18/05/2026
Such sad news. Sending our deepest sympathies to Tony’s family and friends 🤍
Tony Williams
1937 - 2026.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tony Williams, one of the most influential and dedicated figures in the history of Hereford & County Athletics Club, the Herefordshire Athletics Association, and county athletics as a whole.
Tony’s involvement in the sport spanned more than 60 years. A talented middle‑distance runner in his early years, He began running himself in 1945 and, after starting out as a member of Pontrilas AC, he joined Hereford & County Athletics Club and he went on to serve the club and county in almost every role imaginable. His lifelong passion for athletics and his unwavering commitment to supporting young athletes shaped the sport in Herefordshire for generations. He took immense pride in seeing athletes from the county progress to national and international level.
Tony played a pivotal role in establishing the Herefordshire Cross Country League, and he continued to attend fixtures and present awards well into recent years. He also became a qualified timekeeper and track judge, dedicating countless hours to officiating and supporting competitions across the county.
One of Tony’s greatest legacies is the existence of the athletics track in Hereford. In 1964, alongside a small group of volunteers, he spent years digging run‑ups, throwing areas and pits by hand, creating the county’s first athletics track and enabling the first County Championships in 1975. In 1988, Tony was again at the forefront of developing the track we know today. During the recent campaign to save the facility, many reflected that without Tony’s early drive and determination, there may never have been a track to protect.
In 2023, Tony’s extraordinary service was formally recognised at the England Athletics Volunteer Awards, a fitting tribute to a man whose dedication has left an indelible mark on county athletics and our sport.
We extend our deepest condolences to Tony’s family and friends. We are profoundly grateful for everything he gave to our sport, our athletes and our community. His legacy will continue to inspire us for many years to come.
💚
