One of the great names from the golden age of fell running – Bobby Morton of Wigton – has died at the age of 81.
Along with the likes of Bill Teasdale, Reg Harrison, Tommy Sedgwick, Joe Richardson and Tommy Garside, he enjoyed success on the fells, and also on the track, in the 1960s.
In 1963 Bobby had the distinction of winning the Powderhall New Year’s Day mile at the Edinburgh track and the same year he won the prestigious Grasmere fell race.
The following year he also had success at popular sports meetings including Pooley Bridge, Grasmere again, Westward, Ambleside and Cleator Moor.
Bobby was born in Hesket Newmarket and moved to Wigton with his parents and sisters when he was 10.
It was seeing Bill Teasdale in action at Caldbeck Sports in the early 1950s which really sparked his interest in running, although having been brought up to an outdoor life on the northern fells it was a natural step for him to make.
He was still competing in his 40s and actually took part in the London Marathon of 1982 putting up a respectable time.
Not one to sound off about his achievements as a runner, he was well liked and respected, particularly in the Wigton area where he lived and worked for most of his life.
Apart from a short period with the gas board, Bobby worked at the British Sidac factory in the town until his retirement.
He leaves a wife Barbara and son Stuart. His son, David, died in 1992.
