Steve Shuck

Anyone who experienced Steve’s enthusiasm at the finish line of Bournemouth parkrun will be saddened to hear the shocking news about his passing. 

He seemed to remember the names of the vast majority of runners, people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, and his infectious positivity was shared instantly with everyone. You couldn’t hope to meet a more genuine, friendly and positive chap at that finish line - or elsewhere.

Steve is one of those who taught me that distance running is a sport where you can and really should help your fellow competitors do their best (and that it often seems to help you to do better).

I got to know Steve in the early noughties when we were both training for the London Marathon. I learned so much from Steve that year, whether it was tips for running or just how the sum of his small acts of kindness made such a big difference to the people he met.

His words were always uplifting; I can’t imagine him moaning about anything, even as his health deteriorated few would have known the battle he was going through.

He and I met via Dorset Road Race League races, but my first time to talk with him beyond ‘well done, keep going’ came at Bournemouth Travel Exchange on the day we collected our London Marathon numbers. No surprise to anyone who knew Steve that we chatted non-stop on the coach, and for the whole of that day!

Despite me being quite a few years younger, I only passed Steve a few miles before the finish that year. His encouraging words, even in the late stages of the race, helping to push me on to my PB. Knowing he wasn’t far behind, I loitered at the finish to cheer him over the line in return (like you aren’t meant to). A few minutes later the exertion had caught up with me. It was Steve who guided me, delirious through dehydration, to the medical tent and he made sure I was OK. It was my turn to guide a fellow runner through similar circumstances a few years later. I’m sure I’m not the only person who has followed Steve’s example by doing things like that, which is a legacy that I'm sure will endure in so many.

I know he was also one of the ‘founding fathers’ of Littledown Harriers as well as being a former chairman. Christchurch Runners is just a few miles away and both clubs (by chance) organise 5 mile races in September. Far from either being a source of conflict, our clubs have always sought to support each other. I’m sure a lot of the friendly nature of our local rivalry is down to the foundations he helped establish which I’d like to pay tribute to again here.

But more than anything Steve stands out as truly living by the honest and positive principles he wore on his sleeve. He will be missed for so much more than I can put into words here.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many friends at this difficult time.

Steve- rest in peace, mate.

Peter Wallis

Chairman of Christchurch Runners