Chris Brasher Dead

Sad news - Chris Brasher CBE, co-founder of the London Marathon and the man behind the Brasher Boot Company that bears his name has died at the age of 74.

Brasher enjoyed a successful career as a world class athlete, winning Olympic Gold in the steeplechase in 1954 and pacing Roger Banister when he broke the four-minute mile barrier.

For walkers though his name will always be associated with the Brasher Boot. Years ahead of his time, Brasher - a keen outdoors person himself - looked at the traditional stiff, heavy British walking boot and decided it could be done better. His solution was to borrow the slip-lasted construction from running shoes, combine it with a light upper and a light but mud-eating sole and create the boot that bears his name.

"This is a very sad day for everyone at Brasher and Berghaus," said Tony Wood, Managing Director of the Brasher Boot Company and Berghaus. "Chris founded the Brasher Boot Company and was a former chairman of Berghaus. His inimitable style, energy and commitment contributed hugely to both brands and to the outdoor industry as a whole. He will be greatly missed by everyone in the trade and by his many friends."

Although Brasher himself left a couple of years ago, the company continues to innovate along the same lightweight lines. In addition, the Chris Brasher Trust, funded by a an environmental royalty on the sale of every pair of Brasher Boots, has existed since 1988 and has made grants totaling over £500,000 towards the conservation of wild land in the UK, the improvement of mountain rescue facilities and the education of promising young sportsmen and women.

Not a bad legacy you might say, but still very sad news.