Category: Uncategorized

Margaret PAHNKE  (14.09.59, Lanark GS,  Clyde Valley) at a time when the men of Clyde Valley AC were winning medals at all levels, the women were quietly producing talented athletes too.   Margaret Pahnke was one of them when she first appeared at age 16 in 1975 with best times of 60.2 for 400m, 2:22.0 for 800m, 4:52.5 for 1500m and 11:33.0 for 3000m  On the country she was fifth Junior in 1974, fourth Junior in 1975 and fourth Inter in 1976.

Gillian PALMER (30.12.80, Edinburgh Southern, Edinburgh University Hare & Hounds ) Gillian was a very good runner from Helensburgh with an excellent competitive record – look at these as recorded on the www.scotstats.net website: Commonwealth Games 2002,  5000m (14th), 10000 (8th).British Championships, 2nd 10000 2002. Scottish Championships: 1st 5000 2002.   Given that she had a remarkably short career this was very good running.   Best times: 4:22.93 for 1500m, 9:12.47 for 3000m, 15:53.96 for 5000,  33:09.7 for 10,000m.   She was ranked in the first three in the country 8 times in 4 years and was only outside the top ten once.   A good cross-country runner, she won the national cross-country in 2001/2002 and was second in 2003. Gillian raced for Scotland on the track: two 3000m matches in 2000 and 2002 (won the first, third in the second); then the 2002 Commonwealth Games 5000m (14^th) and 10,000m (8^th).

 Susan F. PARKER (15.12.59, Army, Warrington, Essex Ladies)  Sue Parker, later Bevan, was a frequent member of Scottish teams in the 1980’s and early 90’s as an 800m runner.   Ranked 37 times over 400, 600m, 800, 1000m and 1500 metres she showed a remarkable record of consistency.   Best times:  400  55.7. 600  1:30.4, 800  2:01.93, 1000m  2:41.14 and 4:18.75 for 1500m.   Her competitive record shows a third place in the British 800m championship in 1991, second in the Scottish championship in 1993 and third in the Scottish in 1986 and in 1987.

Hayley F. PARKINSON (5.12.75, Balwearie HS, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh Southern, Edinburgh) Hayley Parkinson (Ovens from 2000) was a prolific racer over the period from 1991 to 2008 covering all events between 400m and 2000m steeplechase.   Ranked officially among the best in the country no fewer than 62 times, 39 in the first 10.    Her competitive record as recorded in www.scotstats.net read as follows.   

World indoors: 2003 1500 (ht). Commonwealth Games 2002 1500 (12th), Commonwealth Games 2006 1500 (10th).   British Championships: 2nd 1500 ’03; 1st i1500 ’03, ’05, ’06; 2 i1500 ’04, 3 i1500 ’01.  Scottish Championships: 1st 1500 ’98, ’99,’01, ’05, 2nd 1500 ’02, ’06;  1st i1500 ’97, ’98, ’01,  2nd  i1500 ’99, ’00, ’06.

Quite incredible. 

Susan PARTRIDGE (Oban HS, City of Glasgow, Victoria Park City of Glasgow, Leeds City, 4.01.80)

Susan Partridge was a first class endurance runner on the road and over the country with an enviable record on the track.  Read her full profile on this website at this link.    Her competitive record reads as follows: 

European Championships 2010 Marathon (14th); World Championships 2011 Marathon (24th); World  2013 Marathon (10th).Commonwealth Games  2006 Marathon (10th), Commonwealth Games 2014 Marathon (6th)   Scottish Championships: 1st 5000m 2003, 1st Marathon 2010, ’17, 2nd 5000 2002, ’05, ’12.   

A very good cross-country runner she won the national title in 2002/3 and 2007/8 and was second in the U20 in 1997/8, and won the U17 in 1995/96 and 1996/97.   You should read her profile.

Agnes PATERSON, (ABERDEEN AAC): She became Scottish Women’s Cross Country Union Senior Champion in 1959. A newspaper report emphasises what a surprise this was, since Agnes was only 17 years old at the time. Nevertheless, her bold front –running tactics led to a 60-yard victory over Scottish internationals Barbara Tait and Dale Greig, who won the title in 1960 (and in 1964 set the first officially recognised World Best time for Women in the Marathon).

Eleanor PETRIE (1949- , Teviotdale Harriers ) was a half miler and miler in the 1960’s whose best competitive performance was when she finished third in the SWAAA 880 yards in 1967.   That was probably her best year with victories in the East District Championships at both half-mile and Mile.   She had best times of 11.6 (100), 62.5 (440), 2:22.2 (880) and 5:40.4 (Mile)  She also ran cross-country and in 1966 won the SWCCU Inter Championship by 48 seconds having been second the year before.   As a Junior she had been second in 1964 and third in 1963.   

Virginia A. POLLARD (8.04.6, Fleet Feet Triathlon Club, Aberdeen AAC)

1992 Marathon 3.05.24  ranked 8th; 1993 Marathon 3.05.08 ranked 8th. Ginny Pollard was a British International Triathlete and Duathlete, who raced in several World and European Championships. She won the Black Isle Marathon in 1993; and that year finished third in the Scottish Half Marathon Championship.

Roslyn POLLOCK (10.07.73, Loudon Runners) In the Scottish Rankings, Roslyn’s times and placings were as follows: 1990 1500m 4.47.3  28^th ; 1991 800m 2.20.4 32^nd; 1991 1500m 4.43.31 30^th.

Gail POPE (1957-)Dundee Hawkhill 

1973 3000m 12.09.0 26th; 1974 3000m 11.04.0 13th; 1976 3000m 11.53.8 28th; 1983 Marathon 3.22.07 21st; 1985 Marathon 3.06.1 21st

Debbie PORTER (Kilner from 1993) was born on 2/11/1961 and ran for Aberdeen AAC. In 1995, Debbie was ranked third in Scotland for 10,000m; and 6^th for 5000m. In that year’s Scottish Athletics Championships, she won bronze in the 5000m. In the 1996 Scottish Senior National Cross-Country, Debbie Kilner became Scottish Champion. Aberdeen AAC won team silver in 1994, 1995 and 1996; and added another silver medal in the 1995 Scottish Cross-Country Relay; and bronze in the 1992 Scottish Road Relay. Debbie Kilner won the 1994 Scottish 10k road race; plus bronze in 1991 and 1996. She ran for Scotland on cross-country and road. Cross-Country:1993 Cumbernauld 8^th (3^rd Scottish counter), team won, beating Northern Ireland and three other sides; 1996 at Mallusk (4^th Scot); 1996 at Ashington (fourth Scottish counter) and Scotland beat Wales. Road: 1994 Glasgow 10k (11^th and first Scot).

Alison POTTS,  (15.10.74, Victoria Park, Glasgow, City of Glasgow, Strathclyde University) was a really good runner with Scottish Schools and Scottish age group internationals to her credit and ranked every year from 1989 to 1999.   Best times:  400m – 58.9, 800m – 2:10.0 and 1500m – 4:34.56.   A good cross-country runner she was third in the Junior age group in 1990, third in the Intermediate age group in 1991 and 1992, third again the U20’s in 1993 before being second in the 1994 national championships.

Christine Price  –  see Christine Haskett

Polly PRYDE (1957-2014, Strathclyde Ladies)  We only have times for 1971 for Polly:  1971  800m 2.26.02; 1500 5.52.4

Georgina PULLAR (26.07.62, Ballingry JHS, Pitreavie AAC)   Georgina ran in the late 1970’s with best times of 2:17.01 for 800m and 11:18.02 for 3000m

Linda PURDIE (12.11.67 Edinburgh)   , later Smith, was ranked in 400m, 800m, and 3000m with best times of 56.87 (400m), 2:09.54 (800m) and 10:38.1 (3000m).   Competitively she was second in the 800m indoors championship in 1988.

Margaret PURDON,  Bellahouston Harriers   was a good middle distance runner in the 1960’s with best times of 26.51 (220 yards), 60.0 (440 yards), 2:29.31 (880 yards), 5:15.64 (Mile) .   Competitively Margaret was second in the Mile at the SWAAA Championships in 1967 and 1968.    She also ran over the country and was 6th in 1966,  4th in 1967 and this latter performance earned her a run in the international championship where she finished 16th.

 Arlene PURSGLOVE (14.12.5, Westbury)   was an Anglo-Scot at a time when there were many Anglos contending for places in the Scottish team.   Arlene had a best time of 2:13.o for 800 in 1973.

Jacqueline QUINN Edinburgh Southern   ran well in the mid-1970s with best times of 5:06.23 for 1500m and 11:22.4 for 3000m.

Pauline B. QUINN [NI] ,  later Thom, (2.08.70) Edinburgh Southern   was a medalist in the British championships as well as the Scottish between 1988 and 1998.  Her competitive record in terms of championships was as listed in the www.scotstats.net website:   In the GB Championships: 3rd in the  indoor 1500 in 1997, ’98, and’99.   In the Scottish championships, 2nd in the  1500 in  ’95, ’98; 3rd in the 3000 in ’92; 1st in the  indoor 1500 in ’99, 2nd in the  indoor 1500 in ’97, ’98, and ’01; 3rd in the indoor 1500 ’96.   Her best times were 2:08.4 (800m), 4:22.3 (1500m) and 9:50.4 indoors for 3000m.

Below: Susan Partridge

Moira O’Boyle

Susanne NIEDRUM (Clydesdale Harriers) was a very good runner, especially on the hills.   Originally from London she had run track and cross country before tackling the hills.   Fifth in the Hill Runners Championship with in 1988, she was tenth in 1989.   Only in Scotland for a short time  (her career took her all over the world, eg Rwanda, Denmark) she was nevertheless well liked and enjoyed the hills.   Susanne also ran in the Himalaya Super Marathon in 1994.   Now called the World Cup Super Marathon, held over 7 days with 20000ft of ascent, she finished first woman in sixth place.

Claire NEVILLE (19.06.64, Turnbull HS, Glasgow)   Between 1978 and 1981 Claire ran distances between 400m and 3000m with best times of  400 – 59.3, 800m – 2:10.5, 1500m – 4:39.4 and 3000 – 10:28.9

Fiona NICHOLSON (Forfar AC) A marathon runner who was second in the Scottish marathon championship in 1992. The Moray Marathon course near Elgin was notorious for being hilly, tough and slow.

Gail NOBLE, (Ayr Seaforth AAC) was ranked twice at the 3000m distance with a best time of 10:52.4 in 1982.

Hannah  NORMAN (1.06.81, Pitreavie AAC)  was a very talented middle distance in the 1990’s with good times over 800 (2:17.4) and 1500m (4:40.76).   She was also a top class cross-country runner – as an under 15 she was third (1995) and second (1996) in the National championship, as an under 17 she was twice second, and she won the under 20 in 1999.

Ainsley M. NORMAND,  (19.03.72 Victoria Park, Cambridge University, Central) Ainsley ran  from 1991 to 2007 over distances from 800m to 3000m   Her best performances were 2:14.13 (800), 4:42.23 (1500m) and 10:36.41 (3000).   

Moira  G. O’BOYLE (20.08.1956-29.08.2012 Notre Dame HS (Dumbarton), Clydesdale Harriers, Victoria Park AAC)   Moira’s parents came from Ireland but she was born in Britain.  A very good athlete she won titles and championships on road, track and country and represented Scotland in the world cross-country championships  no fewer than three times –  1973, ’74 and ’76.   When the family returned to Ireland, she changed her allegiance and ran for that country.   Read her full profile.   Her father, who coached her as a runner, was also a notable athlete and his profile can be read at this link.    

Noreen O’BOYLE,  Victoria Park AAC   Mother of Moira O’Boyle, Noreen also ran for Victoria Park and won championship team medals in events right up to and including Scottish championships as a senior and as a veteran. 

Eleanor O’BRIEN,  Greenock Glenpark Harriers    Eleanor, a member of the Glenpark club in Greenock, ran a series of good marathons in the 1980’s and early 1990’s.  Her best time was 3:11:29 in 1991.

Morag O’HARE ( Maryhill Harriers). The 1957 Scottish National XC Championships was held at Craigie Estate, Ayr. In ‘The Scots Athlete’, Dale Greig wrote that Morag “dictated the pace from the start and then moved away strongly to win her first national title and bring her team home in first position”. Subsequently, Morag O’Hare raced for Scotland v England at Musselburgh Racecourse and, although the English dominated (as usual in that era) Morag ran well to finish 8^th and second Scot. In the 1958 Scottish National, she was 6^th and Maryhill third team. Alas, the 1958 International had to be cancelled for financial reasons.

Margaret OLIVER (Aberdeen AAC)  was another following in the footsteps of so many good marathon runners from the North-East with a best time of 3:10:53 in 1987.   That year, she was second in the Scottish Marathon Championships at Aberdeen.

Bernadette O’NEIL (10.07.67) Giffnock North AC   Giffnock North had many good women endurance runners – Julie Armstrong and Renee Murray for instance – and Bernadette was one of those whose best times were on the track over 3000m.   Her best time was 10:26.42 in 1994.

Ann-Marie ORPISZEWSKA (Maryhill LAC)  as a member of the Maryhill club in the late 60’s it was natural that Ann-Marie should be a track runner but she was also a good runner over the country.   In 1970 she was 14th in the National and a counting member of the team placed second.   Her career on the track extended from 1968 to 1971.   On the track she ran in distances from 880 to 3000 with personal best times of 2:20 (880y), 2:17.6 (800m), 4:57.4 (1500m) and 11:32.63 (3000m)

Gillian OSBORNE (1.08.60 Wolverhampton & Bilston) was one of several Anglo-Scots running and being ranked at this time and she had personal bests of 2:14.6 for 800m and 4:47.6 for 1500m.

Jennifer OVENS (17.05.64 Edinburgh Southern Harriers)   had best times on the track of 800m – 2:17.8 for 800m and 4:40.83 for 1500m, both times recorded in 1989.   

Suzanne OWEN (5.05.1979-26.10.2006 Chester, City of Stoke, City of Glasgow, Staffordshire University) Suzanne ran in Scotland and Scottish championships  from 1995 at the age of 16until her untimely death in 2006.   She ran at distances between 800m and 10000m.   Competitively she won the Scottish 5000m championship in 2006, third in the same event in 2005 and won the indoor 3000m in 2003.   Best times: 800m – 2:12.2; 1500m – 4:26.78; 3000m –  9:26.93; 5000m – 16:50.01; 10,000m – 36:09.14.   Suzanne did run cross-country and helped her clubs but track running was her forte.

Start of Women’s National, 1985

Picture courtesy John Scott

Laura Mahady was born on 20/2.1958 and ran for Aberdeen AAC. She always enjoyed running but did not start to compete until 1996. Her W50 personal bests were: 200m 28.7; 400m 61.05; 800m 2:19.5; 1500m 4:50.73; 1mile 5:26.00. At school in Dundee she did netball, hockey, gymnastics and athletics and later on tried duathlon and cycling. With AAAC, coached by Joyce and Ken Hogg, she started doing cross-country, road relays, 1500m and 3000m but startling basic speed made her concentrate on 400m and (especially) 800m. As a veteran, Laura went on to win Scottish, British, European and World championships; be ranked World Number One at 800m; and to set new W50 and W55 records (British, European and World) for 800m (Indoors and Outdoors). Laura raced for Scotland in the British and Irish Masters International XC Championships. She won the W50 Scottish Masters XC title in 2010; and also featured in AAAC teams which won three Scottish Masters XC Relay golds. Laura Mahady lectured in Sports Psychology at Aberdeen University.   

Read her full profile.

Lynne Marr was born on 23/6/1961 and ran for Tynedale, Teviotdale Harriers and Pitreavie AAC. On the track, she competed at distances from 1500m to 10,000m. In 1999, she won a silver medal in the Scottish Indoor 3000m. Lynne raced many times in Scottish Masters Track championships and won several titles. She won W35 individual silver medals in the Scottish Masters XC Championships in 1997 and 1998; and featured in Pitreavie teams which won the title in 1998 and 2000. In addition, she competed frequently for Scotland in the annual British and Irish Masters International XC.

May Martin ran for Clydesdale Harriers. In the 1936 Scottish Women’s Cross-Country Championship at Auchinairn, Glasgow, she finished third: and Clydesdale (Jean Tait, May Martin, Georgina Ballantine and Barbara Anderson) won the team title.

