Tributes paid to Sports Tours founder Vince Regan

TRIBUTES have been paid to former fireman, marathon runner and businessman Vince Regan, who died from cancer at the weekend.

Mr Regan, 68, founded Salford company Sports Tours International, which offers activity holidays and was the first business to offer organised packages to runners to participate in international events.

He had been fighting the disease for several months, and until recently was still actively involved with the company and doing what he enjoyed most, looking after customers at marathon events.

An international marathon competitor himself, Vince opened the New York City Marathon to British runners to gain access for entries, and became the leading tour operator for the race.

Current Sports Tour chief executive Chris Bird said: “Vince chose to face the fight against cancer in the same way he faced a marathon, although this race was not won he gave it everything and the cancer knew it had been up against a true champion.

“This year Sports Tours International enters its 40th year and Vince has been at the heart of the business from day one. He was a true friend to everyone he worked with and will be missed.

“We plan to celebrate Vince’s life and honour the time and hard work he put into taking the company and his sport to where it is today.”

Born in Ireland, Mr Regan was a former Ireland International athlete competing at all distances, and after moving to Bolton he founded the Pony British Marathon in 1981.

Before launching Sports Tours International Vince was a fireman based at Farnworth Fire Station and ran his own sports shop in Bolton. He was also a coach at Bolton Wanderers Football Club and a member of Bolton United Harriers.