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!
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!
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 jogscotland@scottishathletics.org.uk www.facebook.com/JogScotty • www.twitter.com/jogscotland
Our welcoming Menopause Friendly groups are committed to flexible sessions and open conversations to help you stay active through this stage of life.
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.
Morven Bruce Marketing & Digital Communications Manager
Evie
Welcome!
by Sue Gyford
Stride magazine | Autumn 2025
Welcome to the Autumn 2025 edition of Stride magazine!
I’m delighted to be stepping back into the editor’s shoes for this edition – it’s lovely to have the chance tell some inspiring jogscotland stories once again.
Many of our members will have taken part in parkrun – but have you ever volunteered? It’s not just a great way to support the event – it’s tremendous fun, too. You can do it as an individual, or take the whole jog group along, like Anster Allsorts recently did –they tell us all about it on page 8.
jogscotland has always been an advocate of physical activity for everyone, no matter what age, shape, or size you might be. So it’s wonderful to see jog leader Beth Smith taking the message to a new platform, appearing on the Runner’s World podcast to talk about body positivity and running. She has some great things to say – have a read on page 17, and do listen in to the full podcast if you can!
We wrote about Runforever – the charity supporting prisoners at HMP Grampian – back in the Summer 2023 edition of Stride magazine. Since then, they’ve continued to thrive, so it’s brilliant to drop in on them again, with jog leader Paolo Maccagno telling us all about The Silent Run. The event gives participants the chance to remember their lost loved ones, as well as building connections between those inside and outside the prison. Find out more on page 12.
Finally - it’s time to put your thinking caps on, and make your nominations for this year’s Annual Awards! It’s a wonderful time of year, when the people and groups that really make jogscotland special are celebrated. The Awards can only happen with your help, so turn to page 10 and start nominating!
Sue Gyford, Editor
p17
p12
Beth Smith
Paolo Maccagno
Anster Allsorts
News and events
Annual Awards – nominate now!
Nominations are now open for the 2025 jogscotland Annual Awards - and we need you to tell us which individual and groups really deserve celebrating! Nominations are sought in four categories – Achiever of the Year, Jog Leader of the Year, Group of the Year, and the SAMH Mental Wellbeing award.
Nominations close at 4pm on Monday 29 September, and the Awards night itself will be held on 29 November at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel.
Turn to page 10 to find out more!
Solstice session
JogScotland Methlick celebrated the longest day with a fantastic Solstice Run. Seventeen runners took part, starting at 10pm and running through the night. Distances covered ranged from 10K (which actually turned out to be 13K!), to the full marathon, running loops around Methlick, including Haddo House (a stop in the gardens there pictured on our front cover!) and Gight Woods. It was a hot night, making jog leader Liz Campbell all the more proud of her members for taking part!
Become a jog leader
Could you inspire others to get fit and stay active?
We have plenty of opportunities to train as a jog leader this autumn. Our course blends online learning with an in-person practical session, giving you all you need to know to set up your own jogscotland group, or lead with an existing group.
You don’t have to be fast to be a jog leader - the most important thing is to have a passion for inspiring others to get active.
We have sessions in Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Kilmarnock, Grangemouth and Glasgow this year - for more details, see https://jogscotland.org.uk/jog-leaders/jog-leader-courses/
Colourful Killie
Members of Killie Striders brought the rainbow to Onthank Primary School, acting as marshals for the pupils’ colour run in June.
Jog leader Rosie McGrane said: “What a fantastic afternoon some of our fabulous Killie Striders had at Onthank Primary School’s colour run. They marshalled and made sure every child went home looking like they had been attacked by a rainbow. As always they took it too far and came home looking like exploded rainbows too! A great day was had by all and what a great way to get our children out running and having fun doing it.”
Membership changes
As you will hopefully have seen via email, jogscotland has moved to a new membership system, JustGo. You should have received instructions in your inbox on how to log in to the new system for the first time and access or renew your membership.
We have also introduced a new optional paid membership, called jogscotland Premium, priced at £12 per year. This new tier offers a range of valuable benefits, including premium discounts within the Endurance Zone rewards programme, and access to education and learning through our Jog Group Education Programme. Find out more…
Become a parkrun volunteer!