Sandra Marwick ran for Shettleston Harriers and featured in the annual Scottish marathon lists in 1999 and 2000, with a personal best time of 3.21.55.

Avril Mason was born on 27/4/1974 and ran for Shettleston Harriers. On the track, she won Scottish Championship bronze medals at 5000m and 10,000m. In 2012, she became Scottish Marathon Champion (at Inverness) with a time of 2.54.54; and also won the Masters title. Her personal best was 2.44.06. Avril secured W40 silver in the 2014 Scottish 10k road race. In 2014, she won Masters gold in the Scottish 10 miles road; Shettleston won the team title in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Avril Mason won Masters gold in the 2014 Scottish Half Marathon. She retained her Half Marathon title in 2016, 2018 and 2019. Shettleston won the Half Marathon team award in 2012, 2015 and 2016.

Eileen Masson was born on 9/3/1958 and ran for Kilbarchan AAC. Eileen was Scottish Marathon Champion in 1988 (at Aberdeen) and 1991 (at Inverclyde). She ranked fourth in Scotland for both those performances. Eileen Masson ranked fifth for 10,000m in 1987 and fourth 1988, when she won silver medals in the Scottish Athletics Championships.

Fiona Matheson was born on 25/4/1961 and ran for Falkirk Victoria Harriers. She started running with Jog Scotland; but developed into a world-class Masters distance runner. Despite being over 40 years of age, Fiona won outright Scottish titles for Half Marathon (in 2005 and 2010) and Ten Miles (2013). In 2010, Fiona ran for Scotland (as a Senior) v England in the Dunfermline Half Marathon – and won the race. She also secured Senior medals in Scottish 10 miles and 10k road championships. On the track, Fiona won the 2014 Scottish Athletics 10,000m title; plus silver or bronze medals at that distance, 5000m and 3000m Indoors. Naturally, many Scottish Masters titles have been won on track, road and country, over distances from 1500m to marathon; as well as several British and European titles. In the British and Irish Masters International XC, racing for Scottish Masters, Fiona Matheson won several age-group races. At Budapest in March 2014, she became W50 World Cross-Country Champion; and, only days later, won silver medals in the World Masters Indoors 1500m and 3000m.    Read the full profile here.

Fiona MELDRUM (6.09.64, Glasgow, Edinburgh Southern), daughter of Pearl, see below, was a good runner over distances between 400m and 800m with best times of 56.5 (400m), 1:36.5 (600m i) and 2:13.7 (800m) and ranked nationally from 1988 to 1993.   She was third in the SWAAA indoor 800 in 1991.

Pearl Meldrum was born on 4/4/1941 and ran for Central Region and Glasgow AC. On the track, she raced 3000m between 1975 and 1979. However, her real strength was as a cross-country runner. In 1977, Glasgow AC (including Pearl) won the Senior National XC team title. ‘Veteran Women’ reached that status aged 35. In 1977, Pearl Meldrum (running for Grangemouth AC) won the second Scottish Women Veteran Runners Association XC Championship, beating the 1975 champion, Norma Campbell from Berwick AC. In 1978, Pearl was first Veteran in the Scots-only 4000m XC Championship. In 1979, she was first ‘Senior’ in the East v West XC. In 1984, when the SWCCU finally allowed a W35 category, Pearl finished second to Palm Gunstone of Dundee HH. Even in 1986, aged 44, Pearl secured a bronze medal. Logically, between 1977 and 1983, Pearl Meldrum was the best Woman Veteran runner in Scotland.

Christine Menhennet was a very good distance runner who ran for Bellahouston, Clydesdale and Westerlands.   She was good on the country and very good over the hills, no matter the distance. She was Scottish Hill Running champion in 1995.  An international hill runner she won many hill races and travelled as far as Australia to run in their version of the Island Peaks race.   A lover of everything to do with the hills, she has held several ladies’ records, has been Scottish Ladies’ Champion, has won paired adventure races and has competed at International level.    She have also trekked in the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Dolomites, Corsica, the Andes and the Himalayas.    A founder member of Scottish Hill Runners, she has been Ladies Captain of Westerlands Hill Running Club.    

B Miller ran for Greenock Wellpark Harriers and finished 3^rd (only ten yards behind Violet Murray of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers) in the 1935 SWAAA Cross-Country Championships at Auchinairn (over a two and a half miles course). Greenock Wellpark finished third team. B (alas, not even SATS can discover her first name) subsequently raced in the very first Scotland v England Women’s International Cross-Country match (and the only one pre-WW2) which took place at Morecambe in 1935. In the 1936 Scottish National, B finished fifth and her team third again.

Ina Miller ran for Maryhill Harriers and won the Scottish Athletics Championship 880 yards in both 1938 and 1939.

Betty Moffat (Steedman) ran for Edinburgh Harriers and Athenian AC. In the Scottish Athletics Championships, she won the 880 yards in 1951 and 1952; finished third in 1953 and second in 1954. In 1954 Betty raced for Scotland in a floodlit event at Ibrox: along with Aileen Drummond and Jean Webster, she ran a unique 3×880 yards relay against England. In the Scottish Women’s Cross-Country Championships at Bishopbriggs, Betty became Scottish Champion in 1952 (leading Edinburgh Harriers to the team title); and later secured silver (1953 – when Athenian were first team); and bronze (1954) medals. She was fifth in 1936. Betty Moffat ran cross-country for Scotland v England at Birmingham in 1954; and Betty Steedman did the same at Upminster in 1956.

Ina Mae Mooney ran for Jordanhill T.C. and caused a real surprise when, at Auchinairn (Springburn) in 1958, she won the Scottish Women’s Cross-Country Championships from Dale Greig and Helen Cherry. Sadly, for financial reasons, the International match v England was cancelled, so the Scottish XC Champion never had the chance to race for her country. However, it seems that Ina Mae Mooney was an extremely versatile athlete, who in 1959 won Scottish Athletics Championship bronze medals for 440 yards and 80 yards Hurdles. She was also ranked that year for 880 yards, High Jump and Discus Throw!  

Charlotte Morgan was born in 1976 and ran for Carnethy HRC. She is best known for being the 2018 World Long Distance Mountain Running Champion. The event took place in Poland and Charlotte led the GB team to silver medals. From 2013, she started winning many Scottish and English hill races. In 2015, Charlotte finished 5^th in the Scottish Senior National XC; and also ran for Scotland in the Home Countries International XC at Antrim. In 2018, she won the Scottish Masters W40 XC title; and then the World Mountain one. In 2019, Charlotte Morgan took part in the World Trail event and the World Mountain Running Championships.

Sharon Morris was born on 29/7/1965 and ran for Shettleston Ladies. Personal bests: 800m 2.12.4; 1500m 4.32.0. In 1981, she ran for Scotland in a Junior XC International in Northern Ireland. In the 1983 Senior Scottish National XC, Shettleston Ladies, led by Sharon in 12^th place, secured team bronze; as they did again in 1984.

Angela Morrison (Howe from 2003) was born on 13/12/1970 and ran for Fife AC. Her Marathon personal best was 2.49.36 which, in 2006, ranked fourth in Scotland. In the 2010 Scottish 10k Road Race, Fife AC (led by Angela Howe) won bronze medals. She added 2008 Masters gold in the Scottish Half Marathon (and Fife finished third team).

 Catriona Morrison was born on 11/1/1977 and ran for Edinburgh AC. Although she ran one Junior Celtic Nations XC International for Scotland in 1998, finishing third (and third Scot) when her team beat Wales, Catriona was to become a top professional Duathlete (World Champion in 2006 and 2010; plus Long Distance golds in 2007 and 2008) and Triathlete (bronze in the 2007 Long Distance World Championships). Catriona was third in the 1998 Scottish 5000m Championship. In the Scottish Senior National XC, she finished second in 2004; 2007; and 2008, when EAC won the team title. In the 2018 Scottish Masters XC, she finished second W40 (representing Stirling Tri Club).

 Helen Morton was born on 27/3/1958 and ran for Irvine AC. In the 1994 Scottish 10 miles road championship, she won Masters gold. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Helen Morton won W40 silver in 2001 and 2003 (when Irvine AC finished third team); W45 gold in 2004 (plus bronze in 2005 and silver in 2006); and W50 silver in 2009.

Angela Mudge was born on 8/7/1970 and ran for Carnethy HRC. She was best known as a world-class mountain runner. In the 2000 World Mountain Running Championships, Angela won the world title; while in 2003 she won silver and led the Scottish team to gold medals. She won the Scottish Hill Championship three times and the British one five times. Many other triumphs are mentioned in her full profile and even more on wikipedia. Suffice it to say that Angela Mudge has been inducted into the Scottish Athletics Hall of Fame. (In the Scottish Senior National XC, Angela won the title in 1999, when Carnethy were third team; and finished second in 2000. She won the Scottish Masters XC title in 2014. As a Senior, Angela ran three cross-country international matches for Scotland: 1999 at Belfast (second Scot; the team lost to England but beat Ireland and Northern Ireland); 1999 at Cumbernauld (first Scot; lost to England, beat Northern Ireland and Wales); 2000 at Belfast (first Scot).)   Read her full profile here.

Sophie Mullins was born on 9/10/1981 and ran for Fife AC. She was a valuable club member, and featured in a winning Fife AC team in the Senior National XC Championships; and team gold in the Scottish Marathon. Although her marathon best time was 2.58.16, she showed top-class ability in ultra-distance racing. Representing Scotland in the Anglo-Celtic Plate 100km, Sophie finished third (and Scottish Champion) in 2016 (with Scotland second team). In 2019, Sophie Mullins became the very first Scottish woman to win the Anglo-Celtic Plate (along with UK and Scottish 100km titles). Scotland beat England and Northern Ireland to the team award. Sophie was presented with the first Don Ritchie Trophy.

Gail Murdoch ran for Carnegie Harriers. She ran five ultra-marathon races for Scotland. In the Anglo-Celtic Plate 100km: in 2009, she was third Scot (with the team second too); in 2010 she was second Scot (but the team won); 2011 first Scot, third team; and 2012 second Scot, second team. In addition, Gail Murdoch ran for Scotland in the 2009 Commonwealth 100km Championship at Keswick, and finished 7^th. Scotland lost to England but beat Canada to silver medals.

Rose Murphy was born on 26/4/1954 and ran for Bathgate AC. On the track, she ran 880 yards, One Mile, 800m and 1500m. Rose ran one track International 1500m for Scotland in 1971 and was second against Northern Ireland. After finishing 6^th in the 1971 Senior National XC, Rose Murphy, at San Sebastian, ran for Scotland in the ICCU International Championships.

Freya Murray (Ross from 2013) was born on 20/9/1983 and ran for Lasswade AAC, ESH, EAC and Chester-le-Street. In the Scottish Athletics annual rankings, she was first for One Mile (2004), 500m (2006), 10,000m (2009, 2010, 2012) and marathon (2012 and 2016). Freya Murray’s fastest marathon was 2.28.10 in 2012, the year that she finished a good 44^th, running for GB in the London Olympics. In the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Freya was 7^th in the 5000m and 5^th in the 10,000m. She won British titles for 5000m in 2009 and 2010. Scottish Athletics wins included 5000m in 2010 and 2016; 10,000m in 2009; and Marathon in 2016. Freya Murray raced four track Internationals for Scotland. In cross-country, she won the National under-15 title in 1999; under-20 in 2003 and 2004; and, between 2006 and 2012, six Senior Championships. EAC finished first team in 2008, 2011 and 2012. Freya ran five Junior XC Internationals for Scotland; and two at Senior level.

 Renee Murray was born on 19/6/1952 and ran for Giffnock North AAC. Her best year was 1990. She won the W35 Scottish Masters XC title; finished second in the Scottish Athletics 10,000m Championship; won the Scottish Half Marathon title; and ran a marathon in 2.55.23.

Violet Murray ran for Dundee Hawkhill Harriers. In 1935, she finished second (to her team-mate, Mildred Storrar) in the Scottish WAAA two and a half miles Cross-Country Championship at Auchinairn (Springburn) – and DHH won the team title. Consequently, Violet ran for Scotland in the 1935 International v England. In the 1936 Scottish XC Championships, Violet was sixth and DHH secured silver medals.

Yvonne Murray was born on 4/10/1964 and ran for Musselburgh Grammar School, Edinburgh AC and Motherwell. Yvonne was a versatile, world-class athlete, successful from her early teens. Her major successes include: Olympic Games 3000m bronze 1988; European Indoor 3000m gold in 1987; 1990 European 3000m champion; 1993 World Indoor 3000m gold; Commonwealth Games 10,000m 1994 champion. Yvonne Murray won GB titles for 1500m, 3000m and 5000m. Scottish victories were at 800m, 1500m and 3000m. She ran 15 track Internationals for Scotland. In cross-country, Yvonne won the National under-17 title in 1981; and a Senior silver medal in 1985. She raced for Scotland in one XC Junior International and ten at Senior level.   Read her complete profile at this link.

Below: Fiona Matheson

Lynne MacDougall

One of the questions in looking up anybody Scottish in a phone book, in a list of any sort come to that, is whether the surname is spelled Mc …    or  Mac…   Indeed there are times when people change the spelling: I know of several who have gone through several decades spelling their name Mc .. who suddenly change to Mac.   Then there are those who – however they spell the first part, switch from starting the second part with a lower case letter than the formerly favoured upper case.  eg McDonald might become MacDonald or even Macdonald.   This section will deal with both forms of Mac – all the Macs first, then all the Mcs.   And we begin with 

Kirsty R. MacCALLUM (4.11.65 Edinburgh Southern Harriers) ran over distances between 1500m and 3000m in  1993 and 1994  with best times of 4:44.52 (1500), 5:13.12 (Mile) and 10:07.82 (3000m) 

Gail MACDONALD  (14.11.67 Glasgow) was second in the SWAAA 1500m championship in 1985 and had best track times of 800m – 2:10.21; 1500m – 4:26.21; 3000m – 90:29.4 and scored scored 2806 points for the Pentathlon.   She was also a useful cross-country runner and part of medal winning teams.

Linsey MACDONALD (14.2.1964 Pitreavie AC) was best known as a brilliant young sprinter who ran for GB in the 1980 Olympic Games, finishing 8^th in the 400m final; and winning a bronze medal as part of the 4x400m Relay team. Linsey also competed in European Championships and Commonwealth Games. She is included here, in a distance-running history because, later in her career she won three silver medals in Scottish Championships: two for 800m (1987-1988) and one for 800m Indoors (1990). Lynsey Macdonald also ran four International 800m races for Scotland. Surprisingly, Linsey raced one Junior International cross-country race in 1981. This took place at Mallusk, Northern Ireland. Linsey finished second Scot (behind Liz Lynch (McColgan) but in front of Yvonne Murray) and Scotland lost to England but beat Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Deborah MACDONALD,  (Lasswade AAC, Hunters Bog Trotters) is a good runner who has run well on all surfaces including in the hills where she was third in the Scottish Hill Running Championships in 1996.   The love of hill running and the outdoors has been taken further, as a sailor, in the Island Peaks Race in 2009.   She is also a regular cross-country runner for both her clubs running in East League races, National Championships and relay championships.   Karen MacLeod’s sister, she says she never did any training but loved ot race frequently doing three races in a weekend and, during the summer months, 5 or even 6 races a week.

On the roads she has run in the Lochaber Marathon several times where she was third in 2002 and 2005, as well as the Loch Ness Marathon..  Deborah has run in road races from One Mile to Marathon with best times of 43:39 (10K), 95:16 (half marathon) and 3:20:51 for the marathon. and competed in the HEBS 3 Challenge where she won the event in 2001 and 2007. The HEB 3 Challenge is to complete at least three of the Hebridean Island Half Marathons – Stornoway, Benbecula. Skye, Barra or Harris in any one year.   She ran for Scotland when a member of Lasswade, running in the Inter-Counties in Birmingham.

Sheena MACDONALD (20.11.72 Irvine) was another good middle distance runner who was twice ranked in the annual Scottish ratings – in 1989 over 1500m with a time of 4:41.73, and in 1990 with 10:29.7 for 3000m.

