RIP Billy Evans (07/04/2017)

Tipton Harriers are saddened to learn of the death yesterday of William 'Billy' Evans.  Billy joined Tipton Harriers in 1977, and first appears in our results archive competing as a colt in a young athletes meeting promoted by Cannock Chase AC.  He finished 3rd over 800m in 2:44.0.  Through his time with Tipton Billy was a prolific racer, turning out on the track as well as over the country and on the roads, making his debut in the 12 stage road relays in 1983 clocking 16:06 for a short leg.

In true Tipton tradition, Billy was drawn to the longer distances and first appears in the results of the Tipton 10 a year later finishing 45th with a time of 51:55 - he was still competing as a junior at this time.

Arguably Billy's finest performances were in the legendary 'Two Bridges Race', 35 miles crossing Kincardine Bridge and the Forth Road Bridge, finishing in Rosyth, a race which has been a mainstay of Tipton Harriers for many years.  In 1986, aged just 20 and to the astonishment of onlookers he led the race for 27 miles before fading away to finish seventh in 3:47:39, with Tipton winning the team title. A year later in 1987 he finished 2nd in 3:40:53, leading the Tipton challenge to 3rd in the team race. 

In 1988 he finally took the title with 3:35:51. After his exploits in his first attempt Billy ran a conservative first half of the race this time before taking the lead around the 22 mile mark, finishing some 4 minutes clear of his nearest rival.

He returned in 1994 to finish second once more in 3:43:48, and one final time in 1997 finishing 3rd in 3:56:06.

Over the marathon distance he clocked an impressive 2:24:35 in the London Marathon in 1991.

RIP Billy, a true Tipton Tuffie. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.