A RECORD number of runners turned out to remember a fellow runner who died whilst on the Swindon Park Run last year.

Tracie McGrory collapsed while on the popular weekly run round Lydiard Park just over a year ago and later died in hospital from a suspected heart attack.

More than 620 runners turned up to the run on Saturday a year after her death to pay their respects at the spot where she collapsed, only 400 metres away from the starting line.

Emma Sperring, the volunteer coordinator at Swindon Parkrun, told the Adver: "It was phenomenal. We had a record turn out.

"Friends and family were also running and supporting those taking part, as well as those who were there on that day.

"It was quite emotional for some. Particularly for those who were there last year.

"It was the first run of the year when it happened, Tracie collapsed on the course, the paramedics tried to revive her there."

Tracie's family have planted a tree along the route for those to pause and remember her as they went round.

"People could stop during the run to pause and have a few thoughts, so that was nice," added Emma.

Afterwards runners gathered in a nearby cafe and reflected on the last year and the loss of one of their members, who died so suddenly despite being fit and healthy.

Tracie worked as a pet bereavement counsellor at Blue Cross and tributes flooded into after her death speaking about devotion to her two children and her work.

"The family has managed to pass quite a lot of milestones this year, " said Emma, "it's been quite hard for them."

The Volunteer-led Swindon Park Run, which is free to sign up to, has been going for almost nine years.

Runners meet every Saturday for the 5k route through Lydiard park, often attracting hundreds of runners, as well as meeting with friends who they have been running with for years.

"I've seen such an increase recently, it's growing year by year," added Emma, "it's a community event, people come for the chat before and afterwards and it's open to all levels, we have lots of beginners."

Tracy, who was 47 when she died, is survived by her husband Brian McGrory and two daughters.