Lynne MACDOUGALL (18.02.65, Kings Park School, Glasgow, City of Glasgow)   Lynne MacDougall is a superb athlete by any measure.   She has run in an Olympic final, European Championships, Commonwealth Games and won British and Scottish championships.   Over the country she has won Scottish cross-country championships at Under 13, U15, U17 and Senior levels.   There was no Under 20 championship for her to contest at the appropriate time.   You really must read her full profile at this link.   .

Heather K. MACDUFF, (17.05.58 Edinburgh was a very good Marathon runner at a time (1980’s) when marathon running in Scotland was at a very high standard.    Her only championship medal was when she was third in the national championship in 1989.    Her best time was 2:34:26 in 1988 when she was Scotland’s second fastest woman marathon runner.    Still on the roads, Heather won the national half marathon championship in 1988 in 76:43.    She also ran 36:42.96 for 10000m.   

Heather MacDuff

Lynne McIntyre – see Lynne MacDougall (above)

Elaine Mackay – see Elaine Scally

Karen MACKAY (Cardinal Newman HS, Clyde Valley)  Karen was a middle distance who appeared in the national ranking lists in both 1978 and 1979 with personal best times of 4:57.1 for 1500m and 10:55.42 for 3000m.   

Rhona MacKAY,   (7.08.62, Shrewsbury, Leicester Coritainian, Charnwood)  (later MAKEPEACE) was a very good distance runner over all distances from 800m to 5000m between 1976 2002.   As a competitor, she was third in the British 3000m in 1996, and third in the Scottish 1500m in the same year.   Her best times for her distances were 800m – 2:07.1; 1500m – 4:14.2; 3000m – 9:03.12 and 5000 – 17:00.9.   

Fiona MACKENZIE, (Pitreavie AAC) was only ranked for one year in Scottish athletics but it was a very good year.   Second in the SWAAA indoor 1500m in 1975, she ran 2L21.8 for 800m and 4:58.9 for 1500m.   It should be noted that as an U13,  she won the ECCU U13 Cross- Country Championship at Rawtenstall , Lancs in 1973 , possibly the first Scot to have achieved that.   And as an U20 she ran a 4:52.3 1500m at Coatbridge in Aug ’79 and a 2:17.2 also at Coatbridge in April ’80.

Katrina MACKIE  (Bathgate)  ran in 1968 and 1969 and recorded bests of 5:27.1 for the Mile and 2:27.1 for 880 yds.

Morag MacLarty (10.02.86 Central AC) later Millar.   A first class athlete – read her full profile at this link.

Jennifer MacLean (28/11/1973, City of Edinburgh AC). She won the Scottish Marathon title in 2006; and the Half Marathon Championship in 2007. In 2014, Jennifer added a bronze medal in the Scottish Athletics Championships 10,000m. In 2010, she raced for Scotland against England in the Dunfermline Half Marathon and finished third (second Scot). As a Veteran, in 2012, Jennifer MacLean won the Scottish Masters 10k and 10 Miles titles; and the Half Marathon in 2013. In the Scottish Senior National XC Championships, she contributed to EAC team gold in 2011, 2012 and 2013. In the Scottish Masters XC, Jennifer MacLean was W35 champion in 2009 and 2010; as well as winning silver medals in the W40 and W45 categories. In 2013, EAC finished first Masters team. In 2018, Jennifer finished a close second in the W40 British Masters XC Championships. She has also run well for Scotland in the annual British and Irish Masters International XC.

Karen MacLEOD (24.04.58, Edinburgh AC, Bath & Percy.) A top class athlete who competed in the Olympic Marathon in 1996.   Her competitive record is recorded in the scotstats website as follows: 

World ’93 Mar (16th);  Olympic 1996 Marathon (45th); Commonwealth 1990 10000 (12th), Commonwealth ’94 Marathon (4th).    GB Championships: 3rd 10000 1985; 1st i3000 ’87.     Scottish Championships: 1st 3000 ’87, ’88, 1st 10000 ’94, 2nd 800 ’89, 2nd 3000 ’89, 2nd 10000 ’85, ’86.    Quite outstanding

Read her full profile  here .

Lindsay MACNEILL (29.03.78, Shettleston, Victoria Park, City of Glasgow, Victoria Park City of Glasgow, Strathclyde University)  Lindsay was a very popular athlete who was ranked at 1500m, 3000m and 5000m on the track and who also did well over the country.   Best times on the track: 4:44.67 (1500m), 9:54.28 (3000m) and 17:21.7 (5000m).   A good cross-country runner, her best performances in the first ten years of the new century were 7th in 2001, 6th in 2002, 9th in 2007, 8th in 2009 and had been second in the Scottish 10K road Championships in 2000 and 2002.

Ann MacPHAIL (3.05.70, City of Glasgow) was a good club athlete from 1995 through to 2002 with a competition record that included winning the Scottish 5000m in 1995 and a third place the following year.   Her best times on the track, where she was ranked 14 times in 7 years, were 4:36.41 (1500m), 9:38.67 (3000m) and 16:21.41 (5000). Away from the track, Ann won the Scottish half-marathon championship in 1998. Ann MacPhail ran for Scotland five times on cross-country and once on the road. (In 1997 at Luton she was fourth Scottish Counter and the team beat Wales; 1997 Margate, second Scot; 1998 Margate, second Scot; 1999 Cumbernauld, third Scot and Scotland lost to England but beat Wales and Northern Ireland). On the road, in 2000 at the Swansea 10k, Ann MacPhail finished fourth (and first Scot). Her team lost to England but beat Wales. In the 1996 Scottish Road Relay, City of Glasgow (including Ann) won the title.

Margaret T. MACSHERRY, (13.06.50,Cambridge, Florida State University)  later Coomber, was a very good athlete indeed – equally at home on the track and road as well as over the country and round the indoor track.   After a good career as a Scottish international athlete based in England she went to Florida on an athletics scholarship and there she stayed.   Her competition record as recorded by the scotstats website is as follows: 

Olympic Games 1972 800 (ht); Commonwealth Games 1970 1500 (7th), Commonwealth Games  ’74 800 (sf), 4×400 (4th); Commonwealth Games 1978 1500 (12th).  GB championships: 3rd 800 1972, ’74.Scottish Championships: 1st 1500 ‘69, ’70, ‘77, ‘79,  2nd 1500 ’78.  Also a very good country runner winning the senior championships twice and the Under 17 title once.   Read her complete profile at this link

Scottish team with Margaret MacSherry, Moira O’Boyle and Palm Gunstone on the right

Rose McALEESE (26.04.54, Shettleston Harriers) was a good club member who ran in the 1980’s and on the track had a best of 10:08.67 for 3000m.

Elizabeth McARTHUR (6.11.63, Grangemouth HS, Forth Valley, Falkirk Victoria Harriers, Pitreavie AAC

Elizabeth ran all distances from 100m up to 3000m in the late 1970s and early 1980s.   Best times were 55.28 *400m), 2:04.01 (800m), 2:50.10 (1000m i), 4:46.6 (1500m)  and 10:24.57 (3000m).   Competitively, the highlights of Elizabeth’s record were as recorded bu the scotstats website –   Commonwealth Games 1986 800m (ht); Scottish championships: 1st 800 ‘80,   2nd 800 ‘82,   2nd 800 ’83.   She was also a cross country runner who was a good solid club runner as these randomly taken places in the senior national indicate – 12th in  1980 and 17th ’82.    

Audrey McBRIDE  (7.11.73, Helensburgh AAC, Kilbarchan AAC) was a 1500m/3000m runner whose best times between 1998 and 2002 were were 4:44.7 and 10:11.8.   Audrey also ran cross-country finishing 34th in 1999 which seems to have been her best year. 

Elaine McBRINN (19.12.63, Shettleston, City of Glasgow) daughter of the legendary Willie McBrinn, Elaine had a good career as a distance runner with best times of 2:59:03 (marathon), 37:39.5 (10,000m), 17:51.0 (5000m), 10:01.8 (3000m) and 4:47.6 (1500m).   On the road, she was second in the Scottish half marathon championship in 1992, was third in the Scottish 10K in 1993, and won the Scottish 10 miles championship in 1994.  A good club runner, Elaine ran over the country  with results like 14th in 1994, 16th in 1998, 10th in 2000.   All very good positions in a competitive race. Shettleston Ladies won the team title 1994, 2000 and 2001. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Elaine won the W35 title in 1999 and added silver medals in 2001 and 2002. Shettleston Ladies won team gold in 1999 and 2001. Elaine also ran for Scottish Masters in the British and Irish Five Nations International. In 2002 she was 6th W35 and her Dad, Bill, was 6th M70.

Sheila L. A. McCLAFFERTY (1956 – , Pitreavie) was a runner who specialised in 3000m on the track in the mid-70’s with a best time of 11:21.13.

Mary McCLUNG (19.12.71, Kilmarnock, Edinburgh Southern, University of Georgia (USA) Mary was a Scottish international runner with a very good record of consistently high standard athletics.   First appearing in the ranking lists in 1987, she appeared 45 times (18 in the top ten, with her last ranked performance in 2004.  Her competitive record as reported in the scotsats.net website is as follows:  Scottish championships: 1st 800 1994, 1st 800 ’97, 1st 800 ’99,   2nd 400 ’00, 2nd 800 ’95,    3rd 800 ’98;    2nd i400 ’00, 2nd  i800 ’01.   Starting as a sprinter her best times at all distances are – 200m –  25.2;  400m – 54.06,  400H – 66.0,  600m – 1:32.84,  800m – 2:03.92,  1500 – 4:25.13,  3000m – 10:32.6.

Patricia A. McCLUSKEY (25.05.40-11.1976, Tannahill Harriers, Greenock Rankin Park)  Pat McCluskey (later Spence) was a very good runner in the 1960’s and 1970’s who was also a good coach.   Her own times, all run on cinder tracks, were 2:27.3 for 800m, 5:31.1 for the Mile, 4:42.4 (1500m), and 10:35.8 (3000m)   Her record in the Scottish championships was a good one –  2nd in the 3000 in ‘71, 3rd in the 1500, also in ‘71, 3rd in the 1500 in 72.   Her country record is also a good one – Scottish cross-country championships: main performances in the 1960’s: 1960 2nd, 1961 1st, 1965 7th. She ran for Scotland in 1960 and 1961. (Pat Spence died tragically from complications after a minor operation). Her obituary was in Athletics Weekly. “Pat was a former Scottish Women’s CC Champion (1961), finished in the first three on other occasions and gained international vests for Scotland. She was one of the founder members of the SWCCU and was President in 1969, when the ICCU Championships were held in Clydebank. She helped to establish Greenock Rankin Park Harriers, a thriving women’s athletic club in her home town of Greenock, and built it up to a membership of over 100 athletes, including internationals whom she had personally coached. Possessing a warm, friendly, vivacious personality, Pat lived her life to the full, making many friends both in and out of the sport. She leaves behind two young daughters and her husband George, an enthusiastic athlete himself, who first interested Pat in the sport.”

Pamela McCROSSAN was born on 10/6/1961 and ran for Clydesdale Harriers and the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club and started running in the late 1990s. She became an Honorary Member of Clydesdale and Ladies Captain. Pamela was first lady in the Aberfeldy Marathon in 2012 at her first attempt at the distance. In the Scottish Masters XC Championship, Pamela secured W50 silver in 2013 xc; and won the W55 title in 2018 plus bronze in 2019. In 2018, she was first M50 in the Scottish 10 Miles Road Championship. Pamela McCrossan was part of a medal-winning team on each of the five occasions she represented Scotland at the British and Irish Masters International Cross-Country Championships.

Elizabeth McCOLGAN – see Lynch

Janet McCOLL – see Higgins

Jane McCRORIE (24.11.81, Central) was a runner at the turn of the century with best times of 4:45.14 (1500) and 10:37.4 (3000m).

Elizabeth McCULLOCH, (Bellahouston Harriers) , running in the 1970’s, had personal bests of 5:08.9 for 1500m, and 10:45.2 for 3000m.

Julie McDEVITT  (15.03.73, Edinburgh Southern, Glasgow,  City of Glasgow)  Later Julie Barnett, was a versatile athlete, just as much at home on the track as on the road or over the country.   Ranked on the track almost every year from 1989 to 2001 at  800m and 1500m with best times of 2:10.1 and 4:31.14.   Her competitive record highlights included:  Scottish championships: 3rd 800m in  1996; 2nd i800 ’95, 2nd i800 ’96, 3rd i1500 ’97.   

Alison McDOUGALL (28.08.62,  Stonelaw HS, Shettleston Harriers)   ran 1977 to 1982 and mainly in 800m.   Best times of 2:11.8 for 800m and 4:46.4 for 1500m.

Charlotte M. T. McFADDEN (21.03.68, Edinburgh University, City of Glasgow)  was active between 1989 and 1999 running 1500m, 3000m and 5000m with best times of 4:47.85 for 1500m, 10:06.9 gor 3000m and 17:37.35 .

Heather McFARLANE (18.03.66, Marr College, Ayr Seaforth) ran in the 1980’s with a wide range of personal best times – 800m in 2:17.5, 4:44.23 for 1500m and 3:07:38 for the marathon.

Wendy McFARLANE (22.08.69, City of Glasgow) had a personal best of 4:44.7 for 1500m in 1995

Aileen McFEAT (1961-)St Mungo’s HS, Central Region) a best of 11:57.8 for 3000m in 1976.

Angela McGEOWN (3.12.64, Trinity HS, Paisley,Shettleston) was second in the SWAAA in 1984 and was ranked at national level between 1978 and 1984 with best times of 57.2 (400m) and 2:10.75 (800m).

Hilary McGRATH (9.6.63, Law & District AC).  As a Scottish Masters athlete, she won many W45 and W50 Indoor and Outdoor Track titles over 1500m and 3000m. In the Cross-Country Championships, Hilary won W45 bronze in 2011; and W50 silver in 2014. For Scottish Masters in 2013, Hilary McGrath was part of a W50 Cross-Country team that won silver medals in the British and Irish International at Cardiff. They repeated this performance in 2014 at Nottingham.

Nancy McGRAW (Teviotdale Harriers)   was a good marathon runner for the Borders club with a best time of 3:07:53 and other performances between 1980 and 1987.   

Susan McGRENAGHAN (11.07.83, Kilbarchan AC)   was one of the pioneers of women’s steeplechase with performances over 200m and 300m barriers where she was ranked in the top three in the country.   Her personal bests across the range including the ‘chase were 2:19.2 (800), 4:41.59 (1500m), 10:33.6 (3000m), 8:11.6 (2000m steeplechase) and 12:15.79 (3000m steeplechase).   She was running between 1998 to 2002.   It is unfortunate that there were no national championships for her to run in.   

 Hazel McHENRY (2.06.69, Victoria Park) was a 400/800 specialist with best performances of 57.1 and 2:11.9.

Karen A. McINALLY (14.09.76,  Nith Valley) was a middle distance runner who ran mainly  800m and 1500m events with best times of 2:19.3 and 4:41.09.   

Iona E. McINTYRE (14.03.83, Edinburgh Southern, Dunfermline & West Fife)  

Toni McINTOSH was born on 26/11/1979 and ran for Stirling University, Ayr Seaforth and Central AC. In 2003, she finished fifth in the Scottish Senior National XC and then ran for Scotland at Belfast. Toni finished 25^th (third Scot) and the team lost to Kenya, Ireland and England but beat Wales and Northern Ireland. She won individual silver in the 2009 National, then finished first Scot (6^th place) in the Home International in Bangor, Wales. Undoubtedly, her favourite surface was road. In 2004, she raced an Ekiden Relay at Brussels; Scotland lost to Ireland but beat Belgium and France. Toni McIntosh won several Scottish titles: 10k in 2000 and 2009; half marathon in 2003, 2004 and 2009; and the marathon in 2009 (2.47.18). In the Scottish rankings, she was third for 10,000m (2004) and marathon (2009). 

