Darlington running community pay tribute to ‘full of life’ Gary Read

Gary Read, of Darlington, died in the early hours of Monday, March 16, after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The 45-year-old leaves behind his wife Rachel, children Sophie, 25 and Kieran, 22, their dog Willow and a huge group of friends and supporters.

A familiar face on the Darlington running scene, Gary was known for his encouragement of others and his dedication to grassroots sport.

Gary's wife, Rachel Read, 42, his daughter Sophie Read, 25, Gary Read, 44, and his son Kieran Read, 22 (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

In the months before his death, he also raised more than £25,000 including gift aid for Macmillan Cancer Support, the charity that supported him and his family through his illness.

His friend Paul Cook, who had known Gary for more than a decade, said the running community has lost someone truly special.

Paul Cook, friend of Gary Read's for over 12 years (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Paul said: "Gary was a constant presence in the local running scene, always full of life, smiling and supporting others ahead of his own goals.

“He loved the running community and will be a huge miss as he represented everything good about grassroots running.

“Gary's legacy will live on, and we agreed a format of an event moving forward to honour him and raise money for charities which were close to his heart.

“Thoughts go to Gary's family, friends and all that knew him, he was a one off."

Gary was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on June 11, 2025 and on New Year’s Eve he was told the disease was terminal.

Despite his diagnosis, Gary spent his final months raising money, spending time with family and friends, building Lego and sharing messages encouraging people to take their health seriously.

Gary Read, 44, and his wife Rachel Read, 42 at the event (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A former assistant highways engineer with Darlington Borough Council, Gary had worked for the authority for eight years before being forced to retire due to ill health.

He was also a former running coach and had been overwhelmed by the support shown by the North East running community after sharing his story.

In January, hundreds of people from across the region gathered in South Park to support Gary at a fundraising run organised in his honour.

Despite wintry conditions, crowds packed the park at 10am on Sunday, January 11, raising more than £20,000 including gift aid for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Hundreds turned up in support of Gary Read (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The turnout was so large that parking was impossible within a mile of the park as runners poured in to show their support, with some chanting “there is only one Gary Read”.

 The run began with words from organiser Paul Cook followed by a one-minute clap for Gary, which left him visibly emotional before he addressed the crowd.

He said: “To get yourself checked if you have concerns is the most paramount thing that has to be done.

“There could be people here with underlying issues and if I can get that message across to one person where something just doesn't feel right in their body, then go and get tested, it can save lives.

“Then I have done my job by passing these words of wisdom on.”

Gary at the fundraising event for him (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

During his illness Gary also spoke of his pride in his family and their plans to run the Darlington 10k together in August.

He said: "I'll fight to still be with you at that date, but if not, there's no doubt I'll be with you every step of the way looking down in awe and admiration at you both.

"Rachel Read has also signed up for this Sophie and Kieran so you'll have half of me on the course with you all the way round.

"So proud of my family."

Gary also managed to meet his newborn niece Isla, something he was determined to be around for.

Friends say plans are now in place for a future event in his honour to continue raising money for the charities close to his heart and to celebrate his lasting impact on the running community.

More details on the event will be released in due course.