Jubilant Joggers Have Their Night
The 2022 jogscotland Annual Award winners were announced at the weekend...
The stalwarts and success stories of Scottish running were celebrated in style at the weekend's jogscotland Awards which were held at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel on Saturday night. With host, Bryan Burnett, and special guests Geoff Wightman and Katharine Merry, it was a fantastic night to reflect on a special year for athletics and running in Scotland.
Speaking about the jogscotland winners, a spokesperson said: "The stars of the show were all the award winners – the joggers, jog leaders and groups who have gone above and beyond to make the jogscotland community such a special place.
"Congratulations also to all the nominees – with more than 170 nominations received across all the jogscotland categories this year, earning a place on the shortlists is a special achievement."
So who were the big winners on the night? Group of the Year went to Killie Striders which has been operating for 10 years but since leader Rosie McGrane took over a year ago, membership has gone from 30 joggers to 100+. The group is described as welcoming, encouraging and friendly, with new members put at ease within moments. This is the sort of group where joggers wait by the finish for the final runner to cross the line no matter how long it takes!
The jogscotland 20th Anniversary Achiever award went to Jim Glennie of On The Run Cumbernauld. Jim has been an inspiration to runners in Cumbernauld since the early days of jogscotland, initially leading a group with North Lanarkshire Leisure, then setting up the independent OTR Cumbernauld 10 years ago. His quiet, unassuming manner is described as very supportive and encouraging to the hundreds of joggers he has led over the years. A runner himself since the early ‘80s, Jim has decades of experience and shares it generously.
Jog Leader of the Year was won by Rachel Cox of Monkton Milers. One Monkton Miler commented: "Rachel’s enthusiasm and energy is electric.” She is a dedicated jog leader who supports her group members and gets involved in a wide range of jogscotland initiatives. On top of being a mum and working full-time for the NHS, Rachel is a selfless jog leader who can challenge and encourage every member of her group regardless of their background or ability.
The SAMH Mental Wellbeing Award went to Catriona Whitelaw of Milestones jogscotland. Cat is a popular jog leader who has supported joggers through beginners’ nerves and anxiety to build their confidence and reach significant milestones in their running. She has helped members through difficulties such as illness and bereavement and always takes the time to listen. She and the group regularly fundraise for charity, most recently raising over £2000 for the hospital ward where a group member has received treatment.
You can read more about all the winners over on the jogscotland website.
Image: Bobby Gavin/jogscotland