Sonia McLAREN (Armitage from 1991) was born on 27/10/1960 and ran for Aberdeen AAC and Cosmic Hill Bashers. She was a very classy athlete for many years. Sonia won the Scottish Indoor 1500m in 2010; secured bronze medals at 3000m; and in 1979 raced 3000m for Scotland v Wales and Israel. She ran for Scotland as a in the World Cross-Country Championships; five times in the World Hill Running Trophy; and three times in the European Hill Running Trophy. In 1996, Sonia won the Scottish Hill Running title. She was a World Masters Champion in Mountain Running and both Outdoor and Indoor track. In Scotland she won the Masters Cross Country title in 1996 (W35), 2001 and 2003 (W40), as well as Team gold with Aberdeen AAC in 1996. She helped Scottish Masters to secure several team medals in the annual 5 Nations CC International. Naturally she won umpteen Scottish Masters titles on the track, indoors and outdoors. She was a speedy, elegant runner who overcame several injuries, competed brilliantly, thoroughly deserved every success but was always modest and friendly.

Inez McLEAN, (7.09.55, Unattached) was a very good runner of marathons during the 1980’s at a time when the standard was high.   Her competitive record looks like this : 1982, Marathon, 2.46.32, ranked 2nd; 1983 Marathon 2.42.42, 1st; 1984 Marathon 2.57.45 8th; 1985 Marathon 2.38.17 2nd;  1986 Marathon 2.52.4 7 7.    Five years, five top ten rankings including one first and two seconds.   

Elizabeth McLEOD, unattached. In 1955, at Ayr, she finished 9^th (third Scot) in the cross-country International match v England. (In the previous 1955 Scottish National Cross-Country she had been third.) Later, in the 1955 Scottish Athletics 880 yards championship, she won a silver medal behind Aileen Drummond.

Fiona McLEOD, (Penicuik HS, Edinburgh Southern)

Fiona is only raked for two years in 1973 and 1974 when her her best times were 2:21.42 for 800m and 61.4 for 400m.

Christine McMEEKIN, (1.12.56 Hillhead HS, Maryhill Ladies, Glasgow, Windsor Slough & Eton) was a very good athlete in club and international terms.   Her competitive record reads: Olympics 1976 800 (ht); Commonwealth Games ’78 1500m (4th); Commonwealth Games 1986 1500 (ht).  GB Championships: 2nd 1500m ’86, 2nd UK 1500 ’86;    Scottish Championships: 1st 800m ‘75, ‘77, ’86; 2nd 400m ‘73, 2nd 1500m ‘82; 3rd 1500 ’78, ’88; 1st 600i ’74, ’75, 2nd 600i ’73.   Christine is twin sister of 

Evelyn McMEEKIN (1.12.56, Hillhead HS, Maryhill Ladies, Glasgow) was also a very good athlete who unfortunately had injury problems which affected her career.   Her career record reads: Commonwealth Games 1974 400m (sf), 4×400 (4th); 1978 800m (6th), 4x400m (4th).    Scottish championships: 1st 800 1976, ‘78, 3rd 800 ’73; 1st 300i ’74, 1st 600i ’73

Read the full profile for Christine and Evelyn at this link

Hazel McNEE, (Marr College, Loughborough Univ, Ayr Seaforth AC)   competed for Ayr Seaforth between 1978 and 1982 over a range of middle distance races with best times of 2:15.0 (800m), 4:44.5 (1500m), 10:56.0 (3000m) and 69.1 (400mH).

Pamela McNELLIS,  (28.04.83, Inverclyde, City of Glasgow, Victoria Park City of Glasgow) , later Nicholson, raced over 800m, 1500m, 3000m and 5000m between 1998 and 2007.   Pamela was second in the Scottish 1500m in 2003 and had best times of 2:14.7 *800m), 4:34.98 (1500m), 9:54.72 (3000m) and 17:35.06 (5000m).

Jeanette McPHERSON (Birchfield)  was ranked between 1969 and 1972 and had best times of 2:19.4 (800m) and 60.5 (400m).

Vikki McPHERSON (1.06.71, Troon Tortoises, Glasgow, Glasgow University, City of Glasgow)   was an athlete of the highest calibre who was a credit to Scotland wherever she competed.   Her competition record highlights were as follows.  World Championships, 1993, 10000m (ht);   Commonwealth Games, ’94, 10000m (5th);  Commonwealth Games, ’98, 10000m (4th);   World Student Games ’93 10000m (4th);   GB Championships: 1st, 10000m, ’93;  1st, UK 10000 ’97, 3rd 10000 ’96.   Scottish Championships: 3rd 3000m ’91.

Read Vikki’s full profile  here . 

Fiona  McQUEEN (10.02.61, Hyndland Sec Sch, Victoria Park AAC)   was a good athlete and part of a very good group at Victoria Park coached by Ronnie Kane.   Her competitive record highlights include SWAAA Championship performances – 1st 3000m,  1981;   2nd 1500 ‘79;   2nd 3000m ‘78;   3rd 1500m  ‘83;  3rd 3000 ’80.   She had best performances on the track 25 times between 1975 and 1984 at distances between 800m and 3000m, and was in the top three six times.   Personal best times: 800m – 2:11.9,  1500m – 4:18.74,  Mile – 4:51.99, 3000m – 9:23.95. 

Good as she was on the track, Fiona was possibly better on the country.   She ran for Scotland in the World Championships no fewer than 5 times – 1978 (79th), 1979 (57th), 1980 (73rd), 1983 (51st), 1984 (41st).   Domestically she won the national under 17 title twice (1977 and 1978), and the senior title once (1983).   In addition she was second in 1980 and third in 1979.  Fiona was a remarkable athlete.   Read her full profile.

Renee Murray, Giffnock North, was a consistently good runner on road, track and country.   Her best marathon was in 1992 when she recorded 2:55:23 to be fourth fastest Scot over the distance.   In 1990 she was second in the SWAAA 10,000m in 38:58.14 to be fifth fastest Scot for the year.

Hayley Haining  (above)was born on 6/3/1972 and ran for Nith Valley AC, GUH&H, City of Glasgow AC and Kilbarchan. Brian McAusland has written in her full profile that her career was affected by injuries and poor selection decisions but “she won the British Schools Cross-Country international in 1985 at the age of 13 in 1985 and later that year won the SWAAA 800m title for her age group. In 2005 – twenty years later – she was running for Britain in the World Marathon Championships in Helsinki and three years after that she was reserve for the Olympics Marathon squad, four runners having done the qualifying time. Into the interim she packed a wonderful career as an endurance runner.” Career Record: World 2005 Marathon (25^th – GB team bronze medals); Commonwealth 2006 Marathon (9th), Commonwealth 2014 Mar (13th). GB: 1st AAA 5000m 1999, 2nd UK 10,000m 2007. Scottish: 1st 5000m 1995 and 2000, 1st 10,000m 2008, 2nd 3000m 19.91. Between 1989 and 2014, she ran for Scotland at 1500m, Two Miles and Marathon. Hayley Haining ran three Junior International XC matches for Scotland, always finishing first Scot. In 1990 she won the race, with Paula Radcliffe second. She also ran three Senior International XC matches (always first Scot). The highlight was winning the World XC trials at Luton in 1997. Hayley Haining was Senior National XC Champion three times and on each occasion led her team to victory: 1991 Glasgow University; 1997 and 2000 City of Glasgow.   

Hayley’s full profile can be read here.

Lynn Harding was born in Milngavie on 10/8/1961 and ran for Houghton Harriers (since she worked near Sunderland as an accountant). She ran very well on cross-country but especially on the road. Her favourite distances were 10 miles and half marathons; but she was best at marathons and even ultra-marathons. In the Scottish Senior National XC, Lynn Harding finished second in 1988 and third in 1989. She trained very hard for the 1989 London marathon and broke the Scottish National record with 8^th place in 2.31.45. Then Lynn won the Scottish Athletics 10,000m title. She raced for Scotland in the 1990 Commonwealth Games Marathon, finishing a respectable 11^th. After a very fast PB half marathon in 73.09, she was selected to run for GB at the World 15k Road Race at Rio de Janeiro in September, finishing 36^th in 54.30. The team was fourth. In 1992, she ran for GB in the Stockholm Marathon, finishing a good third (2.43.26). Then the Berlin Marathon (10^th in 2.38.01); and tenth again in the San Sebastian Marathon in an excellent 2.35.04. In the 1994 Commonwealth Games Lynn finished12th in 2.40.57. In 1995, she competed for GB in the European 100km Championship, finishing second in 7.52.23. GB finished second as well – two silver medals in one race. In 1996, Lynn Harding ran brilliantly for Scotland to win the W35 race in the British and Irish Masters Home Cross-Country International at Beach Park, Irvine.   Lynn’s complete profile is here.

Barbara Harvie (Murray from 1981) was born on 22/7/1957 and ran for Aberdeen University AC and Brighton & Hove AC. On the track, Barbara won Scottish Championship bronze medals for 800m and 1500m in 1980; and 800m silver in 1981. In 1980 she ran for Scotland twice: 1500m v England and Northern Ireland; and 3000m v Denmark and Ireland. In the Scottish Senior National XC, Barbara Murray finished third in 1980 and second in 1981. She ran cross-country for Scotland five times between 1980 and 1984: in the 1980 IAAF World Cross at Paris (third Scottish counter); in a 1980 match at Runcorn (second Scot – her team lost to England and Ireland but beat Wales and Northern Ireland; in a 1981 Home Countries match at Mallusk (second Scot) – same team result as Runcorn; in the 1981 World Cross at Madrid; and in a 1984 Home Countries International at Irvine.  

Christine Haskett (Price from 1980) was born on 30/12/1952 and ran for Dundee Hawkhill Harriers, Stretford AC and Bolton United. Christine was a brilliant teenage athlete who raced 1500m at the 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games; and returned in 1986 to the same Commonwealth Games venue to race 10,000m. Christine ran 14 track internationals for Scotland; plus two road races and 21 cross-country internationals. On the track Christine won Scottish titles at: 1500m (four times); 3000m (thrice); 5000m and 10,000m. Yet her best event was probably cross-country. In the ICCU Championships, between 1971 and 1987, Christine was usually first or second Scot to finish and always a team counter. Her best placing was 6^th in 1971; and the Scottish team won bronze medals in 1972. In 1975, Christine Haskett won the Home Countries XC v England, Wales and Northern Ireland. She was Scottish Senior National XC Champion six times; and led DHH to three successive team titles (1971-1972). In 1993, Christine Price – such a popular and respected person – raced for Scottish Veterans in the British and Irish Masters International XC Championship and, almost inevitably, won the W40 title.    Read Christine’s full profile at this link.

Angela Hepburn was born on 26/5/1970 and ran for Aberdeen AAC. In the 2006 Scottish Masters XC Championships, she won the W35 title and Aberdeen finished second team.

Anna Herman was born in 1927 and ran for Edinburgh Southern Harriers. She was Scottish Champion at 440 yards in 1955, 1957 and 1958. In 1955 Anna set a new Scottish 440 record. Then, in 1957 and 1958, she set new Scottish records for 880 yards (in the Edinburgh Police sports; and the WAAA Championships). In 1956, Anna Herman ran for Scotland in a cross-country international match against England (at Upminster) and finished second Scot behind Aileen Drummond, the Scottish cross-country champion.

Allison Higgins (Simpson) was born on 8/4/1972 and ran for Loudon Runners and Kilmarnock Harriers 1994-2007. Allison ran for Scotland in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, finishing 7^th in the 10,000m. At GB level, she won a silver medal in the 2001 UK 3000m Steeplechase; and bronze in the 2002 AAA 10,000m. In Scottish Championships, Allison won the 5000m title in 2001, after a bronze at that distance the year before. She won the 2006 Indoor 3000m, after a silver medal in 2005. In 2004, she ran for Scotland in an Ekiden Relay at Brussels. Scotland lost to Ireland but beat Belgium and France. Allison Higgins also raced for Scotland v England, Wales and three other sides at Loughborough in 2007, when she finished third in the 3000m Steeplechase. In the Scottish Senior National XC Championships, Allison Higgins won individual silver in 2003.

Janet Higgins (McColl from 1981) was born on 2/7/56 and ran for Victoria Park AC, Glasgow AC, Blaydon and Garscube Harriers. For Scotland she ran one international road race (10 miles in Wales 1991); and twelve cross-country matches, including many Home Countries Internationals, in which she was frequently a Scottish team counter, when her team beat Wales and Northern Ireland. Janet Higgins also raced in the IAAF World Cross in 1977 and 1978.In the annual Scottish Athletics rankings, she was in the top ten for 3000m (1976; 5000m – third in 1993; 10,000m (1993); and marathon (1982). In the Scottish Senior National XC, Janet Higgins (McColl) featured in winning Victoria Park teams in 1974 and 1975; and Glasgow AC team golds in 1976-1978, 1980, 1983, 1989 and 1990. She continued to run well as a veteran: in the Scottish Masters XC championship, winning W45 silver (for Garscube H) in 2002.

Sarah Hood (Benson from 2013) was born on 9/6/1982 and ran for Edinburgh AC and Tipton Harriers. In the Scottish Senior National XC championships, Edinburgh AC (including Sarah) secured team silver in 2010 but won the title in 2011, 2012, and 2015. Sarah Hood’s best finishing position was fifth. She ran two track internationals for Scotland; one on the road; and one on cross-country. In Scottish Track Championships, she won silver in the 2005 indoor 800m; and bronze in the 2014 indoor 1500m. She was fourth in the Scottish Athletics 3000m Steeplechase rankings in 2010, 2011 and 2013 with a best time of 10.5.53. In 2011, Sarah Hood won a bronze medal in the British 3000m Steeplechase.

Violet Hope (Blair) was born on 4/11/56 and ran for Central Region, Edinburgh University and Edinburgh Southern Harriers/Edinburgh Woollen Mill. On the track, she was Scottish 1500m champion in 1980 and 1983; East District 1500m champion in 1979, 1982 and 1987; and had personal best times of: 1500m: 4.14.47; One Mile: 4.40.69; and 3000m: 9.19.4. Violet ran for Scotland on the track seven times; and on cross-country four times. In the Senior National XC championships, her best finishing position was fourth (1979); and her Edinburgh team won the Scottish title in 1981, 1985, 1987 and 1992. Other team wins included; Scottish XC Relay; and East District XC (in 1980, Violet won the individual title). As a Veteran, Violet Blair won the European Masters 1500m in 1992; and Scottish Masters 800m titles in 2004 and 2007.    Violet’s complete profile is at this link.

Kirsty Husband was born on 4/11/1965 and ran for Edinburgh Southern Harriers and Garscube Harriers. For Scotland, on the track she ran 1500m v Hungary in 1984. Kirsty seemed to favour cross-country. She ran one Junior International XC in 1983; and three Senior XC Internationals in 1984-1985. Kirsty Husband raced for Scotland in the IAAF World Cross in 1984 at East Rutherford (USA) and was fourth Scottish counter. In 1984 she was fourth counter again in a Home Countries XC International at Irvine, when Scotland lost to England and Ireland but beat Northern Ireland and Wales. She ran in a similar event at Sidcup in 1985. In the Senior National XC Championship, Kirsty won individual bronze in 1984 and led ESH to the Scottish team title. In the Scottish XC Relay, ESH finished second in 1983. In the 2008 Scottish Masters XC championships, Kirsty Husband (8^th) led Garscube Harriers to team victory. In 2009, Kirsty won a gold medal in the W40 Scottish Masters 10k road championship.

Karen Hutcheson (Hargrave from 1993) was born on 23/9/1965 and ran for Pitreavie AAC, Lochgelly & District AAC and Berry Hill AC. Karen was a very successful track athlete, representing GB in the 1989 European Indoors (7^th in the 1500m); and the 1989 World Championships (7^th in the 1500m). She ran for Scotland (at distances from 4x400m to 3000m) in eleven track international matches, including the 1990 Commonwealth Games (10^th in 1500m; fourth in 3000m). At GB level Karen won the 1989 Indoor 1500m and the 1992 Indoor 3000m, as well as silver or bronze medals for 1500m or 3000m. Karen Hutcheson was Scottish Champion four times: 1984 and 1987 1500m; and, indoors, 1989 800m and 1990 3000m.    Karen’s full profile is here.

Christine Hutton (29.11.57, Law & District, Clyde Valley)   The younger of the two Hutton sisters that trained with the Clyde Valley athletes at Coatbridge in the 1970’s.   They were good club athletes and Christine’s best times were 400m – 58.0; 800m – 2:10.1; 1500 – 4:30.0; 3000 – 11:07.0.   Christine was 3rd in the Scottish indoor 300m in 1976. 

