WORLD triathlon champion Jonny Brownlee has led the many tributes to Dave and Eileen Woodhead, who are retiring at the end of the year after over 30 years of organising athletics races.

He tweeted: "Very sad. One of the reasons I love running was because I did one of your races as a 7 year old. See you on a fell soon!"

Members from Silsden-based Wharfedale Harriers will be replacing the Keighley duo, but not before they have bowed out with the The Stoop race on Sunday, December 17 and the Auld Lang Syne event on Sunday, December 31.

Among other tribute tweets were Pete Bland Sports: "The sport won’t be the same without you both", and Joe Baxter: "Gutted! Part of the race experience was ur famous presentation antics! I shall make sure I’m hit with a flying sweet at ALS for old time sake!"

Graham Pearce tweeted: "What a pair of legends you are", while Horsforthfellanddale added: "Cheers for putting on some amazing races guys, and taking all the great pictures. All the best."

Ilkley Harriers tweeted: "Life as we know it will cease", while several called it "the end of an era".