'Role model and motivator' - Corstorphine Athletics Club president pays tribute to 'exceptional' 36-year-old runner who died after crash between bike and van in Edinburgh

The president of an Edinburgh athletics club has paid tribute to an “exceptional” 36-year-old runner who died after his bike collided with a van in Edinburgh.

James Harrison was described as a "role model and motivator" by Corstorphine Athletics Club president David Arnott. Pic: Bobby Gavin

James Harrison, who was a member of Corstorphine AAC, was killed after a crash involving a Mercedes Sprinter van on Mount Vernon Road at the crossroads junction with Gilmerton Road, at about 8:45am on Thursday.

James was a lead research nurse in cardiology with NHS Lothian and recently volunteered in an intensive care unit to support the Covid-19 response. The health authority's executive director of Nursing, Alex McMahon, described him on Monday as a "much loved and well respected" member of the team.

And Corstorphine AAC president David Arnott told the Evening News today that James made a "massive contribution" to the club over the past five or six years. He said: "He was just one of these guys who got involved in all aspects of the club. He was a role model and a motivator and gave up considerable amounts of his own valuable time to assist in all aspects of the club. Everyone at the club is devastated."

Mr Arnott said James got on with everyone and always showed an interest in others, for example by noticing and praising the junior athletes for good performances or delivering encouragement during training.

James was a distance runner with a love of hill running and cross country and in December last year was part of the club's men's team that won the East of Scotland cross country championships.

In 2018, he was also part of the team that won the Scottish six stage road relay championships for the first time in the club's history.

Mr Arnott described him as an “exceptional runner for the club and a real team player" and said he was also their senior male athlete of the year last year.

It is understood James had also been an international triathlete prior to his time at the athletics club.

‘Positive influence’

James was also involved in club committees and was a team manager in the men's league which involved rallying team members to compete. He was pivotal in helping to boost competitor numbers over the last two years and in leading the club to win division two of the men's league.

Mr Arnott added: "He was a real positive influence in terms of just getting people out and competing."

James was also qualified as an official for Scottish Athletics, who also paid tribute to him on social media on Sunday. In a statement they said that James was one of their up and coming start team members, adding: "We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Dr Rowan Harrison, their two young children and all the rest of the family as well as his friends in athletics and beyond."

Police Scotland confirmed on Saturday that Mr Harrison died from his injuries following a collision two days before.

Sergeant Jennifer Forbes, of Edinburgh's Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the deceased at this terrible time.

“I’d like to thank those members of the public who have contacted us with information on the collision over the past few days and continue to appeal for any other witnesses to come forward, particularly if you have possible dashcam footage of the incident itself or either the vehicle or the cyclist in the area shortly beforehand.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101, quoting incident number 1312 of 26 June.