Margaret Hutton (2.01.56, Law & District, Clyde Valley)   Margaret was the elder of the two sisters and was a double SWAAA medalist being 3rd in the Scottish 400 in 1981 and third in the indoor 1500m in 1976.   

Lorna Inglis ran for Edinburgh Athletic Club. In 1975, running for Penicuik High School, she won the Scottish Schools 800m. At the East District Athletics Championships, in 1975 Lorna won the 800m and 1500m titles; and 800m again in 1976. In the Scottish Athletics Championships, she won a bronze medal in the 1975 Indoor 3000m. In the Senior National cross-country Championships, Lorna was part of the EAC team that won bronze medals in 1977. She gained individual silver in the 1975 East District cross-country. Lorna Inglis raced cross-country for Scotland in two Home Countries Internationals: in 1975 at Coatbridge; and in 1976 at Rawtenstall, England.

Isabel T.INWOOD (2.08.44, Maryhill Ladies AC, Western LAC) was a good half miler whose talents spread to 440 yards and Mile distances.   She ran for Maryhill Ladies and then when Western LAC was formed, she joined that club.   Her best times were 59.2 for 440, 2:14.0 for 880 and 5:20.4 for the Mile.   Competitively, she she was second in both the SWAAA 880 and mile in 1964, after being third in the 880 in both ’62 and ’63.   Also a good cross-country runner she ran in the National almost all the way through the 1960’s finishing in the top10 every time.   As a result of finishing fourth in the championship in season 1962-63, Isabel was selected for the international against England on 9th March that year.  

Lorna Irving was born on 23/3/1947 and ran for Border AC and Edinburgh Southern Harriers/EWM. She featured in the Scottish Athletics ranking lists between 1983 and 1987 – and was a ‘late bloomer’ but an excellent marathon runner. Lorna topped the Scottish list in 1984 with 2.37.19 (winning the Scottish People’s Marathon in Glasgow and setting a Scottish All-Comers record); ran 2.38.20 in 1985 (third); was number 1 again with her personal best 2.36.34 in 1986 – when fifth for Scotland at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games); and ranked fourth in 1987 with 2.38.36.4. In the Scottish National XC championships, Lorna was first W35 in 1985 (fourth overall – ESH gained team silver); and 1987 (ninth overall – EWM won the team title).

Alison Jenkins (Harker from 1989) was born on 20/2/1962 and ran for Edinburgh Southern Harriers/EWM. On the track, in 1988 she finished second in the Scottish Athletics 3000m championship; and in 1989 ran for Scotland v Wales, racing an indoor 3000m. In the Scottish Senior National XC championships, Alison finished third in 1987 (EWM team gold); second in 1988 (team silver); and third in 1990 (team silver). For Scotland, she raced on both cross-country and road. In 1987, Alison was fourth team counter in a Home Countries XC match at Cardiff. In 1988 Alison Jenkins won the Scottish 10km road championships; this was also an international team contest between the winners (Scotland), England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Kate Jenkins was born on 26/3/1974 and ran for Carnethy HRC, Gala Harriers and Hunters Bog Trotters. The indefatigable Kate won the Scottish Marathon championship four times (in 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2007). Apparently relishing tougher courses, she chose to win at the hilly Moray Marathon. Kate also won the Scottish 50k championship twice (2007 and 2011); and the gruelling Scottish Ultra Trail Running championships (Milngavie to Tyndrum) in 2011. She set a Woman’s record for the 95 miles West Highland Way race in 1999. Between 1997 and 2012 Kate Jenkins won the Moray Marathon twelve times. She was Scottish Hill Running Champion in 1999, 2001 and 2005; and first Woman in the West Highland Way Race five times: 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2006. (She also won the 2004 Lairig Ghru Hill Race, which was 28 miles long, accompanied by Ben, the First Dog!)     Kate’s complete profile is at this link.

Constance Johnston was a pioneer Scottish female middle distance athlete who ran for Maryhill Ladies and London Olympiades. In the Scottish Athletics Championships, she won four titles: 440 yards in 1932; and 880 yards three times (1931-1933). ‘Connie’ set five Scottish records for 880 yards, reducing it from 2.39 – to 2.21.8 (a silver-medal-winning performance) in the 1932 WAAA Championships in London. Unfortunately, there were no track international opportunities at the time. In the Scottish National XC Championships, Connie Johnston was second in 1932, won the title in 1933 and was second in 1934 (only inches behind Mildred Storrar, who was to be the next ‘star’). Maryhill Ladies won the team title in 1932 and 1933. Connie finished fourth in 1935 but, in the International cross-country match against England at Morecambe, she was seventh and first Scot.

Gill Keddie was born on 1/2/1969 and ran for City of Glasgow AC. Personal bests: 3000m 9.59.4; 5000m 17.30.39; 10,000m 35.50.72 (which ranked fifth in 2005); Marathon 2.43.42. In the 2005 Scottish Senior National XC Championships, she won individual bronze and City of Glasgow won the team title. 

  Catherine Kelly (Brown from 1967) was born on 18/6/1943 and ran for Maryhill Ladies AC. In the Scottish Athletics annual rankings, in the One Mile she was second in 1965 and third in 1966. She ran for Scotland over One Mile in an International track v Wales and Northern Ireland in 1965. In the 1966 Scottish Athletics championship, Catherine won a silver medal in the One Mile event. In the Scottish National cross-country championships, Maryhill Ladies won the team in: 1963 (when Catherine was 5^th); 1965 (4^th); 1966 (5^th); and 1967 (3^rd – Leslie Watson, Maryhill, won.) Catherine Kelly ran for Scotland in the 1967 ICCU Championships. Scotland beat Wales.

Suzanne Kennedy was born on 30/4/1974 and ran for Victoria Park City of Glasgow. In 1992 she won a silver medal in the Scottish 10k Road Race Championships. Suzanne ran for Scotland in two International road events: in a 1991 10 miles match at LLandudno against Wales and Northern Ireland; and a 1994 10k at Swansea against England and Wales.

Laura Kenney (Whittle from 2011) was born on 27/6/1985 and ran for Royal Sutton Coldfield. 2008-2016. She ran well for Scotland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games 5000m and finished sixth. Laura went on to represent GB in the 2016 European 5000m (5^th); and the 2016 Olympic 5000m. In British track championships, she won 5000m silver medals in 2010 and 2015; bronze in 2008, 2014 and 2016; and Indoor 3000m bronze in 2011. (Laura’s father was Paul Kenney, a Scottish International runner on road and XC.) Laura Whittle ran two road races for Scotland: 10k at Leeds in 2014, when the team beat England and Norway; and 3k in 2016 at Armagh, when Scotland beat Northern Ireland, England, Ireland, Poland and Wales.

Doreen King was born in 1945, ran for Bellahouston Harriers and Western AAC (and was married to Lachie Stewart). Doreen was in the top ten Scottish Athletics rankings for One Mile and 800m. In the 1968 Scottish Senior National XC, Doreen won individual silver and led Western AAC to team gold. That year, she finished 12^th (first Scot) in the ICCU Championships at Blackburn, when Scotland lost to USA and England but beat Ireland and Wales – and received team bronze medals.

Shelagh King (Clydesdale Harriers, Haddington , Gala Harriers) was a good hill runner running in many of the toughest challenges the hills have to offer. 10th in the Hill Running championship in 1989, she was 6th in 1990 and 5th in 1991.   Also a great club enthusiast – on one occasion turned out for the club in a 400m hurdles race the day after the Ben Nevis Race.   Now a FV 65 she is still running in events such as the Borders Winter Race Series, the Three Eildons 10, Loch Eriboll 10K, and the Wooller Trail Marathon in recent years before the pandemic disrupted everything..   

Sandra Kirk was born on 11/8/1950 and ran for Bury AC and Wigan and District. In the Scottish Athletics rankings, she was in the top ten for 880 yards, One Mile and 1500m. Sandra won a silver medal in the 1969 Scottish Championship 800m; and two bronze medals in the 1968 880 yards and One Mile events. In the Scottish Senior National XC, she was fourth in both 1969 and 1970. Sandra Kirk ran twice for Scotland in the ICCU International: in 1969 at Clydebank, she finished 25^th (third Scottish counter) and her team beat Wales and Canada; in 1970 she was 28^th (fourth Scottish counter) and Scotland beat Wales.

Isobel Knox was born on 25/11/1978 and ran for Hunters Bog Trotters. She peaked in her thirties and ran ultra-distance events for Scotland six times between 2009 and 2013. In the annual Anglo-Celtic Plate 100km Isobel was very consistent: 2009 5^th (second Scot) team silver; 2019 sixth – Scotland first team; 2011 8^th; 2012 fourth (first Scot); 2013 5^th (first Scot). (N.B. First Scot in this gruelling event became Scottish 100km Champion.) In the 2009 Commonwealth 100km Championship at Keswick, Isobel was 9^th (third Scot) and the team lost to England but beat Canada to claim silver medals. Isobel Knox also won the 2009 Scottish 50 km title.

Dianne Lauder was born on 6/7/1976 and ran for Gala Harriers. She was ranked in the Scottish top ten for 5000m and marathon. Dianne Lauder ran for Scotland v England in the 1994 Dunfermline Half Marathon. She also raced for Scotland in the 2013 Home Countries XC International in Wales, when Scotland lost to England but beat two other teams; and the same fixture in 2014 at Nottingham. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Dianne Lauder was third W35 in 2012; finished fourth in 2013 (and Gala was third team). In 2017, Dianne won individual silver and led Gala to team gold. In 2011, Dianne finished fourth W35 in the annual British and Irish Masters XC International and her Scottish team won silver medals. In 2016, despite being W40, Dianne Lauder helped the Scottish Masters W35 team to win gold.

Caroline Lawless ran for Falkirk Victoria Harriers. In the Scottish XC Relay, Falkirk finished second in 1998. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Caroline was part of the FVH team that won gold medals in 2005, 2006 and 2007. In 2006, Caroline Lawless became W45 Champion, having secured silver in 2005.

Victoria Lawrence (9.06.73, Blackpool & Fylde, Edinburgh Southern Harriers).   Vickie Lawrence was a very talented runner who ran for Scotland between the early 1990’s and 2002.   A very popular member of teams her competition record included  a victory in the Scottish 800m championship in 1995 after finishing second the year before.  Best times were:  600m – 1:34.0; 800m – 2:03.52; 1000m – 2:44.81;  and 1500m –  4:19.77.   

Ellen Leggate was born on 4/2/1978 and ran for Fife AC. She was English, and named Ellen O’Hare but married Scottish cross-country International athlete Daniel Leggate. Ellen won a bronze medal in the 1995 AAA 1500m. In the Scottish Athletics Championships, she was third in the 2001 800m; and third in the 1500m in 2000 and 2002. In the Scottish Senior National Cross-Country Championships, Ellen Leggate won the title in 2001.

Phyllis Lemoncello ran for Fife AC and was a successful Veteran runner. In the Scottish Senior National XC Championships, she featured in Fife AC teams that won gold in 1994 and silver in 1995. Phyllis won many Masters XC titles: W45 in 1994; W50 (1998-2000); W55 (2003-2005); W60 (2008-10); W65 (2013).

 Carol Lightfoot (Sharp from 1984) was born on 5/7/1955 and ran for Shettleston Harriers and Glasgow AC. (She married Cameron Sharp and is the mother of Lynsey Sharp – both major Scottish and GB international athletes.) In the Senior National Cross-country championship, Carol contributed to Shettleston Harriers winning team silver in 1977 and bronze in 1978. In Scottish Athletics Championships, Carol won the 800m title in 1979, 1982 and 1984; as well as one silver indoors; and three silvers plus two bronze outdoors. Carol Lightfoot ran for Scotland in 18 track Internationals, including the 1982 Commonwealth Games. In 1996, Carol Sharp was part of the Edinburgh Woolen Mill team which won the Scottish XC Relay title.   Read Carol’s full profile here.

Palm Lindsay (Gunstone from 1972) was born in 1946 and ran for Dundee Hawkhill Harriers. (She married Scottish International athlete Doug Gunstone.) On the track, Palm won a silver medal in the 1974 3000m; and, in 1973, bronze medals in the Indoor 1500m and outdoor 3000m. She won the East District 880 yards in 1965. In the Scottish Senior National XC, Dundee (including Palm) won team gold medals in 1970, 1971 and 1972. (Palm also secured team silver with Victoria Park in 1976.) She won the East District XC title in 1975. Palm Gunstone ran for Scotland (1973-1975) in three IAAF World Cross Championships: in Belgium, Italy and Morocco; and also in the 1975 Home Countries match at Coatbridge, where she was third Scottish counter; and in the same 1976 fixture at Rawtenstall in England. In the 1984 Scottish Senior National Cross-Country, the SWCCU included a W35 category for the first time – and Palm Gunstone became the first official champion.

Alice Linton (8.12.59, Westbourne Sch, Edinburgh Univ, Maryhill Ladies, Glasgow) ran well over a spell of seven years from the age of just 16 at distances between 400m and 1500m.   Her  best times were 57.2 (400m), 2:06.78 (800m) and 4:33.0 (1500m).   Competitively, she was second in the SWAAA 800m in 1977 and again in 1978.

Alice was a good cross-country runner too.   Note her progression at the difficult time of transition from Intermediate to Senior: 1976 – 10th Inter; 1977 – 5th inter; 1978 – 9th Senior.   It was a pity that her career was so short.

Sheena Lofts (Fitzmaurice from 1965) was born on 4/4/1943 and ran for Aldershot, Farnham and District. In the Scottish Athletics Championships, she won the 1962 880 yards (and was ranked first that year); secured silver medals in 1961 and 1968; and bronze in 1964 and 1965. Unfortunately, during those years, there were no International track opportunities for Scottish women. Sheena raced from 440 yard to One Mile, plus their metric equivalents. In the Scottish National Cross-Country Championships, Sheena Fitzmaurice finished third on two occasions (1968 and 1970. She ran for Scotland in three ICCU International matches: 1968 in Tunis (when she was 19^th and the team finished third); 1969, at a hilly 3 km course at Dalmuir, Scotland (29^th, fourth counter, team fifth); and 1970 at Vichy, France (26^th, fourth counter, team fifth).

Jean Lordon was born on 25/7/1960 and ran for Edinburgh University and Edinburgh Southern Harriers/Edinburgh Woolen Mill.  In the annual Scottish Athletics rankings, in 1982 she was second in the One Mile (1982) and sixth in the 3000m. Jean won Scottish Championships silver medals for 3000m in 1983 and 1986. She ran 1500m for Scotland in 1986 v Catalonia and Ireland. In the Scottish Senior National XC championships, Jean Lordon won the 1986 title, having also secured bronze medals in 1982 and 1983. ESH secured team silver in 1983; and won the title in 1986. Jean Lordon ran five cross-country Internationals for Scotland, including the 1982, 1983 and1986 IAAF World Cross Championships. In 1982 at Rome, Jean was fourth Scottish counter (in front of Liz Lynch; in 1983 at Gateshead, she was fourth Scot again (in front of Yvonne Murray); and in 1986 at Colombier (Switzerland) she was fifth Scot. In 1983, in a contest against Switzerland, Jean was first Scot and her team won; and in a 1985 Home Nations event at Sidcup, she was fourth Scot and the team lost to Ireland and England but beat Wales and Northern Ireland.

Fiona Lothian was born on 2/12/1965 and ran for Fife AC. In Scotland, she was ranked fifth for 3000m in 1997; and fifth for 5000m in 1999. Fiona won a Scottish Championships silver medal in the 1998 5000m. In the Senior National XC, Fiona was Scottish Champion in 1998 (and also won silver in 1997 and bronze in 1999). Fife won team silver in 2000. Fiona Lothian won three successive gold medals (1997-1999) in the Scottish 10k road championship. Fife was second team in 1998. Fiona Lothian became a World-Class Duathlete. She was Head of Performance at Triathlon Scotland.

