Pete Bland

Westerlands Cross country club would like to express their sadness at the news that Pete Bland passed away on the 28th of November after contracting Covid. Pete was a well loved and respected figure in the hill and fell running community all over the UK and there cannot be many hill running regulars who have not purchased an item from Pete’s van and shop over the last 39 years. His van was a regular feature at the Ben Lomond hill race, and It always seemed to add a bit of  prestige to the race when the famous red van was parked opposite the hotel with all the plastic boxes of socks, shorts and shoes etc laid out on the road – and who could resist a good rummage through all his stock! Many hill runners bought their first studs from Pete and to race organisers, he was very generous with free race numbers and prizes. A very approachable knowledgeable man, he would always have time to give advice when asked and offer encouragement freely.

Westies would like to pass on their condolences to Pete’s wife Anne and family.