Over the weekend Glyn Jones, the Chair of the Race Walking Association has shared this deeply sad news, which will reverberate across the race walking world.

Dear colleagues,

It is with heartfelt sadness that I have to announce that Eric Horwill after long illness passed away peacefully at his home in the early hours of Saturday morning, 11th October 2025. Eric was Past President of the RWA, a member and coach to Dudley and Stourbridge Harriers, a past member of the Midland Race Walking Association Committee and a distinguished member of the Centurions. In the past, Eric was ever present at race walking fixtures in an official capacity or present to support the youngsters he was coaching at his club. Eric was also a member of Lancashire Walking Club, whom he supported in an official capacity over the past years in many of their fixtures. I have spoken with Eric’s wife Pam today and I am sure you all join with me in sending our sincere condolences to Pam and his daughter Catherine at this very sad time.  When I have details of funeral arrangements I will circulate them and should anyone wish to send their condolences I will pass on details of the home address. A very sad time. Eric Horwill R.I.P.

As Glyn notes, in recent years Eric was an almost ever present at LWC club races, bringing his vast experience and knowledge to bear on our efforts. Indeed Dave Evans, our club chair and Pat Evans sent the following message to Eric a few days before his death, which heartwarmingly Pam Horwill was able to read to him.

Over the next few weeks we will endeavour to fill out the narrative of how much Eric achieved through the decades of his devotion to race walking. In this context we would welcome thoughts, anecdotes and images pertaining to Eric’s career. Send these to Tony at tonymtaylor@gmail.com.

As a taster, find below information and a photo provided by Dave Ainsworth.

 Eric qualified as Centurion 390 in the 1966 Leicester-to-Skegness point-to-point race clocking 21:51.09 for 16th position from 47 finishers, as 84 had started. Hosts Leicester triumphed in the team stakes from 6 teams who closed in. His outstanding 2nd completion was at the 1997 Ware Track 24 Hours in Hertfordshire when he covered 165.8 kilometres to finish 7th (from 14 finishers/23 starters) passing 100 miles in 23:17.07 in an event Sandra Brown triumphed over all.  It was our longest span between successful UK 100 miles attempts – and earned him an GB International appearance in the Roubaix 28 Hours, becoming the oldest UK athlete to make an international debut.  Eric’s low Centurion badge number saw him Chair a number of Centurions AGMs, at which he excelled, this being a tradition that the most senior Centurion performs this AGM task. Eric was 92