.

Just a few weeks ago, John, who was also known as “Jon Doe”, had set a new PB at Conwy parkrun.

On August 19, at Conwy parkrun – where John made 60 appearances – attendees paid tribute to him, with MC John Hatton sharing news of his death at the event.

John was described by fellow runners as a “popular family man and a successful ultra-distance veteran athlete”, and a “regular supporter of parkrun”.

A 30-second period of applause was also held at last weekend’s Conwy parkrun in John’s memory.

John Dalzell (Image: Don Hale)

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Hailing from the West Midlands, John was also a keen rugby player, and previously used to compete in the Arboretum parkrun.

Dean Husler, a friend of John’s, paid tribute to him following this “tragic news”.

He said: “I was a friend of John’s back in Birmingham. We had some good times together, and he was somewhat of a character on the pitch.”

Ann Robinson, another of John’s friends from the West Midlands who worked with him when he lived in Lichfield, said she was “shocked” to hear of his death.

She continued to keep in touch with John following his relocation to North Wales, Ann added.

Rachel Partridge, also from the West Midlands, said: “My husband and I remember John. He was a lovely chap, and a very good runner.

“My husband used to run with him about 17 years ago; it is very sad news.”

Helen Hannam added: “I was very sad to hear the tragic news. I will always remember when I was struggling at ‘Wrexham 20’ and his encouraging words spurred me on.

“I will miss his random wise-cracks at speed sessions. He was a top bloke, and is a sad loss. My thoughts are with his family.”

John Dalzell (Image: Don Hale)

Don Hale, of NWRRC, said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of my running colleague and friend, John Dalzell.

“It was only a couple of weeks ago that we ran together during the warm up at Conwy parkrun and chatted about odds and ends.

“He always had time for everyone and was interested in how I was recovering from injury.”

Karl Morris, also of NWRRC, added: “I was very sad to hear of the passing of a good running friend.

“John always made time for a chat at intervals and parkruns, and we were running buddies at the Pen Llyn Winter ultra – the only race I ever finished ahead of him.”

Steve Bozier, from NWRRC, said: “He was at nearly every Conwy parkrun, club run and interval session every week and will be sorely missed.”

NWRRC’s Tony Gibson added: “What a top bloke in every aspect. I’m so pleased to have enjoyed many chats (with John) about life and his aims in North Wales.”