Ludwig Cann, one of the most colourful characters in local road running, has died after a long illness at the age of 82.

Cann was a fixture in road races, including the May 24 Derby and International Race Weekend, and just about every other race up until a few years' ago.

He was instantly recognisable by his knee-high socks and bright T-shirts. And on one occasion – the 2003 Bermuda Marathon –he was seen running in the rain with an umbrella.

And although running almost always at the back of the pack, he rarely failed to finish no matter what the distance.

During International Race Weekend, the race committee gave him a number reflecting his age.

In the 2007 Bermuda International Half-Marathon, he placed first in his age group, 70-plus, with a time of 4:14:02.

On the day before he placed third in the 10K 70-plus age group in 1:48:14.

Pam Shailer, a longtime organiser of International Race Weekend, yesterday paid tribute to his running and his involvement in the BIRW.

"He was 80 years young," she said. "Bermuda International Race Weekend committee extend our sympathies to his family."

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.