2026 McGhee’s jogscotland Awards shortlists announced

We are delighted to announce the shortlists for the 2026 McGhee’s jogscotland Awards.

We received 129 nominations across the four categories, a 28% increase on last year, so a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate.

The winners will be announced at the 4J Studios scottishathletics and jogscotland Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday 14 November.

Taking place at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow, it promises to be a fantastic night, with our Guest of Honour this year being former World and European Champion, Tom McKean.

Tickets for the awards dinner are now on sale, and it is possible to secure a whole table for your jog group. So, if someone in your group has been named as a finalist, why not make a night of it and come and celebrate together!

Congratulations to all the shortlisted nominees, who represent a wonderful snapshot of the achievements and sense of community that are at the heart of jogscotland. We can’t wait to celebrate with you in Glasgow!

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The shortlisted nominees are:

McGhee’s Achiever of the Year

This award is for someone who has overcome great odds to get active, who is inspiring others or has achieved more than they ever thought possible on their running journey.

Elizabeth Bell (Carluke Jogscotland)

Elizabeth is a valued member of Carluke JogScotland, having joined in 2014. From completing her first 18-minute block, she has progressed to half marathons, including the Scottish Half Marathon in Edinburgh in 2019, and the Great Scottish Run 10K in Glasgow. She is a committed participant in social and community events and is now, at 68, training as a Jog Leader, determined to support and encourage others, and show that age is no barrier.

Jacqueline Lennon (Killie Striders)

Jacqueline joined Killie Striders in 2024, aged 62, following her recovery from breast cancer, with the goal of running a 5K. Since then, this ‘pocket rocket’ has completed numerous 10Ks and half marathons, her first marathon in Manchester in 2025, the Edinburgh Marathon and Run the Blades Ultra in 2026, plus races in Malaga and Iceland. She has also raised significant funds for breast cancer charities and continually inspires others.

Jamie Thomson (Jogscotland Insch)

In just over a year, Jamie has progressed from completing Couch to 5K and his first 5K to running 10Ks, half marathons, marathons and ultras. He has also become a Jog Leader, supporting and encouraging others to achieve their goals. Alongside his own remarkable progress, Jamie raises money for charities and causes close to his heart. His determination, generosity and commitment to inspiring others make his journey truly remarkable.

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McGhee’s Jog Leader of the Year

Nominees are current and active jogscotland Jog Leaders who are making a positive impact within their local jog community.

Emma Keery (Rhins Runners)

A longstanding member of Rhins Runners, Emma qualified as a Jog Leader in 2025 and has quickly become an invaluable asset to the club. She supported the 2026 Couch to 5K programme before establishing a popular Sunday Social run, now offering two distance options to encourage runners of all abilities. Her encouragement, kindness and dedication have strengthened club numbers, fostered connection and helped members believe they can achieve their running goals.

Sandy Rintoul (Airdrie Jogscotland)

Sandy is a consistent and dedicated Jog Leader, supporting Airdrie’s advanced group week after week with encouragement, motivation and good humour. He recently helped a group of runners prepare for and complete their first half marathon, even giving up his own Saturday evenings to help them build mileage. Always welcoming to newcomers and supportive of regulars, Sandy gives runners the confidence to take on challenges they may never have considered possible.

Jock Steele (Killie Striders)

Now in his 70s, Jock remains an enthusiastic runner and hugely popular Jog Leader with Killie Striders. He leads the Progressive group with unwavering commitment, attending sessions in all weathers and continually encouraging and supporting runners. Even while recovering from his own injury, Jock continues to give his time and expertise to others. His kindness, friendship and genuine care have inspired countless runners and made him a valued member of the club.

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SAMH Mental Wellbeing Award

This special award is for someone who has used jogging to improve their own or others’ mental wellbeing and can be an individual member,  jog leader or jog group.

Monkton Milers

With around 130 members, Monkton Milers is a community built on genuine friendship, care and inclusion. Every member is made to feel welcome and supported, with fellow runners going above and beyond to check in on those who have been absent, including making house calls during difficult times. This strong sense of community and connection has helped many members continue their running journey while building lasting friendships and confidence.

Jog On Turning Point Scotland

Since the beginning of 2026, Jog On has welcomed more than 200 people in the early stages of addiction recovery, with around 20 attending regularly each week. A partnership between Turning Point Scotland and Coach Colin Thomas, the group uses running to build confidence, resilience and belonging. Members have completed the Great Scottish Run, with others training as Jog Leaders, demonstrating the power of community, recovery and positive change.

Bobby Yates (Toni’s Tigers)

After being encouraged to try parkrun following a difficult period after his wife’s death, Bobby has transformed his fitness and confidence. Initially walking, he progressed to running the full course and regularly setting PBs, before joining Toni’s Tigers. He has since completed 10K races and the anchor leg of a River Ayr ultramarathon relay. Bobby also regularly volunteers at parkrun and junior parkrun, supporting and encouraging others.

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McGhee’s Jog Group of the Year

This award is for community or workplace groups that demonstrate membership engagement and growth, health improvement and any other achievements.

Jiggly Joggers

Founded in 2018, Jiggly Joggers has grown into a thriving community of more than 100 women, creating an inclusive, supportive space where every runner and walker is welcome. From Couch to 5K to 10Ks, half marathons, marathons and ultras, members are encouraged to achieve their goals at their own pace. More than a running group, Jiggly Joggers provides friendship, confidence, wellbeing and belonging, with their motto proudly remaining: “No Jiggly left behind.”

Jogscotland Methlick

Celebrating its fifth birthday, jogscotland Methlick has grown from a Covid-era running group into a thriving rural community of 15–20 regular members. Alongside twice-yearly Couch to 5K programmes, members have progressed to half marathons and beyond. The group organises local running events, supports the local school run club, and brings members together through adventures including the annual Summer Solstice run and “Beat the Bus”.

Victoria Park City of Glasgow Road Runners

Since 2018, Victoria Park Road Runners has grown into one of Glasgow’s most inclusive running communities, with membership increasing 34% in the last two years and around 180 runners attending sessions. Its Couch to 5K programme now runs three times annually, supported by 24 volunteer Jog Leaders. Members progress from first steps to 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons, while parkrun events, volunteering and social activities strengthen the wider community.

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