Our fun, friendly jogging groups are perfect for people who want to get active for the first time, or more experienced runners. Nobody is “too slow” to join jogscotland –total beginners welcome!
Running has never been so easy! Whatever your age, whatever your ability Morning, noon and night • Towns, cities, villages Parks, pavements, trails, woodlands, beaches, schools and workplaces For more information visit www.jogscotland.org.uk or call 0131 539 7341 www.facebook.com/JogScotty • www.twitter.com/jogscotland
Encouraging employees to be more active makes good business sense. Jogworks can help avoid some of the physical and mental health issues affecting the workplace.
Our welcoming Menopause Friendly groups are committed to flexible sessions and open conversations to help you stay active through this stage of life. Mums on the Run helps mums enjoy the physical, social & psychological benefits of being active outdoors. You can take your wee one to class with you in the buggy too!
It’s one of our favourite times of the year, as we get to celebrate some of the wonderful members, groups and leaders of jogscotland as we highlight our annual award winners (p10).
We also caught up with awards Guest of Honour, Liz McColgan, who shared her own experiences of running, and why she believes programmes like jogscotland are so important (p14).
In November, we were delighted to launch our new strategy, Keep Moving Forward. You can read more about our ambitions for the programme and find out more on p6.
Linked to this, we held the first meeting of our Jog Leader Forum as part of our National Club Conference in October. It was fantastic to have so many groups represented in the room and share some ideas.
Since the last edition, we have also seen many of runners and groups in action. Check out some of our favourite images from the past couple of months on p20.
As we head into 2025, many of our groups will be beginning their next couch to 5k programmes. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support. Or why not try something new in 2025 and become a Jog Leader? We have a number of courses running through the spring in locations across the country (p8).
If you have any news or stories you are looking to share from your personal experience or group, please let me know by emailing jogscotland@scottishathletics.org
Morven Bruce, Editor
p14
Liz McColgan
Marc Fairbairn
jogscotland launches new Strategy
In November, we were delighted to publish jogscotland’s new strategy for 2024-2027, Keep Moving Forward.
For over 20 years jogscotland has trailblazed by providing a local community health and wellbeing programme that excels at getting people active, and keeping them active.
Over 500 jogscotland sessions are delivered each week across Scotland by over 300 Jog Groups in 31 local authorities.
The award-winning programme has pioneered a number of initiatives designed to support runners in their journey, including the ‘I’m Here’ campaign for mental health, menopause friendly jog groups, Mums on the Run programme to support new mothers returning to exercise and the jogworks programme to encourage health and wellbeing in the workplace.
We are grateful for our continued partnership with Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), which has been crucial to the development of this strategy and our ability to maintain the jogscotland programme over the past 8 years.
The new strategy will focus on improving and developing members’ experiences through education, a thriving network, strong partnerships and innovative research.
scottishathletics CEO, Colin Hutchison, said:
“We believe the potential of jogscotland is still to be realised and this ambitious strategy sets out a clear programme for its growth and development,
“Jog Leaders and jogscotland groups remain at the very heart of what we do. Through listening to their needs, supporting and encouraging them, we will work collectively with all stakeholders to delivery this strategy, realise the programme’s potential and provide the stability and ambition that will secure jogscotland’s future for the next 20 years.”
Robert Nesbitt, Head of Physical Activity and Sport at SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), said:
“Physical activity plays an important part in supporting our mental health and jogscotland makes a fantastic contribution to encouraging and facilitating active living throughout Scotland.
“We’re delighted to continue our valuable partnership with jogscotland and excited to support them in their implementation of this new and ambitious strategy.”
Read the full strategy here.
Watch our launch video here.
LiRF Course Dates
Our fun, inspiring course, called Leadership in Running Fitness, is all you need to become a jog leader by setting up your own group, or by helping at an existing group. It is available via blended learning, with four online modules and a half day practical session.
You don’t need to be super-fit to become a jog leader – some of the best leaders are people who were recently beginners themselves and so have real empathy with others who are just starting to get active. The best qualities you can possess are to be enthusiastic, approachable and encouraging to others.
