A Fife running group which encourages all ages and abilities to don their trainers has gleaned a top award.
Anster Allsorts was named jogscotland Group of the Year at the organisation’s annual awards, aimed at recognising determination, achievement and enjoyment from leaders and joggers across the country.
Run by well-known Anstruther man George Findlay, in addition to their jogging sessions the Allsorts this year established Walksorts, a walking group to enable non-runners, returners, and injured joggers to keep active.
They also reward success at all levels with the monthly Bertie Bassett challenge, offering prizes for the most improved, and there is always an emphasis on friendships made, with everyone sharing a cup of tea or coffee after their run and a book swap.
Jo Stevens, jjogscotland development officer, was delighted to congratulate the Allsorts on their accolade during the ceremony at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel.
“Anster Allsorts are everything that a great jogscotland group should be,” she said.
“They cater for everyone from walkers to endurance runners, and welcome all abilities, ages, shapes and sizes equally.
“They’re a group who truly value the social side of running, as well as promoting its physical and mental health benefits.
“We’re delighted to recognise them as our Group of the Year.”
As well as supporting numerous charities, including an annual foodbank collection, the Allsorts also took part in jogscotland’s ‘I’m here’ pledge this year, with leaders taking mental health awareness training and pledging to encourage conversations about mental wellbeing at their group.
The group is similarly supporting a research study with St Andrews University to encourage GPs to prescribe jogscotland groups to their patients.
Elsewhere, 72-year-old Scone runner Bob Strathie was named Achiever of the Year, having only re-started running a year ago, after a long break.
Although he was unable to attend the awards ceremony, his jog leader Caroline Ness collected the award on his behalf.
Jill Spink, who set up a running group with Marie Curie in Edinburgh specifically for bereaved people, was given a Mental Wellbeing Award, while Jog Leader of the Year went to Marie Dobson of the Newmachar Running Group.
Having previously overcome breast cancer, she was more recently diagnosed with incurable secondary cancer, affecting her bones.
However, she continues to inspire her joggers and, thanks to the fundraising of group members, is able to attend the jog group regularly on board an electric scooter.