Everyone knows about parkruns, which are weekly 5Ks organised by volunteers. It is a bit of a miracle really given that huge numbers of volunteers are needed every Saturday morning but it works! There are also junior parkruns on Sundays needing even more volunteers!
So why do people volunteer at parkrun? There are many answers including
• It makes me happy
• I feel really appreciated
• I know my encouragement makes a difference
• Volunteering is relaxing
• It gets me out in the park early at the weekend
• I volunteer with my kids/friends/jogging group which is fun
• It counts towards my milestone T-shirt
Anster Allsorts in their usual running kit…
And please don’t just take parkrun’s word for it .
George Findlay is a Jog Leader who regularly organises volunteer takeovers by Anster Allsorts members at St Andrews parkrun. What does he say?
“I find volunteering at parkruns inspiring, seeing all ages and abilities enjoying the shared experience, whether running, jogging or walking. It’s a great way to promote exercise for all the family.”
So if you want inspiration, or maybe just an enjoyable exercise-free day, why not give it a go?
There are lots of different roles - tail walker, timekeeper, funnel manager, bar code scanner, marshal, all of which are easy to do so there are no worries about doing it right.
So what do I do to sign up as a volunteer?
Just register here Check out your local parkrun at events and follow the guidance on the volunteering tab marked ‘Getting involved’. You can decide what you want to do, when you want to do it and how often. You can come on your own or bring a friend, your dog (5K only), your family, your jogscotland group, you decide!
In parkrun volunteering has equal status to other types of participation with a similar milestone club scheme. Once you have completed a specific number of volunteering activities you can join the 25V, 100V or the 250V club etc. and wear your T-shirt with pride.
parkrun welcomes all to run, jog, walk or volunteer regardless of age or fitness level but reserves volunteering for those who really want to do it - just for the sheer joy involved!
Go on, join the crew - you know that you want to!
…and all ready to be parkrun volunteers!
4J Annual Awards – nominate now!
It’s that wonderful time of year again - when we look to you, the jogscotland members, to make nominations for our exciting Annual Awards!
With four categories open for nominations, we want to hear all about the incredible people who really make jogscotland special. From beginner joggers who have overcome the odds to get active for the first time, to experienced jog leaders who go above and beyond to encourage others, we want to know about them!
Winners will be announced at the 4J scottishathletics and jogscotland Annual Awards Dinner, held at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel on Saturday 29 November.
Click to nominate now
Nominations close at 4pm on Monday 29 September
Our 2024 winners…
Charlie Wood, SAMH Mental Wellbeing Award Winner
Marc Fairbairn, Achiever of the Year
George Findlay, Jog Leader of the Year
Bryan Burnett will be our host. Image: Bobby Gavin
Milers, Group of the Year
The categories are:
Achiever of the Year
This award will celebrate someone who has overcome great odds to get active; who is inspiring others; or who has achieved more than they ever thought possible on their running journey. You may nominate anyone who is a current jogscotland member. A fellow group member, Jog Leader, family member or friend can make a nomination for the Achiever Award
Jog Leader of the Year
This award will recognise someone who has gone above and beyond to be a great inspiration to their joggers, or who has overcome particular challenges to lead their group. A group member, fellow jog leader, family member or friend can make a nomination for the Jog Leader Award. Nominees must be qualified, registered jogscotland Jog Leaders who hold an up to date licence.
Group of the Year
For this award, you can nominate your own group and tell us why you think your group should receive the award. Please include the history of the group, numbers taking part in group sessions, stories about the Jog Leaders and jogscotland members, health improvement achievements, and anything else you’re proud that your group has worked together to achieve. This is category open to both jogscotland community groups and workplace groups.
SAMH Mental Wellbeing Award
This award will celebrate a person or group that has used jogging to improve their own or others’ mental wellbeing. This could be, for example, running a project that addresses physical activity and mental wellbeing; an individual overcoming their own mental health challenges to get active with jogscotland; or creating a group that supports wellbeing conversations and is welcoming to those facing mental health issues. Nominees can be an individual member, a jog leader or a jog group.
