Kerryn McCann wins the marathon at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Greg McCann outside the Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre with Cooper, 23 months, Benton, 11, and Josie, 5. Picture: DAVE TEASE

Almost nine months after his wife died of cancer, Greg McCann has told how he is still struggling with the loss and how tough it is to watch runners line up for a marathon.The father of three was the guest of honour yesterday at the official renaming of the Beaton Park track as the Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre."This is a celebration but it is tough at the same time," Mr McCann said.

SLIDESHOW: Kerryn McCann, an intimate portrait

SLIDESHOW: Kerryn McCann, 1967-2008"You don't really want to move on, but you find a way to get through it."Mr McCann said their three children - Benton, Josie and Cooper - were doing well but were each dealing with different challenges."It is difficult and it will be for a long time," he admitted.The family celebrated a number of birthdays and anniversaries soon after Christmas within a month of Kerryn's death. But Mr McCann said the family gatherings were not as hard to face as the marathons."When I went to the Sydney half-marathon I knew that would be tough," he said."She would always be the focus of our attention and our reason for being there. But seeing the other girls line up out there, and her not being there, that was hard."Mr McCann's strength earned praise from family and friends after he stood with Wollongong City Council general manager David Farmer to unveil the plaque naming the athletics centre.The ceremony was watched by competitors and spectators attending the Illawarra All Schools Championships. "It is with a mix of sadness and joy I stand here today," Mr Farmer said."She was an incredible athlete. She represented Australia in three Olympic Games and three Commonwealth Games, winning two Commonwealth gold medals in 2002 and 2006," he added.He noted that Kerryn was the only woman awarded the keys to the city.Track legend Raelene Boyle described Kerryn in a written tribute as "an ordinary person who had an extraordinary talent to run marathons". Mr McCann said it was ironic that although Kerryn would have been thrilled by the honour, she probably wouldn't have wanted such a fuss."When she would come home, she was straight out of her tracksuits and into her jeans so she would blend in," he said.Mr McCann said the renaming of the track, which Kerryn first ran on when it was just grass, was "really special". "I am proud to see her name up here. I don't think it has sunk in for the kids, but they will appreciate it more when they are older," he predicted.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

$0/

(min cost $0)

or signup to continue reading

See subscription options

Greg McCann on life after Kerryn

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Get the latest Wollongong news in your inbox