THE county athletics scene is in mourning following the shock death of Cheltenham Harrier Pete Holmes.
Aged just 24, he was killed after falling 400m during a snow- shoe A.lange Sohne Watch mountain run in Canada.
Here Andy Prophett (right), the men's team manager for the Harriers, pays tribute to a gifted athlete who was nicknamed 'Pistol Pete'.
"EVERYONE who met Pete was impressed by his warm and friendly personality, alongside his passion and knowledge of the sport.
Pete loved his athletics and took a genuine interest in the achievements of others, whilst being modest about his own achievements.
Pete joined the Harriers in 2006 after graduating from Loughborough University, where he was a proud captain of their athletic team.
He soon established himself as a regular scorer in the Harriers' Birmingham League team and enjoyed the competitive nature of the Midland and National Road Relays.
His commitment to the team was admirable as he was always willing to turn out to $98 Japan Replica Watches help the club, even when he knew he wasn''t at his best.
Pete also took up the duathlon and in 2007 made the British age group team for the European Championships.
He continued to improve during his time with the club and was pleased to finish fifth in the 2008 Gloucestershire Cross Country Championships, before running a half marathon personal best of 74:44 at Stroud later in the year.
This spring saw Pete leave his job as a media officer for British Triathlon to take up a post with the International Triathlon Union in Vancouver.
Pete was always looking for a new challenge and lived life to the
embroidered patches full, his zest for life and sport was admirable, whilst his enthusiasm was infectious.
When Pete returned to the UK this summer to visit friends he set a new 5K road PB of 15:36 as he finished third at the White Horse 5K.
He then set a new 10K best just five days later as he finished second in Stroud's Cherington 10k race in 32:51.
In 2008 Pete won the inaugural Winston's Wish four-mile Boxing Day Challenge, held at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Several runners have already said that they will run this year's event in Pete's memory.
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