Calgary, AB – The running community mourns the loss of Douglas Kyle, a revered figure known for his Olympic achievements and his pivotal role in shaping Calgary’s running landscape. Kyle, a two-time Olympian and the visionary behind the Calgary Marathon and Calgary Track and Field club, tragically passed away at the age of 91.
On a fateful Sunday night, tragedy struck as Kyle was involved in a single-vehicle rollover incident in the city’s southeast. The incident occurred at the intersection of 114 Avenue S.E. and 84 Street S.E., where a blue 2017 Chevrolet Spark, driven by Kyle, veered off the road. Despite being rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, he sadly succumbed to his injuries, leaving a void in both the sports community and the city he loved.
Kyle’s legacy transcends his remarkable athletic achievements. Representing Canada at the 1956 Olympic Games in Australia and the 1960 Games in Rome, he left an indelible mark as a track-and-field athlete specializing in the 5,000m and 10,000m races. His dedication to the sport continued post-retirement when he founded the Calgary Marathon in 1963. Notably, he not only founded the event but also participated in it, clinching the top spot.
Jon Bird, interim executive director with Run Calgary and the host of the marathon, commented on Kyle’s profound impact on the community: “Nineteen people started that race in 1963 and now we have over 10,000 people raising over a million dollars each year to charities, so his impact is pretty profound. What Doug has done is leave us a legacy for how to be involved in the community and how to be a leader within the community and how to shape a community.”
The news of Kyle’s passing sent ripples of sadness through his family, who held him in the highest regard. His son Robert Kyle shared heartfelt words: “We love him and we miss him… By the time we had arrived, he had already passed.” Robert’s son James, speaking about his grandfather’s dedication to the city, said, “He was dedicated to the craft and he was dedicated to the city and he was involved in so many different organizations that we’re still finding out to this day.”
Kyle’s impact extended to the annual CALTAF Father’s Day run, where he was joined by his son and grandson every year. James, reflecting on those cherished moments, expressed his admiration for his grandfather’s commitment: “We used to do the CALTAF Father’s Day run, and the three of us every single year went out and jogged the whole way down… That had taken 30 years of my dad and I running and my son joining us.”
As investigations into the accident continue, the Calgary police urge any witnesses or individuals with dash-cam footage to come forward and assist with the ongoing inquiries.
Douglas Kyle’s legacy as an athlete, community leader, and beloved family member will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those he inspired, and the running community will forever honor his contributions to the sport and the city of Calgary.