INTERNATIONAL athletes turned out in force to pay tribute to John Taylor -- the 33-year-old Bingley Harrier who died of a rare heart condition last year.

Taylor, who died in August, is the current Yorkshire Fell Running Champion, and a total of 335 athletes took part in a race in his memory.

The event, organised by David Woodhead, also raised over £2,700 for the John Taylor Trust Fund, which is dedicated to raising awareness of the risks of heart disease and to make monitoring available for athletes.

Several of of John's closest friends were introduced before the start of the race at Penistone Hill Country Park and led a 'rolling start' to the race.

The competitive run began as the athletes past a lone piper who played along the route where Taylor's brother, Peter flagged off the race watched by his parents, Antoni and June, and sister Paula.

John's fiance Kirsten Bailey, took part in the race and received an ovation from other athletes as she took her place in the starting line-up.

"It was one of the most difficult events I have ever organised, but also one of the most rewarding. John was a superb person as well as being a brilliant athlete," David Woodhead said.

n Athletes pass a piper at the start of the race (above) and John Taylor's fiance, Kirsten Bailey competes (left).