Jo Leijtens C966

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We regret to report the passing of Jo Leijtens, who died in his sleep two months after diagnosis of an aggressive form of lung cancer.

Jo came to long distance walking later in life, after years of billiards and football. Like many Dutch walkers, he took part in the Nijmegen to Rotterdam march several times and then qualified as Continental Centurion 255 in Sint Oedenrode in 1995, walking with his son Frans in 23:35:28 (though pulling away in the final stages to finish 26 seconds ahead).

The following year, Frans qualified as a Centurion in the UK but it was in 1999 that Jo made that same double-achievement. He walked the 100 miles in Battersea Park in 23:30:36 to become Centurion 966.

Jo walked the 200km race in Arubel, Belgium and a 3km race in Vale, Guernsey but mainly took part in regular long distance walks. The Nijmegen Four Days Marches, the 80 van de Langstraat and the Bossche 100 were his favourites. He was also heavily involved in volunteering and organising, with the local First Aid association, the Children’s Four Days Marches in Drunen, the Duintrappers walking club and the Bossche 100k. In recognition of this service, he was awarded Membership of the Order of Oranje-Nassau in 2004.

Ken Roost C557

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With regret, we report the passing of Ken Roost at the age of 95 in Welwyn Garden City in August.

Ken left home at 16 to join the Royal Air Force and there took on many sporting challenges, including water polo, steeplechase, cross country and race walking, representing the service. After retirement from the RAF, Ken qualified as Centurion 557 in Ewhurst in 1975, finishing in 22 hours, 3 minutes and 26 seconds. He competed in an array of long distance events, stating the London-to-Brighton (52 miles), Leicester Mercury 20 miles and Birmingham Outer Circle (25 miles) as his favourites.

Ken continued to support and enjoy the brotherhood of the Centurions and returned to race in 1979, again in Ewhurst. With supreme pacing, Ken achieved a sub-20 hour finish with 19:52:53, finishing 9th from 107 starters and leading home the victorious team of Enfield Harriers, alongside Jack Rossiter C577 and Peter Worth C491. Ken was later bestowed the honour of life-membership of Enfield Harriers and assisted at races after retiring from competition.

Ken enjoyed many passions, including snooker, horse-racing, Bournemouth Football Club and Coronation Street. He is survived by his son, Tony, and stepson Ian.

Robert de Wolf C980

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We sadly said farewell to Centurion 980 Robert de Wolf who, on 3rd May died aged 79 at Sint Niklaas (West Flanders) in Belgium.  Robert enjoyed many UK visits as he completed 12 British 100 miles races all under24 hours; fastest being 20:44.50 in the 2005 Norfolk Challenge at King’s Lynn.

Robert’s qualifying performance of 22:43.10 was in the 2001 “Hedgethorne Hundred” at Colchester’s Lower Castle Park.

He was awarded the Eddie McNeir Trophy for being the first finisher aged over 65 at the Southend track 100 Miles at Garon Park in 2014

Profound condolence is expressed to the family of Robert de Wolf RIP.

Sjef Koolen C874

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We are sad to report the loss of Sjef Koolen.

Sjef was a painter from Nederweert-Eind in the Netherlands and an active member and volunteer in the OLAT club. He qualified first as a Continental Centurion in Sint Oedenrode in 1985, as Continental Centurion 152. In 1990, he completed the Hungarton-to-Leicester 100 miles in 23:02:28 to qualify as Centurion 874. His other successful walking challenges included the 110km Plombieres-Houffalize walk in Belgium, the 200km Aubel race and the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

 

 

 

 

Frank Dolan C656

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We regret to report the death of Frank “Frankie” Dolan in December 2025 at the age of 80..

Frankie lived in Carlisle but was a member of Lancashire Walking Club. He qualified as Centurion 656 in the 1979 Ewhurst 100 miles, completing the distance in 21:33:14. He went on to complete the 100 miles three more times, including a 2nd place finish in Colchester in 1985. He was also an active participant of the Roubaix 28 hours races.

Frankie is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their children and grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Carlisle Crematorium on 2nd January 2026 at 11AM. Donations in his memory are requested to Dementia UK, following Frankie’s battle with vascular dementia.

Geoff Tranter C507

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We are sad to report that that Geoff Tranter has passed away.

Geoff qualified as Centurion 507 in the 1973 Bristol race in 19:15:00 and completed a total of 12 100-mile walks in under 24 hours, competing for Royal Sutton Coldfield, Royal Sutton Birmingham and Birchfield Harriers. His best was the 1981 “Endeavour Motor Company” 24-hour race at Brighton’s Withdene Stadium track, which saw continuous rain throughout, when Geoff won in the admirable time of 18:05:36. As well as 100-mile races, he was a regular at 24-hour and 200km races, and the Roubaix 28 Hours.

A firefighter by profession, Geoff was known to be calm and determined, and a great friend and gentleman.

The funeral will take place on Friday, 12th December at 10AM at Rowley Regis Crematorium, Powke Lane, Rowley Regis, West Midlands B65 0AD.