Denys Gumbley, from Barry, received the Welsh Athletics Meritorious Award 40 years after his death in recognition of more than 15 years of service to the sport.
His family and friends recently accepted the honour, which was awarded following a nomination by his former teaching colleague, Peter Morris.
Councillor Ian Johnson, Mr Gumbley’s grandson, said: “It was a great surprise to find that my grandfather had been nominated for this Welsh Athletics Award, without our knowledge as a family.
“It was heart-warming to meet up with his friends and colleagues many decades after his death and chat about his contribution to school cross-country locally and across Wales, and we really appreciate them taking the time to submit this application so many years after Denys’ death.”
Mr Gumbley was a maths teacher who organised schools’ cross-country events across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
He volunteered at the 1958 Empire Games and served as fixtures secretary for schools athletics meetings until his retirement in around 1984/85.
Known for maintaining meticulous records of individual results and timings, his work has become part of the athletics archive in Wales.
His legacy continues through the Denys Gumbley Shield, an annual schools award for pupils in Cardiff and the Vale, and the Denys Gumbley Award, presented by the Welsh Schools Athletic Association.
Councillor Johnson and his mother, Janet, accepted the award on behalf of the family.
They were joined by Mick McGeoch of Les Croupiers Running Club and Mr Morris.