Monkton
The Silent Run
By Jog Leader Paolo Maccagno, Runforever
Competing and looking for a personal best are not the only things runners do. Many runners dedicate their marathons and long distance runs to the memory of a loved one. They might write stories, poems or eulogies to print on their T-shirts, or bring memorial objects with them on their runs.
Runforever is a charity working to bring the physical and mental benefits of running to those in prison, and to build a bridge with the outside world. After two years of working at Her Majesty’s Prison Grampian (HMPG), Runforever organised the first edition of The Silent Run, a memorial run, marking To Absent Friends Week with the collaboration of ACE Voices, Familiesoutside and the support from different funders including To Absent Friends and Athletics Trust Scotland
It took place in two parts, to involve and connect the prison community and the community outside the prison. Participants from both communities were invited to join and dedicate their run (or walk) to someone they love, or to remember and celebrate absent friends, family members or loved ones who died in prison or elsewhere.
In prison we hear many stories acknowledging that people here often die alone, with no real celebration, with no families and friends around and with few possibilities to grieve for their loved ones when they die. The Silent Run was a starting point for opening and allowing a space for grieving for people in custody.
The outside session was at Heatheryburn School, Northfield in Aberdeen. It featured a performance by Aberdeen’s Intergenerational Choir to record the song Travel These Ways, dedicated to people in prison, and was followed by a run around the playground.
The inside session at HMPG featured art practice and tribute-making sessions with the ACE Voices choir in the weeks before the event. On 7 November 2024, a memorial run took place followed by listening to the recorded song and some singing together.
The inspiration of our work in prison comes from the idea of the wall of the marathon.
Psychotherapist Francis Weller, author of a book about grief called The Wild Edge of Sorrow, tells us that grief can be also a wall, “When we enter the territory of sorrow, especially in those times of intense grief, it feels like we are surrounded by a thick and impenetrable wall of stone”. continues over
A similar sensation is familiar to marathon runners facing the wall of the marathon around the 35th km when they can hit a limit of endurance and collapse for mental or physical exhaustion. It can be challenging and disorienting but also educational and transformative. There is hope in the wall of the marathon. The wall in fact tells the runner “if you want to arrive at the finishing line, you don’t have to think about the finishing line. You have to run as if you would run forever”. With this potential in mind, I have been interested in prison life and proposed marathon running and the practice of the wall of the marathon inside the walls of the prison as a path for education and freedom. On similar lines now we are working through that same potential for dealing with grief. If grief is a wall, as Weller tells us, can this be inspired by the wall of the marathon?
The first Silent Run has been an experiment and Runforever is now working towards the next one for November 2025. We would like to spread the word among like-minded passionate runners and we are thinking of an event in collaboration with ACE Voices to create a Choral run - a choir in movement, possibly involving also running clubs outside in the community linking with the inside of the prison. Please get in touch via the Runforever website if you’d be interested in being involved!
The Silent Run - https://runforever.org.uk/the-silent-run/
The Silent Run youtube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_p-5447QcE
Introducing affiliation for jogscotland groups
For jogscotland to achieve its dreams of growing its team, providing more group support and education, and enhancing our programmes and reach, it needs financial investment and stability for its future.
We are very grateful for the financial support we receive from scottishathletics, our charity partners SAMH and from sportscotland, but rising insurance costs, increased demand on staff particularly around welfare, and the capacity of the team to support a large network to its fullest, now means that we seek to bring in additional funds to better deliver the jogscotland programme.
To this end, jogscotland is introducing an affiliation fee for groups, along with an online system for jog leaders to register each year.
These changes aim to support jogscotland’s financial sustainability, enable the continued growth and development of the programme and to ensure a more standardised and consistent approach to group setup and operation.
Jo Skead, Programme Manager at jogscotland, said: “jogscotland is a wonderful initiative that means so much to so many.
“With the launch of our new JustGo membership platform complete, the next step is opening jog group registration. The introduction of a group registration fee isn’t as scary as it sounds. This new approach is all about providing jog groups with the best possible support package.
“It also introduces a basic level of governance, allowing jogscotland to better assist groups with development and welfare issues. Think of it as a safety net and a springboard, all rolled into one.
“I urge any groups who are unsure of the transition to reach out to me.”
