More than 100 runners and walkers turned up at Astwood Park for a Sunday morning 'social' to remember marathoner Ryan Shay who died while attempting to qualify for the US Olympic team last month in New York.

A number of memorial events have been held across the US in honour of Mr. Shay, who collapsed and died after running 5.5 miles during the marathon trial race.The Bermuda running community responded to a request from the Island's own Commonwealth Games athlete Ashley (Couper) Estwanik and her American international runner husband Chris to show that Mr. Shay is being remembered beyond the shores of America.

The Estwaniks knew Mr. Shay as a fellow runner when they lived in the US, and his wife Alicia who was a Stanford University athlete.

To show support for Mr. Shay's wife and family, a memorial, non-competitive run and walk over 5.5 miles from Astwood Park to The Reefs and back was organised.

A card was signed by all those who took part and photographs taken to pass on to Mr. Shay's relatives.

Mrs. Estwanik said: "The turnout was outstanding, it was great to see so many. Someone said there were 116 people and a couple of babies and dogs."