Course Dates:
Location: Glasgow
Starting Date: 18 January 2025
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm
Find Out More
Location: Aberdeen
Starting Date: 8 February 2025
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm
Find Out More
Location: Grangemouth
Starting Date: 8 March 2025
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm
Find Out More
Location: Kilmarnock
Starting Date: 29 March 2025
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm
Find Out More
Location: Motherwell
Starting Date: 26 April 2025
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm
Find Out More
Location: Dunfermline
Starting Date: 27 April 2025
Time: 09:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm
Find Out More
4J Studios Awards 2024
We celebrated the very best of jogscotland 26 October at our 2024 4J Studios scottishathletics and jogscotland Annual Awards.
The inspiring evening at the Glasgow Hilton saw a total of 24 awards presented, as we celebrated the very best of our community, alongside the scottishathletics clubs and athletes that have excelled in the past 12 months.
The evening included the chance to hear from Guest of Honour Liz McColgan, who was interviewed by host Bryan Burnett.
Huge congratulations to all our winners, who were:
Achiever of the Year
- Marc Fairbairn (PAACE Yourself)
Marc started the Couch to 5K programme in late 2023, ultimately aiming to run 10K to raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of a friend. From finding running for 60 seconds a challenge in the beginning, Marc completed his first ever 10K in May this year. One year on from joining PAACE Yourself, Marc has not only completed that 10K, but also a half marathon, showing that anything is possible with determination.
Jog Leader of the Year
- George Findlay (Anster Allsorts)
George inspires his group with his easy-going, approachable style. He is quick to support charity, and has helped members of all ages and abilities to train for fundraising events, celebrating their successes with them along the way. With a focus on inclusion and running for improved fitness and mental health, George is always there to help members through life’s ups and downs.
Group of the Year - Monkton Milers
An inclusive group striving to adapt to the needs of each of its members, Monkton Milers aims to make every member feel valued. Joggers have achieved a range of individual goals since joining the group, from fitness to friendship, and the group has also worked together to raise money for charity. The group’s community work is well known locally, making members proud to be part of Monkton Milers.
Charlie jumped at the chance to become a jog leader, eager to help others with their running and the mental health benefits it can bring. Drawing on his own experiences, he empathetically listens and understands group members’ challenges. Progressing from a walker to a five-times marathoner, Charlie is a role model to his fellow group members and encourages others not to give up.
4J Studios Awards 2024 – a wonderful night
Every year, we are inspired by the stories from all our nominees, which showcase some of the incredible achievements of our groups and their members.
Achiever of the Year
Fi Loveday (Insch jogscotland)
Fi became a marathon runner in 2024, in memory of her late daughter, Hannah. Group members have been encouraged by Fi’s smile and willingness to keep going under challenging circumstances, as well as her honesty about her journey. Fi is described as ‘an inspiration’ by her group members, who are all sure Hannah would be very proud of everything her mum has achieved this year.
Dawn Roden (Longridge jogscotland)
Dawn has an ‘adventurer’s spirit’ and puts her whole heart into everything she does. Several group members can describe times Dawn has supported them to set new distance PBs, chatting with them all the way to make the distance feel much shorter than it actually was. Dawn’s most notable challenge this year was a naked 5K run in London, through which Dawn raised over £1000.
Jog Leader of the Year
Colette Bovill and Elaine Leitch (Jiggly Joggers)
Colette and Elaine have created a fun, welcoming and safe space for members of their group to achieve their goals. Both juggling busy lives, they remain committed to their ‘Jigglies’ family too. Planning sessions for mixed abilities can be a challenge, but both strive to ensure there is ‘no Jiggly left behind’ by ensuring all members support each other and return from each run together.
Rosie McGrane (Killie Striders)
Rosie is described as a ‘total inspiration to the Killie Striders’. Despite dealing with her own health issues this year, Rosie has continued to support her group to achieve their goals in any way she can. Killie Striders has grown under Rosie’s leadership into a welcoming, friendly group. She has encouraged new members to complete their first half marathons this year with infectious enthusiasm.
Group of the Year
The Galavanters
On their 10th anniversary, The Galavanters are celebrating the achievements of hundreds of members, many of whom have now been part of the group for over 5 years. The group offers 4 sessions per week of varying abilities, and plays a huge role in its local community by supporting events and charity projects. The inclusive Galavanters have supported members to reach a range of personal goals and continue to do so through their supportive ethos.
Southside Slowies
Southside Slowies is an outstanding, inclusive group offering a variety of distances and speeds to suit everyone. In addition to the regular thrice weekly runs, jog leaders Phil and Katie organise additional runs and/ or social events like Strava art runs or group park run trips, and are incredibly kind and inclusive. Southside Slowies is a group with friendship and encouragement at its heart.
