FRIENDS of a Hereford athlete who died training for a marathon are to hold a race in his honour.

“Gentle giant” Calvin Macintyre was the fittest man in Hereford, but died last June while cycling back from Brecon.

Friends of the former city doorman, who was 52, are commemorating his death by staging two charity road races on June 22.

Proceeds from the 5 and 10k races go to County Air Ambulance - a fitting tribute according to Billy Reynolds, the nightclub owner who employed Calvin.

“He was well-known around the town and we felt we needed to hold a memorial run - he such a big, jovial chap, and a gentle giant of a person,” he said.

Race entry is £8 to include a medal.

Either turn-up at 10.30am at Hereford Leisure Centre, or send an SAE to Rob Greene, 133 Holme Lacy Road, Hereford, HR2 6DG.