Great Scottish Run competitor dies one week after race as tributes paid

Callan Thain died aged 29 one week after competing in the Great Scottish Run.

10:32, 19 Oct 2025Updated 11:22, 19 Oct 2025

Callan Thain(Image: Facebook/Joe Dawson’s Funeral Home)

Tributes have been paid to a “beloved” NHS worker who tragically died after participating in the Great Scottish Run.

Callan Thain, 29, passed away on Sunday, October 5, just one week after the event in Glasgow city centre.

The NHS Ayrshire and Arran staff member’s passing was announced on social media by undertakers in his hometown of Buckie.

The post read: “With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Callan, in Glasgow, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, aged 29 years.

“Beloved fiancé of Megan, cherished son of Malcolm and Lorraine Thain, much loved brother of Evan and a loving grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.

Great Scottish Run 2025(Image: JSHPIX )

“A celebration of Callan’s life will be held at the Fishermen’s Hall, Buckie, on Wednesday, October 22, at 1pm, thereafter to Buckie West Cemetery, to which all are welcome.

“Family flowers only please, donations if so desired, may be given in lieu, in aid of CRY and Feeling Blue.

“Please wear a splash of red in loving memory of Callan. He will be forever in our hearts.”

Family and friends have shared tributes to the popular NHS worker.

Richard Charlwood wrote: “Just under ten years ago I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a young man named Callan Thain and tasked with marking his Specialist Portfolio in Biomedical Science.

“I was always impressed by his strong work ethic and during my time marking it I could tell he was going to go far, definitely a future Senior Chief in the making I thought.

“Sadly, Callan passed away last week after taking part in the Great Scottish Run and this tragic event has affected us all deeply.

“Callan was always a happy, genuine young man who always had time for people.

“He would never dismiss you if you needed help. He was liked by everyone. His passing is a tragedy.

“The world would certainly be a better place if there had been more people like him in it.

“I’ll see you again one day my friend, so sorry that you were taken from us too soon.”

Frances Ewan wrote: “Such a huge loss for all who knew and loved Callan. He was just the most lovely young man, an outstanding and talented individual who was taken too soon. Our thoughts are very much with Megan, with Callan’s mum, dad and family, and all his friends and colleagues. Much love, Frances and the NHS A&A UNITE reps.”

A statement from NHS Ayrshire & Arran said: “We were saddened to hear of the untimely passing of our colleague Callan Thain. We send our deepest condolences to Callan’s family at this time.

“Callan was an outstanding young man and an outstanding scientist. He was a valued and highly regarded colleague and will be sorely missed by so many colleagues across NHS Ayrshire & Arran.”

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