Jo can be reached on: jo.skead@scottishathletics.org.uk
Find out more at:
Affiliation for groups
Step one now open for group registration
I’m a plus-size runner – and proud!
With Beth Smith, Jog Leader, Southside Slowies
Southside Slowies were recently invited to travel to London to feature on the Runner’s World UK podcast. Jog Leader Beth did the honours, appearing alongside body-positive Instagrammer, Scottee. She did a fantastic job, with a great discussion, and here we feature some of the highlights. You can also view the whole podcast, or read a fuller written version of the Runner’s World article – both much recommended!
How did running enter your life?
I saw on Facebook that Glasgow Southside Slowies were starting a couch to 5K. Before that, I saw runners as the epitome of fitness and thought, “Not for me.” But the post said it was for slow runners, people who had never run and it didn’t matter what you look like, so I thought I’d dip my toe in. And that was it.’
Is there a point when other people’s perceptions of you cease to matter?
It’s nuanced; as a plus-sized runner, everyone thinks you’re sort of in transition. A lot of people are well intentioned, shouting encouragement. But when I’m just out for a 20-minute plod, I think, “Thanks, but you probably wouldn’t be shouting those things at someone who looked like a runner.” When I started, being out of breath, being red in the face, sweaty – all those things you are when you’re running – felt connected to my weight.
continues over
I’m a plus-size runner – and proud! continued
I was getting the same embarrassment as if I was out of breath walking up the stairs. If I was running past someone, trying to catch a breath, I’d assume they’d think it’s because of my weight and not because I’d run six miles. It was hard to break that connection. For me, it was a safety-in-numbers thing. Running with the Slowies, lots of people that look like you, going slow or out of breath. It’s validating to think there are tons of us.”
Does running make you feel positive about your body? Do you celebrate that, as a larger runner, you’re doing something that’s actually harder?
I definitely get a sense of pride from running, but my experience after running my first half marathon recently shows where maybe things get a wee bit in my head. I’d just had this massive achievement, so I should have been really proud of myself, but then I was seeing videos of me crossing the finish line. I was seeing pictures of me and, you know, it’s not the most flattering angle, your body’s jiggling all over the place, there’s a lot of sweat. I was trying hard to be proud, but I wished I’d looked as amazing as I felt. It triggers this conversation in my head where body positivity and feeling good about myself become a choice. I have to get rid of what society has taught me and what I think other people are thinking of me. I have to choose in that moment to think, “No, that’s a massive achievement, I’ve run incredibly far, I’m carrying extra weight, it was really bloody difficult.” It’s a choice to recognise all those achievements over just looking at my weight crossing the finish line.’
Do you think people struggle with the idea that you’re into running but not interested in losing weight?
Ever since I started running, I had in mind that maybe I’ll lose weight, but it’s not been the case. When you’re training for a long race you’re eating more – I put on weight in my half marathon training. It’s totally counter to what our critics might think and I’m thinking, “Well, what more do you want me to do? I’m running safely, I’m making sure my body’s fuelled and I’m looking after myself. I’m the fittest I’ve been in my life, but I just don’t look how you think I should look.”’ What advice or encouragement would you give to any fat people who want to start running? Just go out there and try to block out the noise. You’re running for your own reasons, whether that’s health, fitness or trying to make your brain feel better. Just do your own run. Don’t care about what anyone else is saying. And find your people. I wouldn’t have been able to continue running without this running group who have created an inclusive and safe space.
What do you love most about running?
I find the act of running really bloody difficult, but the minute I finish a run, I feel incredible about myself. Part of it is moving on from all those voices in my head and in public saying that someone who looks like me wouldn’t be able to do it. And the rush of endorphins is incredible. Then there’s the sense of community. It’s honestly changed my life. I hated cross-country at school. I was always last – the teachers had already gone inside and I was still out there. It was horrendous and probably one of the things that started my body dysmorphia. Now, as a jog leader, I often do the backstop of our runs, so again, I’m always crossing the finish line last, but now I get so much joy from it.
