With great sadness, we share that Brighton & Hove AC stalwart John Doherty passed away on the morning of 13 February 2025. A much-loved and familiar presence at the club, John remained deeply involved in the Supporters’ Association until his death. He played a key role in organising the Brighton 10k in 1991, incorporating the Sussex Championships, which proved to be a great success. In later years, he and Chris Carter, and later Keith Donno, took on the race organisation together.
The club recognised John’s dedication in 1998 by adding him to the Roll of Honour. He served as an active committee member for many years, always generous with his experience and wisdom. He also regularly assisted Sam Lambourne with timing for the Weakest Link Relays and Boxing Day Races.
Beyond the club, John pursued his passion for sports, swimming and cycling avidly, though knee issues had ended his running days. His sudden passing, following a massive stroke in January, has shocked many, especially as he had been seen in good spirits at the Amex Stadium just days before.
John played a vital role in the parkrun community, last volunteering at Brighton & Hove parkrun on 18 January this year, where he served as Event Director. As the longest-serving parkrun Event Director in the world, he demonstrated unparalleled dedication and passion for the running community.
Brighton & Hove parkrun shared this tribute:
“Dear runners, walkers and volunteers,
We wanted to let you know the dreadfully sad news that our much-loved Event Director, John Doherty, died yesterday following a recent stroke.
John’s contribution to parkrun cannot be emphasised enough.
He has been Event Director since Hove Park’s inaugural parkrun on 3rd November 2007. Since then, he has welcomed and encouraged many thousands of participants of all abilities, and we are going to miss his wonderful positivity and great sense of humour.
John’s insistence that ‘we don’t cancel parkrun’ means that we will be back again at 9 AM on Saturday, 15th February, for event number 834. Do join us.”
– Brighton & Hove parkrun team
John’s influence extended across the wider running community. East Brighton parkrun expressed their deep sadness, and members of the Portslade Hedgehoppers’ WhatsApp group shared heartfelt tributes:
“Lovely man, always supportive, kind and friendly.” – Neal Cass
“We both trained and raced with B&H AC in the ’80s running boom, pushing each other to sub-3 marathons.” – Brian Friend
John’s family – Gilli, Maisie, and Sadie – have announced plans for a celebration of his life in Brighton, with details to follow. We send our condolences to his family. John will be deeply missed by all who knew him.