A blue plaque has been unveiled on Douglas Promenade in honour of a leading figure in Manx sport. 

The Mayor of Douglas joined the family of Murray Lambden on Douglas Promenade on Friday. 

Jon Joughin said: "Murray was a dedicated sportsman who achieved international status at race walking, representing the Isle of Man in the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane in 1982 and also Great Britain on a number of occasions.

"He won the Parish Walk in 1978; the End to End Walk in 1981 and was runner-up in the British 100km Road Walk Championships in the same year.

"He held Manx race walking records over all distances from 3kms to 50kms. At the time of his death he held Isle of Man records for various distances in 45, 50 and 55 year age groups.

"Murray was also a sports administrator. He set up, funded and maintained the Manx Athletics website, developed the live streaming website for the Parish Walk and was a central figure in the Manx Harriers Club.

"His websites are so special they have been preserved by the British Library.

"Murray was an inspiration to many Manx sportspeople, leading by example and assisting in the promotion and improvement of Manx sportsmen and women, giving them the opportunity to compete against athletes on the international stage."

The council says it chose to locate the plaque near to the Parish Walk finish line in recognition of Murray's success in, and love of, the event. 

Only two other blue plaques have been unveiled on the Isle of Man - one for Archibald Knox and one for the Bee Gees.