Remembering Geoff

6 MAR2011

Around 100 family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours of the late Geoff Sims, the man who created the Edinburgh Marathon, gathered at Holyrood Park this morning to celebrate his life. Most took part in the Fizzy 5K which was started by Geoff's children after an enthusiastic warm-up led by GSI Events stalwart Harry Moore.

The route was around Arthur's Seat - although at different paces for different participants - and runners were served refreshments at half-way by Geoff's mum, sister and niece. There was a poignant moment at the half-way point when runners released Chinese lanterns to commemorate the life of Geoff.

Post-race participants enjoyed a glass of champagne and toasted Geoff's memory. Many tributes were paid on the day and highlighted Geoff Sims' commercial vision, determination to succeed against the odds and his 'joie de vivre'. A big contingent of Geoff's family were joined by friends, many of whom had travelled from England for the occasion, colleagues from GSi Events and neighbours from North Berwick.

A recurring theme of the tributes was Geoff's strength of character and doggedness, particularly when his brain-child, the Edinburgh Marathon, was endangered by the withdrawal of support by key partners. Geoff overcame those obstacles, found a new route and partners for his event and saw both the Edinburgh Marathon, and his company GSi Events, go from strength to strength.

Neil Kilgour of GSi Events told scottishrunningguide.com: "Today was about remembering Geoff in a relaxed, fun and empowering way - just as he would have wanted."