Liz Lynch (McColgan from 1988) was born on 24/5/1964 and ran for Dundee Hawkhill Harriers, University of Alabama, Edinburgh Southern Harriers and St Francis Club. Liz was a very famous Scottish, British, World-Class athlete. She finished second in the World Cross; won World titles (10,000m and Half Marathon); an Olympic 10,000m silver medal; for Scotland, two Commonwealth Games 10,000m titles; the London Marathon; five UK track titles. The list goes on and on! Do read her full profile. Liz Lynch was second in the 1982 Scottish Senior National XC Championships; and, just before retiring, Liz McColgan won the title in 2004. She won four Scottish track titles: two outdoor 3000m (1985 and 1986); and three indoor (1500m in 1989; 3000m in 1989 and 2004. For Scotland, Liz raced three Senior cross-country Internationals and six more on the track; for GB, who knows how many. Daughter Eilish is certainly carrying on her mother’s tradition as a world-class athlete.    Liz’s full profile is at this link.

Elise Lyon was born on 23/4/1966 and ran for Wycombe Phoenix. She had top ten Scottish rankings for every distance from 800m to 3000m. Elise won a bronze medal in the 1986 Scottish Championship 1500m. She ran for Scotland in three track 1500m internationals (including a good second place v England in 1983). In the Senior National XC, Elise Lyon became Scottish Champion in 1984. Elise ran for Scotland in three IAAF World Cross Championships: 1983 (third Scot); 1984 (second Scot); and 1985 (second Scot). She also ran in two Home Countries Internationals: first Scot at Irvine in 1984; and second Scot at Sidcup in 1985. In both fixtures, Scotland lost to Ireland and England but beat Wales and Northern Ireland.

Below: Palm Lindsay with the SWCCU winners cup, then Joan Will, Ina Coull and Christine Haskett

Laura Adam  (4), leading from Christine Price (3), Karen Macleod (2) and Sandra Branney (5) in the SWAAA Championships

Patricia Affleck was born on 13/2/1957 and ran for Gala Harriers. She became Scottish Marathon Champion in 1998. In the Scottish annual rankings, she was in the marathon top seven four times, with a personal best of 2.57.50. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Patricia won W40 silver medals, behind the great Trudi Thomson, in 1999 and 2000. In 2002, when Patricia Affleck became W45 Champion, Gala Harriers won the team award.

Barbara Anderson was a Scottish middle distance and XCross- ountryrunner in the 1930s. In the Scottish Women’s Cross-Country Championships, she was: third in 1932 (running for Shettleston H); 4^th in 1934, when Shettleston finished third team; 7^th in 1936, when her next club Clydesdale H finished first team; and in 1938 second, representing Bellahouston H, which finished second team. Barbara ran for Scotland in the 1935 International Cross-Country match versus England. In the 1930s, the longest track distance that women were permitted to race was 880 yards; Barbara won a Scottish Championship silver medal in 1935.

Rhona Anderson (born 25/01/1964). Dunbar Running Club.Her brother-in-law (Alan Robson, a former Scottish Half Marathon champion) encouraged improvement in road races. Rhona’s half marathon pb was 1.25.00; and, as a veteran, she came close to breaking three hours for the marathon. Although she started running in her 20s, she continued to achieve much later, winning Scottish W50 and W55 XC titles; and representing Scottish Veterans in the annual British and Irish Masters XC Championships (where she contributed to W50 team silver medals).  Rhona also secured a silver medal in the Masters division of the Scottish Half Marathon Championship; and won Masters gold in the Scottish Marathon Championship.

Sonia Armitage: see McLaren 

Julie Armstrong, Giffnock North, Glasgow, was a very good road and cross-country runner with several very good victories such as the Falkirk Half Marathon to her credit.   She was also an able track athlete with best times of 4:47.6 (1500m 1990), 10:01.6 (3000m 1990), 17:41.4 (5000m 1990, ranked 4th), 36:28.6 (10000m 1989, ranked 4th) and a marathon time of 3:00.04 in 1992 which ranked her 6th Scot.    The 1989 time was recorded when finishing second in the SWAAA 10,000m.

Margaret Baillie, Fife AC, was born in 1952. In the 1984 Dundee Marathon, Maggie won the race and set a fine personal best time of 2.51.12, which ranked 5^th in that year’s Scottish list. Later, in the 1984 Aberdeen Marathon, she won a silver medal in the Scottish Marathon Championship.

Kirsty Baird (29.08.71, Kirkintilloch Olympians, City of Glasgow, Victoria Park City of Glasgow)   was a good runner over 400m, 800m and 1500m from 1987 to 2007.   Popular with other runners, Kirsty had best times of 58.7 (400m); 2:10.97 (800m),  4:37.89 (1500m) and  10:53.75.   Competitively her highlight was when she was third in  the 800m in 2003 and third in the indoors 800m in 2001,

Georgina Ballantine (full profile on anentscottishrunning.com) was a cross-country and track runner in the 1930s. She finished fourth in the 1936 Scottish Women’s XC Championships, when her team – Clydesdale Harriers – won the title. In 1938, Clydesdale won again and Georgie secured an individual silver medal. On the track she raced 880 yards (winning many handicap events) and the Medley Relay. Clydesdale (including Georgie) won the Scottish One Mile Medley Relay Championship in 1936 and finished second in 1937.

Ann Barrass (married name Parker) was born on 13^th August 1951. Her club was Aldershot, Farnham and District AC. She ran very well at 3000m on the track. In 1971 she finished third in the AAA 3000m; and improved to a silver medal in 1972. She was Scottish 3000m champion in 1972 and 1973. In the Scottish National XC, Ann won four successive bronze medals (1971-74) plus silver in 1975. For Scotland, she was a frequent team counter in the ICCU International XC (in 1971; and 1972 when Scotland won bronze medals) and the IAAF World Cross (1973, 1975 and 1976). In 1976 she ran as Ann Parker, not only in the World event but also in a cross-country match against England, Ireland and Wales.

Carol Anne Bartley (married name Thomson) ran for Victoria Park AAC. As a Junior, in 1985 she ran cross-country for Scotland twice in the Billy Morton matches v England, Ireland, NI and Wales, being a team counter on both occasions. In 1986, she won bronze in the Scottish under-17 XC Championships, leading Victoria Park to team gold. As a Senior, Carol Anne raced for Scotland once on the road (10k) and five times cross-country. In two 1990 XC fixtures she was 6^th (and first Scot) v England, Wales and NI in 1990, when her team finished second; and second Scot when Kenya won but Scotland beat Australia. On the track, Carol Anne represented Scotland six times, racing 1500m or 3000m. Perhaps her best performance was finishing second in a 1991 International 1500m v England, Wales and USA Juniors. In 1991 Scottish Senior Track Championships, Carol Anne secured a silver medal in the outdoor 1500m; and bronze in the 3000m indoors. In 1998, she won bronze in the Scottish 10k road championship.

Ann Bates was born on 22/4/1958 and ran for Central Region AC. Her running peak was during the Scottish ‘Marathon Boom’ in the 1980s. Ann featured in the Scottish marathon ranking lists three times: 1984 (personal best 2.52.20, ranked 7^th); and 12^th in both 1985 (2.54.56) and 1986 (2.56.33). Such consistency at a good level made Ann Bates a symbol of that era, when so many were enthusiastic about attempting the challenging 26 miles 385 yards distance. In which races did she compete? In 1984: she finished first woman in the Edinburgh Marathon, in front of Tricia Calder and Jill Danskin; and then ran that 2.52 when third in the 1984 Glasgow Marathon (9449 finished!). In 1985, on a tougher course, Ann Bates won the Loch Rannoch Marathon in 3.3.15, just 15 seconds in front of Carolyn Morrat (Fife AC).

Valerie F. BOTHAMS (19.03.75, City of Glasgow) was a good international middle and long distance runner who ran distances between 600m and 3000m throughout the 1990’s.   Highlights of her competitive record include – GB Championships: 2nd  AAA 3000m i ’98. Scottish championships: 2nd 1500 ’97, 2nd 1500 ’99; 1st 3000i ’99.   Best times: 600m – 1:35.90; 800m – 2:09.7; 1000m – 2:57.98; 1500m – 4:22.7; 3000m – 9:36.50.   

Catherine Boyes ran for Maryhill Harriers On the 26^th of March 1955, she raced for Scotland v England in an International cross-country match at Ayr, which England won easily. 1^st Diane Leather (Eng); 7^th Catherine Boyes (Sco) 18 minutes 18 seconds; 8^th Aileen Drummond (Sco) 18:40; 9th Elizabeth McLeod (Sco) 18:47; 10th Molly Ferguson (Sco) 19:15; 11th Doreen Fulton (Sco) 19:20; 12^th Agnes Elder (Sco). This was a very good run for Catherine since, at the Scottish National XC two weeks earlier, she had won an unexpected silver medal behind the champion Aileen Drummond. The Scots Athlete magazine commented: “All credit must be given to Miss Boyes for her really fine show in finishing second in her first National.” Maryhill Harriers (including Catherine Boyes) won the Scottish team title in 1955 and 1957.

Sandra Branney (Victoria Park AAC, Glasgow AC) was born on 30/4/1954. As a Senior and a Masters athlete, she has been an outstanding racer on track, cross-country and road. Her Championships record includes: a silver medal in the 1989 UK 5000m; Scottish track titles for 3000m (1990); 10,000m (1987); and Indoor 3000m (1988). On the road, Sandra won the Scottish 10k (1996); and 10 Miles (1993). In 1988 and 1989, she not only won the Scottish National XC Championship, but also led Glasgow AC to team gold. Sandra Branney has won titles at every level of Masters Athletics: Scottish, British, European and World, at 1500m, 5000m and 10,000m. She reckons that her finest race was breaking the W55 3000m record with 10.13.8 (which had an age-graded score of 103.2%. In 1989, she raced for Scotland over 3000m three times (against Greece, Ireland, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia and Belgium. Between 1986 and 1996, Sandra ran for Scotland five times on the road and twice on cross-country. In 1997, Sandra Branney represented GB at Seoul in the World Marathon Cup.

Tracey Brindley (Aberdeen AAC, Carnethy HRC, Ochil Hill Runners) was born on 25/8/1972. In the East District Track Championships, she 5000m gold in 1997 and 1998. In the Senior National XC Championships, Aberdeen AAC won team gold in 1999, with Tracey securing individual silver. In the East District XC Championships, she won individual bronze in 1997 and 1998. AAAC won team gold in 1998; and also won the East District XC Relays in 1997 and 1998. In 2004, Tracey Brindley (Carnethy HRC) won individual gold in the Scottish 10k road Championships. Racing for Scotland, she won Individual Gold in the Snowdon Mountain International in 2002; and was Scottish Hill Running Championship in 2005 and 2011. Between 1997 and 2004, Tracey Brindley ran for Scotland four times on cross country and once on the road. In the World Mountain Running Championships, racing for Scotland, Tracey won Individual Bronze in 2003 and Individual Silver in 2005. Along with Angela Mudge and Lyn Wilson, she contributed to Team Gold in 2003. In the European Mountain Running Championships, competing for GB, Lyn Wilson and Tracey Brindley secured Team Gold in 2005; they had already won Team Bronze in 2004.

Alison Brown was born on 11/4/57 and raced for Greenock Rankin Park, and Edinburgh Southern Harriers. She seems to have had a very short career. In 1974, Allison won the Scottish Schools 800m and 1500m titles. Then she won a bronze medal in the Senior Scottish 1500m. In 1975, Allison Brown was 8^th in the Scottish Senior National XC. She was selected to run for Scotland, first in the IAAF World Cross at Rabat, Morocco, where she finished fifth Scot. Then she was fourth Scot (and a team counter) in the Home Countries XC match at Coatbridge v England and Ireland. She seems to have retired after 1977.

Caroline Brown ran for Fife AC. In the 1991 Scottish 10k road championships, she won a silver medal. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Caroline led her team to victory in 1993 (when she was fourth – and second W35); and in 1994 (when she finished fifth). Fife AC added team silver in 1995.

Rhona Buchan ran for Aberdeen AAC. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Rhona won a silver medal in the W35 age-group; and Aberdeen won team silver. In 2008, she added W40 silver; and, in 2010, W40 bronze and AAAC won team bronze. Rhona also featured in Aberdeen teams that won the Masters division of the Scottish XC Relay in 2008, 2010  and 2012.

Georgena Buchanan running second behind Madeleine Ibbotson

Georgena Buchanan (Craig, from 1966) was born on 17/7/1942 and ran for Maryhill Ladies and Western. Georgena was a Scottish track champion four times (880 yards 1963-1965 and One Mile in 1964). She added silver and bronze medals in these events; plus a bronze in the 1966 Pentathlon. In the Commonwealth Games, Georgena Craig ran 880 yards in 1966; and 800m in 1970 (where she finished 7^th). She set new Scottish 880 records on five occasions; and raced nine times for Scotland (at distances between 440 yards and 1500m). Georgena Buchanan won the Scottish cross-country title in 1965 (as well as securing individual silver in 1962 and 1964). She contributed (for Maryhill Ladies AC) to team gold in 1964; and (for Western AAC) silver (1969) and bronze (1965 and 1970).

Anne Buckley was born on 20/6/1967. She is English and has run for Salford Harriers, Bingley Harriers and Pudsey & Bramley. [Anne says that she had her best runs for Pudsey & Bramley (winning the North of England XC championships and finishing fifth in the English National XC)]. However, she got to know several Hunter’s Bogtrotters, notorious and otherwise (for example at the Isle of Man Running Festival), started competing for the club in Scotland and has been a member of HBT since the 1990s. Anne has many amusing memories of  club races and ‘rehydration sessions’. During 1993-1994, Anne completed a PGCE at Jordanhill in Glasgow. In the Scottish Senior National Cross-Country Championships, she won individual bronze medals in 1997 and 2000. Personal bests: 3000m 9.41.71; 10,000m 35.10.55; Marathon 2.43.54.  Anne finished third in the 1993 Scottish Athletics 3000m. She raced six times in the World Mountain Running Trophy/Cup; and twice in the European Mountain Running Championships. Later, Anne Buckley became Team Leader for  the GB and NI Mountain Running Team and Chair of Selectors. 

Kathy Butler (born 22/10/1973) had previously competed for Canada in the 1996 Olympic 5000m. However, she had been born in Edinburgh (with English parents). Kathy changed allegiance to the UK in 2000 and she ran well in the 2001 World Cross Short Course event, for which she was selected again in 2003. Running for Windsor SEH, Scottish 1500m titles were won in 2000 and 2002. In 2001, She ran the World Championship 3000m Indoors and 5000m. In 2004 she won the AAA 10,000m (a title she retained a year later) and finished 12^th in that event at the 2004 Olympics. Kathy Butler specialised in 10.000m and was 12^th in the 2006 European Championships and (running for Scotland) 7^th in the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Between 2000 and 2006, Kathy was usually first in the Scottish rankings: at 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m and marathon (2.28.39 in 2006).

Jackie Byng ran for Irvine AC. In 1991, she finished third W35 in the Scottish Senior Women’s National XC. In the 1992 Scottish 10k Road Championships, she won a bronze medal. Jackie Byng won the W50 Scottish Masters XC title in 1995 and 1997; and became W55 Champion in 2000.

Carol Cadger (born 14/9/50) ran for Perth Strathtay Harriers. She was a marathon and ultra-marathon runner. In both 2000 and 2001, Carol won silver medals in the Scottish Marathon Championships. She won four gold medals in the Scottish 50 km event (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2002). Carol Cadger ran for Scotland in the Anglo-Celtic Plate 100km three times, including fourth place in 1999 and third in 2000 – she won the Scottish title on both occasions.

Lindsay Cairns (married name McMahon) was born on 1/6/1971 and ran for Kilmarnock Harriers. She became Scottish 10,000m champion in 1997; won three silver medals at that distance (1993, 1994, 1996); and another silver in the 1997 5000m. Between 1994 and 1998, Lindsay ran for Scotland twice on the road (at 10k) and five times on cross-country, in the British XC Championships and other contests. In 1996, at Margate, she finished second Scot in a match v Ireland, England, France and Wales. In 2001, Lindsay McMahon won individual silver in the Scottish Senior National XC Championships. Her club, Johnny Walker Kilmarnock AC, in the Scottish XC Relays, won team silver in 2000 and bronze in 2001. They also won bronze in the 2001 Scottish Road Relays.

 Elaine Calder (born 26/4/1962) was a marathon and ultra-marathon runner who competed for Strathaven Striders. In both 2002 and 2004, she won silver medals in the Scottish Marathon Championship. She won the Scottish 50km Championship in 2005, 2006 and 2010. Elaine Calder ran for Scotland in the Anglo-Celtic Plate 100km three times, including fourth place in 2007 and third in 2008.

