The Easter Festival organising team are delighted to announce that as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, Dr Ron Hill, MBE, will be the Guest of Honour at this year's festival. Ron is arguably the best-known and accomplished athlete to compete in the history of the Festival when he took part in the 1972 event in the lead up to the Munich Olympics. His visit is mentioned in his classic book, The Long Hard Road.

As well as establshing the well-known sportswear company, he competing in three Olympics, was European Marathon Champion in 1969, Commonwealth Marathon Champion in 1970 (second runner ever under 2 hours 10 mins), won the Boston Marathon and twice winner of the English National Cross Country Championships. He was also famed for developing the carbo loading "marathon diet". Despite all his success he was also renowned as a great clubman taking part in local events. Towards the end of his competitive career, he set a still British M40 record for the marathon of 2.15.

Now 73 years old, still runs every day and is famous for not missing a days running since 1964!! As well as being Guest of Honour he is planning to compete in all the races!!