SAMH Mental Wellbeing Award
Anster Allsorts
Anster Allsorts’ work supporting the St Andrews branch of Guide Dogs has had a huge impact on the charity this year. From supporting blind athletes with participating in recreational running, to facilitating participation in races across the UK, the group has helped to ensure that athletes at higher risk of mental health issues are included in the group’s activities, whilst raising money for charity at the same time.
Shirley Sloan (Killie Striders)
Shirley has been described as “a little ray of sunshine within the Killie Striders family”. Having recently lost her husband under tragic circumstances, Shirley has drawn on the support of family and friends to continue to regularly attend Killie Striders sessions, providing inspiration and encouragement to the rest of the group. She is currently training for a marathon in 2025 and has already raised over £3000 for charity.
Liz McColgan on jogscotland
You can gain that feeling immediately after exercise.
Sometimes motivation can be difficult. It is winter nights and you hesitate to get out. But, if you can, it helps
Liz McColgan running through the Tayside countryside – or indeed the mean streets of Dundee – in her early teens predates the launch of jogscotland by roughly a quarter of a century. Yet surely few observers would dispute she perfectly fits the description as a pathfinder or pioneer for the programme.
Guest of Honour at our awards dinner, the running legend was very keen to highlight the benefits of jogscotland. In those very early years, she was sometimes chased through the streets of Dundee by gangs of youths or stopped and accosted for behaviour that was regarded as very much out of the ordinary. If not downright ‘weird’.
But here we are almost 50 years later with both groups out running or women jogging thankfully now acceptable and commonplace in Scotland’s towns and cities.
‘I started running quite simply by getting a wee pair of shoes and getting out the door,’ Liz told us in a special interview.
‘I didn’t have a great background– my mum and dad were not working, not that much food on the table, electricity shortages. We didn’t have the funds for me to go and do other more expensive sports.
‘Athletics for me at that time was get out the door and run in the countryside. That got me into running and it helped me escape problems at home. From there, that running in the fields became so much more.’
That’s an understatement from the legend that is Liz who in the years that followed amassed medals, records and bit city marathon victories in a stellar career. But that is not our story here.
‘Running helped me mentally at that time,’ she recalled.
‘You can gain that feeling immediately after exercise. Sometimes motivation can be difficult. It is winter nights and you hesitate to get out. But, if you can, it helps.
‘So a programme like jogscotland is really good to encourage that in folk. You can meet with like-mined people and get out and run together. Not necessarily the fittest or the fastest.
‘It then becomes like a social thing and you are all going through it. You don’t have to do it in a group – you can do it on your own.
‘We’re fortunate now in Scotland to have great parks in our towns and cities.
jogscotland‘s programme supports that activity in the community so well and I think the community aspect is huge.’
So what was it like in the late 1970s and early 1980s for a female to run in Dundee housing estates?
‘It has become so much more acceptable for women to go out and run or for groups to go out and run,’ she said.
‘When I started on the streets of Dundee that just was not the case.
‘I used to get stopped in the street an asked ‘What are you doing?’. At times I was followed –and chased – by gangs. Because I was doing something so radical. People seemed to think I was a ‘weirdo’ for being out a run.
‘The truth is there are great benefits to be had and I think women are realising that now. It can help with depression or anxiety or that kind of stuff. Running can release you from all that.
‘Education programmes about the benefits are out there and nowadays people can read all that (which wasn’t the case when I started).
‘There is information there which will help you learn more about weight loss or body image or whatever aspect you want to apply to you.
‘So for me it is really important for general well-being. It is not about winning races. It is about you challenging yourself and getting a feelgood factor about what you are accomplishing.’
Watch the full video interview with Liz.
The truth is there are great benefits to be had and I think women are realising that now. It can help with depression or anxiety or that kind of stuff. Running can release you from all that
Transforming lives with Athletics Trust Scotland
Athletics Trust Scotland looks to improve the wellbeing of the public through our sport and since 2023 has funded grassroots projects through their Transforming Lives programme. From supporting athletes with disabilities, to tackling poverty and improving gender equality, the charity has worked hard with local communities to make running and athletics accessible for all.
