We are delighted to announce the shortlists for the 2024 4J Studios jogscotland Annual Awards.

We received more than 130 nominations across the four categories this 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 on Saturday 26 October.

Taking place at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow, it promises to be a fantastic night, with our Guest of Honour this year being Scottish endurance legend, Liz McColgan.

Tickets for the awards dinner are available now, 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, they 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!

The shortlisted nominees are:

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Charlie Wood (Insch jogscotland)
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.

Buy tickets for our Annual Awards dinner.

Last year’s Group of the Year winners, Carluke (Photo: Bobby Gavin)