Frank Pilkington, Asian Masters Athletic Championships medallist, dies aged 79 an inspiration to ageing runners
- Frank Pilkington was an active member of the running and race walking community even in his 70s, saying ‘I don’t know when I’m going to stop’
- Running community group says ‘we will miss your smile and your warm friendly personality’
Frank Pilkington, an active member of the running community and a vocal proponent of staying active in old age, passed away aged 79 on Monday.
The Hong Kong-based Irishman was competing in trail, road and walking races right up until the end of his life.
He won medals at the 2019 Asian Masters Athletic Championships held in Malaysia in the 10km run and 5km walk 75-80 year old category. He was frequently one of the oldest runners in the Athletic Veterans of Hong Kong (AVOHK) events. Pilkington won AVOHK athlete of the year in 2019. He was described as one of their “most enduring” members.
Colin Whittington, AVOHK chairman, called Pilkington part of the club’s “fabric” because he was always running in their events, like the reservoir series, or joining for the big competitions abroad such as the Championships in Malaysia, when Hong Kong sent over 100 masters athletes.
“He was bubbly, very friendly,” Whittington said. “Everyone loved him. People just loved him. Running was a big part of his life, not just with AVOHK.”