The latest Transforming Lives grants were released in September, which saw the return of the highly successful prison rehabilitation campaign at HMP & YOI Grampian in cooperation with Runforever. ATS’ funding helps to provide a run club for the prison with a focus on physical health, mental wellbeing and rehabilitation of inmates and former offenders.
“This running club works as a bridge between prison and the community welcoming at the same time runners from inside and outside the prison, overcoming risks of stigmatisation and in doing so, it enables the formation of a community of support,” said Runforever Chair Mark Hope.
Another inspirational project backed this year comes from Outdoors For You, which has used the grant to allow refugees and asylum seekers the opportunity to race without the barrier of entry and travel costs. Four team members were able to race at the Great Scottish Run thanks to the funding, which will cover race costs for many of their participants over the next year. The sport has helped the refugees and asylum seekers find a community that welcomes them while supporting them through an unpredictable period of their lives.
“The grant will make it possible for our service users to take part in running events in Glasgow and thereby experience the amazing atmosphere and camaraderie at these events,” said Razgar Hassan, Outdoors For You Chief Executive Officer.
With the Paralympic Games fresh in everyone’s minds, many grants this year focused on how to best provide for disabled athletes. Forth Valley Disability Sport will continue the growth of their para athletics team with a grant towards the cost of an entry-level racing wheelchair, providing an opportunity for those not in the sport to practise with no entry cost.
Grampian Disability Sport also had a successful application to cover venue hire costs and support athlete participation expenses over the next two years; while Team East Lothian were awarded money to cover a storage container to hold their frame running equipment.
Scottish Student Sport received support for funding to counter the rising costs of hosting their Scottish Student Championships in athletics, meaning young athletes will still be able to enter their events at reasonable prices.
Other projects supported previously include Elgin AAC’s supplying of running spikes to families, Shettleston Harriers’ provision of travel expenses for athletes from highlydeprived areas to travel UK-wide for competitions, and supporting costs for school athletics clubs at Glendale Primary and St Margaret Mary’s Secondary, with the latter focusing on a space for young girls to enjoy running.
If you would like to support the ongoing work of Athletics Trust Scotland around the country, you can donate on their website by clicking on the button below, and stay updated on social media.
Autumn Adventures
The Galavanters Run 30 Group complete their 10 week block
Anster Allsorts at Tentsmuir Forest Trail event
Taysmilers on tour at the Bilbao Night Half Marathon & 10k
JogForfar attend the Glamis Glow Run
OTR Cumbernauld at Glen Ogle 33
Arbroath Road Runners at Chilli 10k Auchterarder
Longridge jogscotland at Bella 10k
Killie Striders take on the Great Scottish Run
JogForfar attend the Glamis Glow Run
Gavin Bain: Eric Liddell Recognition Award Winner
Throughout 2024, scottishathletics have been recognising and celebrating the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures, Eric Liddell.
As part of the Eric Liddell 100 programme of events and activities, have awarded 20 Eric Liddell Recognition to some of the outstanding individuals that contribute to the sport in Scotland. One of the winners was Gavin Bain from On The Run (OTR) Cumbernauld, who was recognised for his contribution to his jogging group and commitment to running, despite suffering some serious health issues in recent years.
Having retired at the start of 2020, Gavin started running with OTR Cumbernauld that September. With the encouragement of the rest of the Group, he completed his first Parkrun in August 2021, and the following year ran his first half marathon in 28 years.
He completed his Jog Leader training at the end of 2022, going on to lead one of the intermediate groups, where he never missed a single session.
Gavin suffered a cardiac incident during a Saturday group run. Gavin being Gavin, he was keen to get back running as soon as he was able, as he found this was the exercise he enjoyed the most.
Following the doctors advice about easing back into things, Gavin tested worked his way up to a few solo runs before rejoining the group.
In what seemed like no time at all, he was back to entering races and running alongside his fellow group members. As his times began to improve, his confidence and self-belief also began to grow.
Gavin has been a true inspiration as a runner and Jog Leader to so many new members and is a shining example of overcoming obstacles with the right guidance and the support jogscotland provides.
Gavin believes jogscotland has saved his life twice, not just on that fateful Saturday when he fell ill, but again when he rejoined the group.
The confidence he has gained and the friendships Gavin has had to help him overcome his fears and restart his health journey is nothing compared to his determination to be the best version of him.
