Mural unveiled to Hyde running champion Ron Hill

A mural has been created at Hyde Central station, displaying a welcome message and image of the legendary runner, Dr Ron Hill.

With support of funding from train operators, the street art has been commissioned by the South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership, in collaboration with Ron Hill’s family and local partners.  

Ron put Hyde on the world map with his immense running achievements. He won gold medals in the marathon at the 1969 European Championships held in Athens and the 1970 Commonwealth Games, which was held in Edinburgh.

He also founded his own running clothing brand in Hyde in 1970, the headquarters of which remains in Hyde to this day.

Ron laid claim to the longest streak of consecutive running – every day for 52 years and 39 days from 1964 to 2017.

Since Ron Hill’s death in 2021 at the age of 82, there has been a strong local desire to pay tribute in the form of a mural of statue. 

Artist, Lionel Stanhope, has also created murals for a number of stations in south London and his style of work was particularly suited to the space, with many of his murals being painted directly onto brickwork in his distinctive railway heritage style.   

Cllr Peter Robinson, vice chairman of South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership, said, “I found it fascinating watching the artists, Lionel Stanhope and his daughter Ruby, working on the Hyde Central mural. From laying the base coat, the mapping out of where the lettering was going, it looked more like a scientific experiment to the actual painting.“I was very pleased that Steve Hill, Ron Hill’s son, came along and spent time speaking with Lionel.

“I have had such positive feedback on the finished mural which is the largest one in Greater Manchester”.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: “This fantastic mural is a fitting tribute to a man who will always be remembered as a local hero in Hyde.  

 “We’re proud to work closely with partners such as South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership, who are committed to improving stations for our customers.”