We reveal our shortlists for the jogscotland Awards 2023!

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We are delighted to announce the shortlists for the jogscotland Annual Awards 2023. Huge thanks to everybody who took the time to make a nomination this year – incredibly, we received more than 200 across the four categories!

We can now reveal the shortlists for the awards – the winners will be announced at the 4J Studios scottishathletics and jogscotland Annual Awards, at the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow, on Saturday 28 October. It promises to be a fantastic night, with our Guest of Honour this year being Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete, Eilidh Doyle.

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

Ruairidh Currie (Carluke jogscotland)
Ruairidh first met members of Carluke jogscotland during a parkrun takeover by the group, when he was at the back of the field and got chatting to the tailrunner, who invited him along. He started out as a beginner, but progressed so quickly that he soon skipped to intermediate level, and in no time was keeping up with the advanced runners. He even changed jobs to make sure he would be free to join the group on a Wednesday night. He is described as “a great demonstration of what jogscotland can help runners achieve.”

Emma Louise Chegwyn (Ellon Sole Mates)
After suffering hearing loss, balance issues, sickness, and numbness, Emma underwent a seven hour brain surgery in October 2022 to remove a very large benign tumour wrapped around her brain and nerves. She has permanently lost hearing in one ear, and her balance was compromised after surgery, but having learned to walk again, she joined Ellon Soul Mates walkers. She quickly progressed to Learn to Run, and is now an intermediate runner. She inspires the rest of the group with her bravery and her lust for life.

Louise Wilson (Killie Striders)
In the spring of 2022, Louise had diabetes, would get out of breath easily, and couldn’t manage any form of exercise. She then began a weight loss journey, and began jogging in January of this year. This year, she’s gone from being completely inactive to completing 10K runs, raising hundreds of pounds for the nursery where she works in the process. She has grown in confidence and is an inspiration to her jogscotland friends.

Jog Leader of the Year

Craig Wilson (jogscotland Bridge of Don)
Craig’s unwavering dedication and passion for running have inspired numerous individuals on their running journeys. He consistently sacrifices his own runs to support and uplift fellow runners, both at group sessions and during races. He reaches beyond his immediate community by writing a blog about his running experiences, where his candid and relatable storytelling resonates with readers, fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie.

Michael Gowans (Migo Run Club)
Michael creates sessions that are fun and engaging, taking time to explain the purpose of each session and making sure they can be tailored to different ability levels. He listens to, and acts on feedback, and makes adaptations accordingly. He has hosted collections for local foodbanks and the charity Refuweegee. His sessions are described as ‘the perfect tonic’, and he is praised as a jog leader with selfless dedication, and a fantastic motivator.

Paolo Maccagno (Runforever, HMP Grampian)
Paolo leads a running group at HMP Grampian, which aims to help act as a bridge between life inside and outside the prison, particularly in hope of reducing reoffending rates among those who leave. So far around 70 prisoners have been involved, along with 10 prison staff and several partner organisations. The group delivered 68 running sessions, and organised several fun runs and 5K races both inside and outside the prison. Sessions included watching inspiring videos, opening up conversations about issues such as mental health and addiction. The project also involved several radio shows about the group and about running.

Group of the Year

Carluke jogscotland
Carluke jogscotland has been running since 2011, but in the last year has made a real effort to get more involved in its local community. The group have completed two parkrun takeovers, have collected donations for their local foodbank, and took part in the town’s Gala Day in fancy dress. They took part in the first National Running Week arranged by Athletics Trust Scotland, with a special run along the Clyde Valley, and continue to reach out to the community, having recently made connections with their local Men’s Shed. This is in addition to running sessions for all abilities, supporting the health and wellbeing of the town.

Fenwick Striders
Fenwick Striders cater to runners of all abilities, and the group’s activities have brought a real buzz to their village. The group has helped many members who have battled sickness, mental health issues and bereavements. Members volunteer at their local parkrun, as well as taking part in events further afield. They are a key part of the town’s Gala Day, and have strong connections with other local jogscotland groups.

Glasgow FrontRunners
Glasgow FrontRunners are an inclusive group for LGBTQ+ runners. As well as offering sessions for runners of all levels, they organise events such as the Outrun race in Kelvingrove Park, which this year welcomed more than 500 participants and 100 volunteers. Nominations praised the group as “a place of total belonging”, a real community which is supportive of members’ wellbeing. Free runs are offered for refugees, and there is a programme for offering pre-loved running kit to those who need it.

SAMH Mental Wellbeing Award

Anster Allsorts
The Allsorts know the positive impact that their group can have on members’ mental wellbeing: One of their joggers has described to leaders how they had made plans to die by suicide – but said that coming to the first session of an Allsorts Couch to 5K, and having fun, had been the turning point for them. They are still an active member and recently ran their first half marathon. The group has signed up to the SAMH Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport, and actively encourages the five ways to better wellbeing. Social events and community connections give the group a supportive, family feel.

Janet Farren (Killie Striders)
Since Janet’s husband Brian was diagnosed with cancer, they have been through a long and difficult fight. However, despite the stress and uncertainties in her life, Janet continues to attend Killie Striders every week. The group has been a constant in supporting her mental wellbeing, giving her the space and strength to focus on supporting her husband. Fellow joggers allowed her to have space if she needed it, but offered an ear to listen, checked in with her, and never shied away from helping her face difficult traumatic times. Janet is described as “a total inspiration” by other members, and in return she praises the support system the group provides, and is proud to be part a move towards mental health awareness becoming the norm rather than the exception.

Newton Road Runners
In August 2021, a member of Newton Road Runners, Cat Gaskell, sadly lost her life as a result of mental health difficulties. In the aftermath, the club decided to take steps to help members in future. All their coaches and leaders attended a First Aid Mental Health Awareness course. The club have an organised 3k/10K annual event to celebrate Cat’s life and raise awareness and funds for mental health charities. In 2022 they raised money for the charity Penumbra Mental Health. This year it will raise money for SAMH, as the club has now become a signatory to SAMH’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport. Newton Road Runners want to promote awareness of mental health and hopefully support their members where possible.