‘Running made me feel part of the community’ – Anna Hulme

Anna Hulme and Hazel Crawford at the 4J Awards (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Our 2025 Awards winners

By Aimee Gavin

On Saturday 29 November, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the 4J Annual Awards ceremony.

The Hilton Hotel in Glasgow buzzed with excitement from athletes, coaches, and supporters of scottishathletics andjogscotland. As a result, the energy was truly electric and as each award was announced the excitement seemed to impossibly grow.

The Guest of Honour for the evening was Christine Ohuruogu, who inspired the entire venue during her on-stage interview with Bryan Burnett.

Christine spoke of her own difficulties throughout her journey in athletics, explaining how hardships ultimately propelled her career forward. She showcased her unwavering spirit and love for athletics alongside her wish to help other athletes who faced similar issues.

Her charismatic discussion had many highlights, but her emphasis on documenting her athletics journey resonated with attendees. Christine emphasised how important her past diary entries are to her and even years later, they continue to shape her career and solidify her passion for sport.

Throughout the evening, my goal was to talk to as many attendees as possible with the intention of discovering what element of athletics in Scotland draws them in time and time again.

Anna Hulme receives her jogscotland Achiever of the Year award (photo by Bobby Gavin)

I had the pleasure of speaking with the winner of the jogscotland Achiever of the Year Award, Anna Hulme.

Based in Carluke, Anna reflected upon why she joined her local jogscotland group and how this improved her wellbeing; placing great importance on the community and how valuable sport has become to her.

‘I run because I love to run . . . it helped me feel like part of the community again. I didn’t even expect this tonight, but it’s made everything come together.’ (Anna Hulme)

Anna was both shocked and delighted to receive her well-deserved reward, we spoke about the sense of camaraderie between athletes of all levels and how jogscotland has impacted the lives of countless Scots.

The jogscotland award and inclusion of jogscotland nominees in the 4J Awards has created a sense of companionship between all Scottish athletes and ensures those at any stage have a chance for recognition.

Alongside Anna, I spoke with her award presenter – Hazel Crawford, who has recently started her position as Head of Development and Participation for scottishathletics.

Both Anna and Hazel left me with some advice that I believe encapsulates the sport and community all at once.

‘Do it for the people that can’t.’ (Anna Hulme)

‘Remember the person behind the sport.‘ (Hazel Crawford).

Our Group of the Year winners Southside Slowies

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