Monkton motion
Our jogscotland Group of the Year for 2024 have been recognised with a Parliamentary motion by South Scotland MSP, Sharon Dowey. The motion also highlighted Monkton Milers chairperson Rachel Cox, our jogscotland Leader of the Year in 2022. Ms Dowey said: “Their well-deserved award win is testament to their hard work and commitment to making running inclusive and accessible for all. The club’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment where people of all abilities can enjoy the benefits of running is truly great. I look forward to seeing their continued success in getting people more active, and improving their physical and mental health.”
Image: Ayr Advertiser
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.
One Small Step by Paul Sinton-Hewitt (with Matt Whyman)
Virtually everyone reading this will have taken part in a parkrun or parkwalk or volunteered at a parkrun event. This book by Paul, the parkrun founder, is in two parts.
The first part is autobiographical following his struggles through childhood in Johannesburg, a very lonely, difficult period in his life, including being placed in care. The impact of this was felt throughout his teens and early adulthood. Running was his solace, and Paul achieved a high level of competition before being cut short by injury in 2004, by which time he was living in the UK.
The second part is the parkrun story which changed Paul’s purpose in life. The first Bushy Park Time Trial, as it was then called, based on timed events in South Africa, was held on 4 October 2004, in London, attracting thirteen runners. Gradually more and more runners were participating, and a second parkrun was established at Wimbledon Common in 2006. There followed a name change to parkrun in 2008. Other notable events such as the first overseas run in Zimbabwe in 2007 and the first junior parkrun in 2010 are covered in this detailed history of the parkrun movement.
This is a fascinating account of both the parkrun journey and Paul’s own personal journey through the ups and downs of his life. It explains how the parkrun movement has changed the life of millions of people across five continents in the past 20 years. At its heart is the feeling of community in participating with likeminded runners and walkers. If you love parkrun, you will love this book!
One Small Step is published by Pan Macmillan
Jogging along
By Craig Wilson
As we stroll into Autumn and the memories of our summer holidays begin to fade, it can be a time to reset and return to the familiar, if you have been fortunate enough to get some time away over the summer months.
For me, running on holiday is just something I do, seeing it as an opportunity to explore different places and new routes, while still fitting it into the vacation itself. Do not get me wrong, I go on holiday to relax, have fun, eat and drink and enjoy some nice weather, but if I can combine that with a few miles with my trainers on then all the better.
I find something freeing about running in unfamiliar places, even the risk of getting lost I find adds a frisson of excitement to a morning jog when I am away (let’s all be thankful for Google Maps, though, when my route plan goes a bit awry!) I think it is that chance to view somewhere different, to perhaps see places off the beaten track or not necessarily the tourist hotspots that make these runs endlessly fascinating. And of course, I can maintain some level of fitness rather than everything coming to an abrupt halt as soon as the plane wheels leave the tarmac on the journey out.
I was incredibly fortunate this year to be able to run in Japan while on holiday there. Watching the sun rise was truly special in different places, even if I had to get up really early to get any running done as Japan was experiencing a record breaking heatwave while I was there. Trust me, when it is already 28°C at 6am, I needed to get out early to be able to run and I did not run particularly far, but at least it meant I kept things ticking over.
But now I am back home, it is back to the familiar, and that has its own challenges. We probably all run the same routes around where we live many times over, and as the days move away from the extended light nights we enjoy in Scotland, motivation to get out can be a challenge. “Can I really be bothered to go out and run the same route again?” is a question I am sure all of us will be asking ourselves in the coming months, particularly if we get some rainy weather after such a dry and warm summer.
I think of things slightly differently. I embrace the cooler temperatures – autumn and spring running is my favourite – and look forward to days with fresh conditions. And from a route perspective, while yes I run many routes to and from my house, I also think about other places to run. Perhaps by driving somewhere else in the city and running there, or taking the bus into town and running home from a different location, just something which breaks up the routine.
Of course, there is the motivation which comes with our regular runs with our jogscotland groups and friends, where the route matters much less and the chat and fun of group running provide an ideal distraction as the miles tick by.
And I have not even mentioned the motivation which naturally comes from signing up for a race or setting a new goal or challenge. Whatever way you choose to move into the Autumn (and say it quietly, Winter) make sure to enjoy it. Because that is what it is all about.
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