Patricia (Tricia) Calder (born 17/9/1952) was a durable athlete who raced for Duns and also Edinburgh AC. She ran well on cross-country, road and (especially) hills. Her marathon personal best was 2.48.36 (narrowly second to Ann Curtis) at Dundee in 1985. Racing for Scottish Veterans, Tricia was the leading Scot in the first two British and Irish Masters International Cross-Country events. In 1988, she won individual and team silver; and added another individual and team silver in 1989. In 1992, Tricia Calder ran as a Senior for Scotland in an International 10k road race in Cardiff, when the Scottish Women’s team won, defeating England, Wales and Ireland.) For Scotland, Tricia contributed to Scottish team bronze medals in the 1988 and 1990 World Mountain Running Championships; finished first Scot in this fixture four times; and was also Scottish W35 XC Champion in 1989. Racing for Scotland, she won the Snowdon Mountain International in 1990 and 1992. Tricia Calder was Scottish Hill Running Champion in  1989, 1990 and 1991.

Mary Campbell (Maryhill Harriers) was a consistently good cross-country runner. In the Senior National XC, she finished 7^th in 1955. She was 6^th in both 1956 and 1957, when Maryhill Harriers won the team titles. Mary ran for Scotland v England in two cross-country matches: in 1956 at Upminster; and in 1957 at Musselburgh.

Mary Campbell (Speedman) was born on 21/4/45 and ran for Bellahouston, Maryhill Ladies and London Olympiades. On the track, Mary Speedman competed for Scotland in the 1970 Commonwealth Games 800m.Mary won the Scottish 800m title in 1969 and 1974; finished second in 1971 and 1973; and also secured bronze medals at 220 yards and 800m. In 1965, Mary Campbell ran a world indoor best of 1:24.3 for 600 yards at Cosford and ran for GB v USA. She was a Scottish International on track (indoors and outdoors) and cross-country. In 1969, Mary Speedman became Scottish Senior National XC Champion and led Maryhill Ladies AC to the team title. She contributed to team silver in 1970 and 1971,

Alison Carr was born on 30/8/1966 and ran for Dundee Hawkhill Harriers. In 1996, she enjoyed a lot of success. In the Senior National XC, she was sixth and led DHH to team bronze. Then she raced three cross-country international matches for Scotland: at Mallusk v England and Ireland where she was second Scot; at Ashington for the BAF Championships; and at Margate, v Ireland and England, where she was first Scot. Then Alison won a silver medal in the Scottish 5000m Championship. In the 1996 Scottish 10k road race, Alison was fifth and raced for Scotland at the Glasgow 10k, where Scotland lost to England but beat Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In 1998, Alison Carr set a personal best time for the marathon of 3.07.36.

Sheila Catford was born on 29.08.60 at Dundee but lived afterwards in Yorkshire and ran for Leeds City AC. She won the Glasgow Marathon in 1987; and the Glasgow Half Marathon in 1988, as well as several English road races. Sheila was first in the Scottish Marathon ranking lists in 1988 and 1990; and second in 1987, 1989 and 1991. She ran consistently fast – always under 2.40, with a very good personal best of 2.33.04, when 11^th in London 1989 (which beat Lynda Bain’s Scottish Best time). In 1991, Sheila Catford, representing Scotland, finished a good 9^th in the Commonwealth Games Marathon.

Helen Cherry (Donald) was born in 1940 and ran for Bellahouston Harriers. In the1957 Senior National Scottish Cross-Country Championships, Helen finished a good 3^rd. Consequently, she ran XC for Scotland in 1957 at Musselburgh v England. She finished fourth Scot. Scandalously, after 1957 there were no more XC international matches for Scottish women until 1975. There were also absolutely no international opportunities for top Scottish middle-distance track athletes like Helen Cherry. However, in the 1958 National, Helen was 3^rd again and Bellahouston Harriers won the team title. She secured silver medals in the 1959 Scottish One Mile Championship; and the 1962 Scottish 880 yards. Helen Cherry won Scottish Championships three times: 880 in 1961 and One Mile in 1962 and 1963. At British level, she won two bronze medals for One Mile in the WAAA Championships in London: in 1963; and also in 1962, when she set a new Scottish Record of 5 minutes 2.5 seconds.

Lesley Chisholm was born on 3/1/1975 and has raced for Springburn Harriers, City of Glasgow and Garscube Harriers. She first appeared in the Scottish Athletics lists in 1994, with a 3000m time of 10.25.25. Her next 3000m seems to have been in 2007, when she was 32 years old. As late as 2019, Lesley was running faster than in 1994. Personal best at the distance? 10.05.47 in 2016. In 2006, Lesley Chisholm won two silver medals: in the Scottish 5000m; and the Scottish 10k road race. Previously, she had secured bronze in the 2005 10k championship. In 2013, Lesley Chisholm added Scottish Masters 10k gold; and in 2015 Masters Half Marathon silver. She also won the Masters 5k road race three times. Internationally, Lesley ran cross-country twice for Scotland as a Senior. In 2006, (having been 7^th in the Scottish Senior National), she competed in Ireland, was third Scottish counter and the team lost to USA but beat Ireland. In 2014 at Nottingham, in the Home Countries International, she finished 12^th (second Scot) and Scotland lost to England but outscored Wales and Northern Ireland. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Lesley Chisholm (W40) was first finisher a record-equalling four times: 2015-2017 and 2019. In the British and Irish Masters International XC, she ran well for Scotland several times in the W35 and W40 categories.  In 2014, as a Senior Woman, she raced for  Scotland in the Home Countries Hill Running International, finishing sixth (and second Scot) – the team won silver medals.

Erica Christie was born on 10/3/1956 and ran for Bellahouston Harriers and the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club. Between 1986 and 2012, she featured in the Scottish Athletics Marathon rankings, with a highest position of 7^th and a personal best of 2.54.24. In 1996, Erica won a bronze medal in the Scottish Half Marathon Championships. She won a bronze medal in the 2006 Scottish Marathon Championships. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Erica Christie won the W50 title in 2008 and 2009. In the W55 age-group, she secured silver in 2012 and bronze in 2015.

Megan Clark (Wright) was born on 31/7/73 and ran for Hunters Bog Trotters. In the Scottish Annual rankings, for the marathon she was second (2003 and 2004) and fourth in 2001, with a personal best of 2.47.24. In the Scottish Senior National XC Championships, Megan Wright contributed to HBT team silver in 2012 and bronze in 2011. Megan was third W40 in the 2015 Scottish Half Marathon. In the Scottish Masters XC, she was third W40 in 2016; third W45 in 2018; and won the W45 title in 2019.

Anne Clarkson (Purvis from 1983) was born on 5/3/59 and was an 800m specialist who ran for  Edinburgh University and Edinburgh Southern Harriers. She raced for Scotland on the track 20 times; and for GB in the 1982 European Championships. Anne ran for Scotland in the 1982 and 1986 Commonwealth Games. In 1982 she was part of the 4x400m team that won bronze; and in 1984 she was fourth in the 800m and her 4x400m team finished fourth too. Anne Clarkson won the AAA 800m in 1980 and 1981; and the UK 800m in 1986. She was Scottish 800m champion in 1983 and 1985.

Joanna Cliffe was born on 16/5/1970 and ran for Glasgow University, Shettleston Harriers and Edinburgh Southern Harriers/Woolen Mill. She came from Northern Ireland but ran 1500m for Scotland in a 1992 International match v Greece and Cyprus (finishing fourth). In the Scottish Senior National XC Championships, Glasgow University H&H (including Joanna) won the team title in 1991, and added team silver medals in 1992 and 1993 (when Joanna finished sixth). In the 1991 Scottish Road Relay, the Hares & Hounds finished third.

Eileen Cochrane was born on 16/9/1966 and ran for City of Glasgow AC. On the track, between 1988 and 2001, she raced distances from 800m to 5000m and won a bronze medal in the 1999 Scottish 5000m Championship. In the Scottish Senior National XC, Eileen won several team medals with City of Glasgow, including gold in 1989 and 1990. Her best individual position was 7^th. In the Scottish XC Relays, Eileen contributed to gold in 1985, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. Eileen also won gold in the Scottish Six Stage Road Relay (1987, 1989, 1992 and 2001). Such a durable runner was likely to do well as a Veteran. In 2003, Eileen became W35 champion in the Scottish Masters XC. Eileen Cochrane ran three International cross-country matches as a Senior for Scotland. She was third Scot in 1989 at Margate; ran the 1990 World Cross Country Trials at Glasgow; and at Cumbernauld in 1993, finished third (second Scot) and Scotland beat Northern Ireland and three other teams.

Jill Cox (Knowles) was born on 25/5/77 and ran for City of Glasgow AC and the Scottish Prison Service. She first appeared in the Scottish ranking lists in 1995; then raced as Jill Knowles from 1998 onwards. Jill won the Scottish 5000m track title in 2007. She secured silver medals in the 2004 Indoor 1500m; and the Indoor 3000m in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004, as well as bronze in 1999 and 2008. Jill Knowles raced for Scotland in 2004 at Brussels. The event was an Ekiden Relay and her team lost to Ireland but beat Belgium and France. In the Scottish Road Relay, Glasgow (including Jill), won team gold in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006; plus silver in 2003 and 2007. In the Senior National XC, Jill was in the team that won silver medals in 2004, when she finished 9^th. In the 2012 Scottish Marathon Championship at Inverness, Jill Knowles won Senior bronze and Masters bronze medals. In 2013, she added Masters bronze in the Scottish 10 miles road.

 Margaret Crawford ran for Maryhill Ladies. In the Senior National Cross-Country Championships, Maryhill Ladies won team gold medals in 1962 (with Margaret 4^th); 1963 (3^rd); 1964 (3^rd in front of Leslie Watson);1965 (5^th); and 1966 (3^rd). A consistently good cross-country runner like Margaret Crawford was very unlucky that there were no Scottish International XC matches for women between 1958 and 1975. In the One Mile track event, she appeared in the 1962 and 1964 Scottish Athletics rankings.

Susan Crawford (25.06.64, Teviotdale, Kilbarchan a, Glasgow, Edinburgh Southern, University of Alabama    Susan was a very good athlete who performed well whether on track or over the country and who profited from her time at the University of Alabama.   Best times: 800m  –  2:11.0; 1000m  –  2:52.4i;  1500  –  4:23.8;  Mile  –  4:47.6;  2000m  –  6:15.9i; 3000 –  9:22.88.   Competition record  Scottish: 1 i1500 ’91, 2 i3000 ’91.   Susan was also a good cross-country runner and winner of the West District championships.

Sheena Crockett, (Aberdeen) only appeared in the ranking lists twice – both were in 1960 at 440 yards in 66.4 seconds and the Mile in 5:38.0 which placed second fastest in Scotland for the year.   She also won the SWAAA Mile championship.   

Shona Crombie-Hicks was born on 1/6/1971 and ran for Winchester and Bourton Road Runners. In the 2005 Edinburgh Marathon, Shona Crombie-Hicks became Scottish Women’s Marathon Champion in the good time of 2.44.58 Shona was a former jockey who took up running to control her weight. She came originally from Aberdeen but moved to Portsmouth when young. Having become a marathon runner, she won her first three races: in Lanzarote, Manchester and Copenhagen. She was selected for the Scottish Marathon team in the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games but had to withdraw due to injury. Undaunted, once recovered she entered the 2003 Flora 1000-mile challenge, walking one mile every hour for 1000 hours, and finishing by running the London Marathon. The event started on March 2nd 2003. At 8.45 a.m. on April 13th, the five remaining competitors completed the 1000 miles together. Then they ran the London Marathon – and Shona Crombie-Hicks was by far the fastest, recording 3 hours 8 minutes. Later on, Shona Crombie-Hicks set records for marathons in Lanzarote, Jersey and Guernsey. Her personal best time was an excellent 2.38.42 in the 2005 Berlin Marathon; and she competed for Scotland in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games marathon, finishing 6^th in 2.51.41. Shona was still running sub-3 hours marathons in 2018.

                                                Ann Curtis (89) and Maggie Baillie (16). First and second in the 1984 Edinburgh 10 miles road race.

Ann Curtis was born on 4/2/1954 and ran for Livingston AC. In the Scottish annual marathon rankings, Ann was 9^th in 1983, 8^th in 1985 and 11^th in 1986. 1985 was her best year. Ann set her personal best on 28^th April, when winning the 1985 Dundee Marathon in a course record 2.48.00 (by 36 seconds from a fast-closing Tricia Calder). Even in the year 2000, Ann’s time featured in the all-time top-twenty Scottish rankings. On the 16^th of September: “English-born Dr Ann Curtis raced away to win gold in the 1985 Scottish Marathon Championship, which was held as part of the Aberdeen event. Her time of 2.55.55 brought her home well in front of Ireland’s Teresa Kidd (3.1.57), with Aberdeen AAC’s Janine Robertson third.” Ann Curtis was also a fine hill racer and won the Scottish Hill Running Championships in 1984, 1985 and 1986.

Below: Ann Clarkson Purvis (4)

SWAAA 1500m 1985.   Evelyn Gisbey on the left, Elspeth Turner 85 and Susan Crawford 5

Hazel Dean was born on 5/2/1963 and ran for Central AC. In the Scottish Senior National Cross-Country Championships, she contributed to team bronze in 2005 and 2008; as well as Scottish Cross-Country Relay bronze in 2004 and silver in 2006; and Scottish Road Relay gold in 2008. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Hazel won the W40 title in 2004 and 2005, after bronze in 2003 (when Central AC won team gold – they regained that title in 2009). In 2009, she became W45 Champion. She added W50 silver in 2015; and W55 silver in 2019. Back in 2008 and 2009, Hazel Dean won Masters bronze in the Scottish Half Marathon Championships. In 2011, she added Masters bronze in the Scottish 10k Road.

Alison Docherty was born on 12/6/1979 and ran for Ayr Seaforth and Central AC. She raced cross-country for Scotland in 2010, finishing 3^rd Scot v England and Wales. In 2008, Alison’s 10,000m time of 37.23.09 ranked fourth (and won a Scottish Championship bronze medal); and in 2010, her marathon (2.55.11) ranked sixth. In the Scottish Senior National XC Championships, Alison featured in Central AC teams which won bronze medals in 2008 and 2010; and won the title in 2009 (when Alison was Central’s first finisher in 9^th position). Her team also won the 2007 Scottish XC Relay and the 2008 Scottish Road Relay. Alison won bronze medals in the 2008 and 2009 Scottish 10k Road Race.

Anne Docherty was born on 11/3/1945 and ran for Forres Harriers and the Scottish Veteran Harrier club. She had ‘always’ been a swimmer, but took up running with encouragement from Forres Harriers. Between the ages of 60 and 70 plus, she was a real asset to Scottish and British Masters Athletics, having won Scottish and British cross-country titles as well as the British Masters W65 marathon championship. In the British and Irish Masters International XC, Anne raced for Scotland several times, the highlight being a W70 team victory in 2016.

Kay Dodson was born on 23/12/46 and raced for Law & District AAC, Scottish Veteran Harriers Club, Road Runners Club and Carnethy Hill Runners. Kay ran well on road and cross-country. In XC, her best races took place during the winter of 1985/86, when she won the West District women’s vets cross-country championship at Lanark racecourse and the Scottish National women’s vets cross-country championship at Irvine. In 1988 she became SVHC hill race champion at Campsie Hill. Kay Dodson ran many marathons (personal best; 3.03.28), and won the Motherwell Marathon three times plus Lochaber, Dumfries and (first veteran) at Inverclyde. Even longer distances were successful ventures: Brechin 24-hours road (where she set a Scottish record distance); West Highland Way (first woman); 1992 South Downs Way Race (World Trail Championship 80 miles – first W45); Two Bridges 36; Bolton 40 (first woman); London to Brighton. Kay Dodson was SVHC President and edited the club’s newsletter for several years.

