Chris Brasher CBE, co-founder of the London Marathon, has died at the age of 74.
Brasher won Olympic gold in 1956
Brasher was president of London Marathon Limited and won an Olympic gold medal in 1956 in the steeplechase.
He also acted as pace-maker when Roger Bannister became the first man to break the four-minute barrier for the mile in 1954.
"Chris was gallant and brave right to the end, he had won so many battles in his life," Bannister said.
"We had more than 50 years of friendship, (Chris) Chataway, Brasher and I, and we mourn him and grieve for his family.
"He did so much for Britain, from his incomparable Olympic gold medal to founding the London Marathon and preserving tracts of countryside.
"We will miss him," he said.
Inspired by the success of the New York marathon, Brasher co-founded the London marathon which was first run in 1981.
"Chris was one of those rare individuals that could make things happen," commented London Marathon Chairman Jim Clarke.
"Without him the race would not have got off the ground.
"It is also worth remembering that the hundreds of millions of pounds raised for charity through the Marathon are directly attributable to him.
"He will be sorely missed by all of us at the Marathon."
Brasher won recognition for his founding role when he accepted a CBE in 1996 while John Major was Prime Minister.
Sports Minister Richard Caborn said: "Chris was undoubtedly one of the most influential and well-liked British athletes of any generation.
"His lasting legacy will of course be the London Marathon that he co-founded - a fantastic event run by thousands and benefiting millions all over the world."
Brasher, who died at his home in Berkshire, was also a prominent racehorse owner.
His horses included Heart, who won the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton in 2000.