This year’s Bratton Hilly Run will be in memory of its founder who died in March after a long battle with cancer at the age of 66.

Roger Broberg, was the founder of the race, organised in partnership with Bratton Primary School in 1996.

The keen runner died on March 26 and hundreds attended his funeral at the Baptist Church in Bratton at the start of April.

The Bratton Hilly Run is an 11km, steep and hilly road race for runners over 16 years old and is now organised by the Bratton Jubilee Hall Management Committee.

Mr Broberg, who owned Broberg Vehicle Repairs and Servicing in The Old Brewery, Warminster, was meticulous to the end, leaving a list of things to do for his successor Dot Reeves.

She said: “He thought he might not be around for the next race and it was his wish that it continued so he left me a long list of things to do and organise, which my husband added too.”

The Bratton man was also the honorary president of Warminster Running Club, who he had raced for since 1987.

Allan Robinson, 53, was one of the club’s founder members in 1984, and is now club chairman.

He said: “Roger was a placid, caring man and always had time for his fellow runners. He always encouraged the slower runners and would stay with them.

“He was a very popular man in his village of Bratton and has left a big hole at the running club.

“We are planning to mark Roger’s service to the club with a mural.”

This year’s race is on May 16 and will be started by Great Britain para-olympian Ben Rushgrove, who is a member of Team Bath.

Registration is from 9am to 10am at the Jubilee Hall, with the race starting at 11am.

Last year’s race was won by Pete Roper in the men’s section and by Warminster Running Club member Diane Hier in the women’s.

For an entry form call Mrs Reeves on 01380 830987 or visit the Bratton Jubilee Hall website at www.brattonjubileehall.org.uk