Unfortunately, in the last few months Gavin has received another blow in the form of a diagnosis of a chronic motor neurone condition. The condition is causing weakness and pain in his legs and as a result he is struggling to run, which had been his saviour in his early recovery days. Despite this, Gavin still supports and encourages runners and promotes the benefits of running to all who will listen.
Speaking about receiving the award, Gavin said:
“I think that this is the first time that I have ever won anything for running in over 40 years, so it was a big surprise and very thoughtful of everybody at OTR Cumbernauld,
“My year as a Jog Leader was by far the best experience I have ever had running, they really are a very special group with loads of encouragement and lots of laughs.”
Read about some of the other winners here.
Book corner
Jog leader with Anster Allsorts, George Findlay, dips into the ever-growing genre of ‘books about running’ and reviews some of his favourites.
Good for a Girl - Lauren Fleshman
This is an enthralling and thought-provoking book giving an insight into the pressures facing young female athletes. Laura is a retired professional runner and a former US 5000 metres champion. The book is partly autobiographical, following the highs and lows of her running career from being an outstanding collegiate athlete to her pursuit of a place in the USA Olympic team. It also examines the coaching system in place in the US.
There is particular emphasis on the health and wellbeing of young female athletes. Many of these athletes struggle with body image, eating disorders, depression, missed periods, stress fractures and anxiety brought about by the pressure to train and perform at an expected level.
Laura suffered from RED-S (relative energy deficiency in sport) syndrome which impairs, amongst other conditions, metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health and immunity. Excessive dieting to be the correct perceived body weight for competition led to Laura underperforming and prone to injury, often underachieving in championship races. Many aspiring young female athletes give up the sport due to these demands.
As a graduate of Stanford University, with a BA in Human Biology, concentrating on “Women’s Health and Athletic Performance”, Laura writes from knowledge and experience. Laura advocates for more female coaches to listen to and understand young athletes’ health issues. After retirement, Laura coached female runners in Littlewing Athletics.
This is a very powerful critique and analysis of how some female athletes can be failed by the male dominated US sports system. I found this really informative, and a must read for anyone interested in women’s running. Highly recommended!
Jogging along
By Craig Wilson
Mince pies & mulled wine don’t need to mean extra miles
I’m pretty sure we have all seen them. They begin to pop up around this time of year. Sometimes they are in magazines, sometimes in online articles, posts on social media. No, not the annual exhortation to bankrupt ourselves splurging on Christmas presents, but the stories about how much exercise it takes to work off any of the festive season excesses.
You know the ones. They have headlines like ‘You would need to run a marathon to burn off Christmas lunch’ or ‘Discover how much exercise you need to do after munching all those mince pies.’ And so on. And they really, really annoy me.
Exercise – whether it is running or not – should not be seen as some kind of punishment for enjoying yourself, and I really feel that is what these articles are about. It’s like they are trying to guilt people into running or going to the gym or out on the bike, or whatever.
Running, for me, is not about simply about burning off the calories. It is much more than that. It is about time with friends, enjoying the fresh air, seeing sights of the city or the countryside or the beach. Yes, there are physical benefits, of course, of being active and pursuing a healthy activity, but that is one element of why I run and being part of a jogscotland group just adds to that sense of wellbeing.
Strong not skinny is a great mantra that has emerged in recent years, supporting people who want to achieve their fitness goals. You do not need to be stick thin to be healthy – great if you are, but trust me, that is not my body shape – and life is about balance; the good and the bad.
It is fine to have the cake or the mince pie or the turkey dinner. It is fine to drink the beer or the big coffee from the shop or the glass of wine at the office party. And when it’s Christmas, it’s totally ok to maybe have a bit more than you would do normally. It is important to enjoy ourselves and have fun with colleagues, friends and family, and to do so without thinking, ‘oh heck, I need to run an extra few miles in the morning to work all this off’.
So if you are scrolling through your social feed and you come across one of these posts, or you spot it in your favourite magazine. My advice? Keep scrolling or turn the page. Put your phone or magazine down. Take a sip from the glass or the cup in front of you, unwrap a guilt free chocolate, and remember all the positive things about the life you lead and the joy which groups like jogscotland bring in so many ways.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year – and here is to some great running adventures ahead in 2025. Now, where did I leave my glass of mulled wine?
Get fit and have fun with our sociable, supportive jogging groups for all levels – beginners welcome! Affordable, friendly sessions with trained Jog Leaders.
Find your nearest group at www.jogscotland.org.uk/local-groups