Aileen Drummond (Lusk) was born in 1928 and ran for Maryhill Harriers, Western and the SVHC. In the 1950s, she won the Scottish One Mile track title and broke the Scottish record three times. In 1954, she ran for Scotland v England on the track in a 3×880 yards relay. In addition, she ran three cross-country matches for Scotland (1954-1956), twice finishing first Scot. Aileen was Scottish WAAA 880y champion in 1954 and 55 (she also won bronze in the 1954 English WAAA event); Mile Champion in 1953, 54 and 55; and Cross-Country champion 1954 to 1956 (leading Maryhill H to three team titles). After ‘retirement’ (to have a family) she started racing on the track again in 1967. Encouraged by her friend Dale Greig, Aileen Lusk competed in cross-country again and also in road races. As a pioneer veteran, she had considerable success: silver or bronze medals in three IGAL (World Veterans) 10k Championships; plus (in 1975 and 1977) fourth places in the Scottish Women Veteran Runners Association cross-country championships – the Veterans category was for women over 35, but in 1975 Aileen was well over 45 – and would race for at least ten more years. Truly a long and impressive career for a talented, determined and well-respected lady.     Read her full profile here.

Sheila Duncan ran for Edinburgh Harriers. In 1957 she won the Scottish 880 yards track title in 2.26.8, from Joan King (Streatham) and Marion Macaulay of Edinburgh Harriers. In the 1958 Scottish National Cross-Country Championships, Sheila finished fourth and led Edinburgh Harriers to team silver medals. In 1960, she secured individual silver in the Scottish Championship 880 yards.

Marie Duthie was born on 30/3/1959 and ran for Fraserburgh AC. She was French; and very successful in North-East Scotland road and XC events. Marie was North District Cross-Country Champion in 1990, 1998 and 2001. In 1990, she won the Scottish Athletics 10,000m title. Her  winning time was 36.41.84, which was fourth in the annual rankings.

Agnes Elder ran for Maryhill Harriers. In the 1954 Scottish National XC, she finished fifth and Maryhill won the team title. Agnes, as one of the first six, was selected to run for Scotland v England at Birmingham – the first International since World War Two. In that event, Agnes was 9^th (third Scot). She was fifth once more in the 1955 National, Maryhill won, and Agnes ran again for Scotland v England, this time at Ayr, where she finished twelfth.

Alexandra Ercolani, (18.08.75, Glasgow University, City of Glasgow)   was a consistently good runner over the traditional grouping of 800m, 1500m and 3000m with best times of 2:10.9, 4:40.8 and 10:38.7i respectively.

Esther Evans [WAL] (22.12.73, Strathclyde University, City of Glasgow) ran in Scotland between 1996 and 1998 inclusive and had best times of 2:13.25i for 800m (2:15.3 outdoors), 4:40.8 (1500m) and 10:38.7i for 300m.   Esther was second in the Scottish indoor 1500m in 1996. 

Andrea Everett (Paolillo) as born on 22.06.64 and ran for Bannerman HS, Shettleston, Glasgow and Purdue University (USA). She was the daughter of Graham Everett, a famous Scottish athlete. In Scottish Athletics Championships, she won the Senior 3000m title in 1984, won a silver medal at that distance in 1985, plus bronze medals in the 1981 and 1982 1500m. In the 1986 Commonwealth Games, Andrea Everett finished ninth in the 10,000m. In the annual Scottish rankings lists, Andrea was second: in 1984, 1985 and 1986 (5000m); in 1986 and 1987 (10,000m); and in 1999 (marathon). Her personal bests were: 1500m ( 4.20.21); 3000m (9.17.70); 5000m (16.17.1 Indoors); 10,000m (33.40.6 in the 1986 CG).  For Scotland, between 1983 and 1986, she ran six track International matches, racing five over 3000m (including a win in the 1983 contest v Iceland, Israel and Northern Ireland – Scotland won that match) and one over 10,000m. Andrea Everett ran cross-country for Scotland in 1984, in the IAAF World Championships at East Rutherford, USA. Previously, representing Glasgow AC, she had finished second in the 1984 Scottish Senior National XC championships. Her team won silver medals too. (Shettleston Ladies had secured bronze in 1982, when Andrea was fifth.)   The picture below is from 1982.

Collette Fagan was born on 6/6/1982 and ran for City of Glasgow AC. In the 2001 Junior World Cross at Ostend, Collette Fagan, representing GB, finished 38^th (third Briton) and the UK team did well to be 6^th from 23. Collette won the Scottish under-20 National XC title in 2002; and the Senior National title in 2005. On the track, she won bronze at the European Junior 5000 in 2001 and was 5th two years later at the European U23s. In 2000, Collette was part of the winning GB junior team at the European Cross-Country, placing 9th in the individual event. As a Senior, Collette ran for Scotland four times on the track; and twice on cross-country, including in Liverpool, November 2003, when Kathy Butler, Susan Partridge, Collette Fagan and Freya Murray helped Scotland to defeat England. She won the Scottish 10km title on the road in 2003.She was first in the Scottish 5000m championship in 2004 (when she was third in the AAA as well) and retained the Scottish 5000m title in 2005. Collette Fagan ran for Scotland in the 2006 Commonwealth Games 10,000m, finishing twelfth. Career bests of 4:29.2 (1500), 9:15.18 (3000), 15:49.51 (5000), 33:00.31 (10,000) and 2:45:11 marathon.

Sheila Fairweather was born on 24/11/1977 and ran for City of Glasgow AC and Glasgow University Hares and Hounds. Sheila was a brilliant, very talented athlete who died tragically young. She won the Scottish National XC under-17 title in 1995 and the under-20 XC championship in 1998. Sheila ran for Scotland in three Junior XC Internationals; and one Senior XC International. She ran for GB in the 1996 World Cross at Stellenbosch, South Africa. In 1997 she became Scottish Athletics Senior 5000m title holder; and at British level won 3000m silver in 1999 and 10,000m bronze in 2001. In 2001, Sheila Fairweather won individual bronze in the Scottish Senior National XC championships; then she ran well for Scotland in a Senior International at Loughborough against England, Wales and two other sides, finishing third in the 3000m.

Cathie Farrell (Clydesdale Harriers) was a good hill runner in the 1980’s and early 90’s who finished 18th in the Women’s Hill Running Championships in 1989 and 9th in 1990.   

Molly Ferguson (Wilmoth) ran for Springburn H and became not only a successful athlete but also a really important and well-respected official and administrator. In the Scottish National XC Championships, she finished fourth in 1954 and 1955, leading Springburn Harriers to team silver medals on both occasions. Molly ran in three International XC matches against England (1954-1956), finishing fourth Scottish counter in all three. In the Scottish Athletics Track Championships, she won the 880 yards in 1956 and 1958; as well as securing bronze medals in 1954, 1955 and 1959. Molly Wilmoth and Aileen Drummond became the first women to serve on the Scottish Veteran Harriers Club committee; and Molly became the first woman to be President. She was also the first woman to be President of the SWCCU. Molly Wilmoth and her husband Danny were awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards by Scottish Athletics in 2004.   Read more about Molly here.

Jacqui Ferrari ran for Pitreavie AAC. In the Scottish Senior National XC Championships, she contributed to team bronze medals in 1985; 1986; and 1987 (when she was also 3^rd W35). In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, she secured W45 bronze in 1997, when Pitreavie AAC won team gold medals. In 1987, Jacqui Ferrari (W35) won the Glenrothes Half Marathon outright.

Susan Finch was born on 11/9/1962 and ran for City of Glasgow AC. In the Scottish Senior National XC Championships, Susan contributed to team silver in 2002 (when she finished 11^th). City of Glasgow AC won the Scottish XC Relays in 2003, 2004 and 2007; and the Scottish Road Relays in 2001 and 2002. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Susan Finch was W35 Champion in 2002; won the W40 title in 2007; and W45 in 2008.

Lisa Finlay (from Northern Ireland) was born on 13/7/1969 and ran for Dumfries Running Club. She became Scottish Marathon champion in 2011; and won silver medals in 2012 and 2013. Lisa won Scottish Masters gold for: 10k road in 2014; 10 miles road in 2014 and 2016; Half Marathon in 2015; and Marathon in 2011, 2013 and 2017.

Frances Florence was born on 6/7/1959 and ran for Shettleston Harriers/Ladies. In 1998, she won a silver medal in the Scottish Marathon Championships. Her personal best was 3.03.08 and she ranked in the Scottish top six on two occasions. In the Scottish Senior National XC Championships, Shettleston (including Frances) won team bronze in 1998 and gold in 2002, when she finished 8^th. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Frances won the W40 title in 2002 (and team silver). In the Scottish Senior Half Marathon, she secured a bronze medal in 2007.

Jean Folan,  (15.07.51)Edinburgh Southern Harriers, 1500m and 3000m in 1977 and 1978 with bests of 4:38.6 and 10:13.9.

Susan Foster was born on 30/5/1945 and ran for Aldershot, Farnham and District. Susan finished third in the 1969 Scottish National XC. Consequently, she ran for Scotland in the 1969 ICCU International match, over a hilly 3km course at Dalmuir, Scotland, and finished 22nd (second counter behind Margaret MacSherry). The Scottish team was fifth. On the track, Susan raced distances between 400m and 3000m. In 1969, she was second in the annual Scottish Athletics rankings for 3000m; and was fourth in 800m and 1500m.

Gillian E. Fowler, (21.01.7, Glasgow   was a runner who represented Scottish Schools and Scottish age group teams and raced 400m, 800m, 1500m.   She had best times of 59.0 (for 400), 1:39.1 for 600m and 2:15.6 for 800m.     

Doreen Fulton ran for Springburn Harriers. In the Scottish National XC Championships, she finished sixth and Springburn second team. In 1956, Doreen was second. In 1957, she finished fourth. Doreen Fulton ran for Scotland in three cross-country internationals against England. Her best performance was in 1957, when she was seventh and first Scot home. In the 1959 National XC, Doreen finished fourth and led Springburn Harriers to the team title. In 1960, this consistent athlete was third and her team finished second. 1961 (fourth and team second again). In 1961, Doreen Fulton won the Scottish Athletics One Mile title (after a very close battle with Anglo-Scot Anne Reilly); and at that distance was ranked second in Scotland.

Clare Gemmell was born on 6/8/1969 and ran for Springburn Harriers. In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, she won the W35 title in 2007, after bronze in 2006. In 2008, when Clare secured W35 silver, Springburn finished third team. In 2009, Clare added Scottish Masters bronze in the 10k Championships.

Marlene Gemmell (Hunter) was born on 21/6/1972 and ran for Strathkelvin Ladies and Springburn Harriers. On the track, from 1990 to 1996 she ran 1500m, 3000m and 5000m. Then from 2013 to 2016 she switched to marathons. In 1988, Marlene ran cross-country as a Junior for Scotland. This match was at Cardiff. She finished second Scot and her team lost to England and Ireland but beat Wales and Northern Ireland. In 1994 Marlene Gemmell won individual bronze in the Scottish Senior National XC Championships; she finished fifth in 1995. As a Senior, in 1994 and 1995, she ran for Scotland twice on cross-country: at the British Championships in Alnwick; at Mallusk (when she was first Scot). She ran for Scotland three times on the road – in the 1994 Glasgow 10k (third Scottish counter); the 1995 Glasgow 10k (fourth Scot); and the 1995 Cardiff 10k (8^th and first Scot).

Claire Gibson was born on 25/12/1982 and ran for Kilbarchan AC. In the Scottish National XC Championships, Kilbarchan won under-17 team gold in 2000, with Claire 10^th; in 2002, it was under-20 team silver, with Claire 5^th. However, Claire’s real strength was on the track. In the Scottish Athletics Championships, she won the Senior 800m in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 plus silver or bronze medals in other years. In the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Claire Gibson ran 800m and 4x400m for Scotland. In 2012, she won the British Indoor 1500m title. In total, she ran 13 track internationals for Scotland.

Betty Gilchrist was born on 20/9/44 and ran for Ferranti AAC and SVHC. She lived in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years and joined a running group there. Having retired to Scotland, she continued running and said that her five favourite races would be: “Bahrain Marathon Relay; Brampton to Carlisle; Midnight Sun; Porty New Year’s Day; and, of course, Parkrun (great for us older runners)”. (There is fascinating detail on the Bahrain Relay in her full profile.) In the Scottish Masters XC Championships, Betty won the W65 title in 2011 and 2012; and the W70 gold medal in 2015. On the road she won the W70 Scottish 10k in 2019. Betty Gilchrist achieved an impressive clear W70 victory in the 2014 British and Irish Masters Cross Country International. She was second in the age group at the 2015 event; and fourth in 2016, when she led the Scottish Masters W70 team (Betty, Liz Corbett, Anne Docherty) to gold medals.

Evelyn Gisbey  (22.01.64, Glasgow Univ, Ayrshire, Victoria Park, Glasgow, City of Glasgow)  Grant from 88-93 was a member of the British Milers Club and ran well in their races in the 1980’s.   Evelyn had best times of 2:11.4 (800m), 4:26.2 (1500), 5:54.00 (Mile indoors), 9:51.21 (3000m), 17:39.79 (5000m).   Highlights of her competition record in the Scottish championships include: 2nd, 1500m ’84;   2nd i1500 ’87, ’91, ’92;   3rd i3000 ’90.   Evelyn also ran well on the country.

 Sally Goldsmith was born on 18/11/1961 and ran for Edinburgh University and Edinburgh Southern/Woolen Mill. Personal bests: 3000m 9.32.2; Marathon 2.44.20. She was born in England but, in the 1984 Scottish Senior National Cross-Country Championships, was part of the ESH team that won the title, having secured team silver medals in 1983 (and in 1989, when Sally finished fifth). She also contributed to team silver in the 1984 Scottish Road Relay.

Sheila Gollan was born on 18/7/1964 and ran for Inverness Harriers, Edinburgh Southern/EWM and East Sutherland AC. In the Scottish Athletics Championships, she won two individual bronze medals, for the 1991 800m and the 1994 1500m. Sheila raced two Senior track internationals: in 1993, both 3000m indoors 3000m – she finished second v Wales but won v Northern Ireland. Sheila ran cross-country for Scotland twice: 1990 in Glasgow (4^th Scottish counter); and 1994 in Glasgow (3^rd Scottish counter. Scotland lost to England and Ireland but beat Wales and Northern Ireland). Sheila featured in EWM teams that won Scottish XC Relay gold medals in 1993 and 1995. She became North District Senior XC Champion in 1993, when she led Inverness Harriers to the team title. In the Scottish Masters XC Championship, Sheila won W45 silver in 2010; and became W50 champion in 2018.

Dale Greig

Carol-Ann Gray was born on 7/4/1964 and ran for Edinburgh AC and City of Glasgow. In the Scottish Athletics Championships, she won the 1500m in 1993 and added silver medals in 1992 and 1994. She added 800m bronze in 1988 and 1992. Indoors, Carol-Ann Gray won the Scottish 1500m title in 1995 and 2003 and added silver or bronze in other years. She was East District Champion 8 times: 3 for 800m and five for 1500m. A special day took place in 1993, when Carol-Ann became British Indoor 1500m champion. Her personal best times were: 800m 2.09.87;1500m 4.24.92. Before her track career flourished, Carol-Ann Gray, with a strong finish, became 1987 Scottish Marathon Champion. Between 1988 and 1994, she ran for Scotland on the track ten times, against Ireland, Iceland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Turkey. Her best finishing positions were second places in an 800m and two 1500s v NI; and a 1500m victory v Wales. The Scottish team won five of those matches.  

Dale Greig was born on 15/5/1937 and ran for Bellahouston Harriers and Tannahill Harriers. The Scottish Athletics website says: “A pioneering woman distance runner who ventured into the area of marathons and ultra-distance running that even seasoned and hardened male runners regarded with trepidation, Dale Greig became one of the first women to run a marathon, setting the  inaugural recognised  IAAF women’s world best for the distance. In addition to her competitive achievements, she acted as a national administrator, official, race organiser and athletics writer over a long period of time, editing “Dale’s Diary” in the Scots Athlete magazine.” Dale Greig ran cross-country twice for Scotland. The first time was in 1957 v England. There were no more opportunities until 1967. Then, in the 1968 ICCU Championships, Dale finished 14^th (third Scottish counter) and the team won bronze medals. She was Scottish XC Champion in 1962 and 1964; won three bronze medals in the Scottish One Mile track; was the first woman to run the London to Brighton 53 miles in 1972; and was World Veteran Marathon champion in 1974.    Dale’s full profile is here.

Mary Gunn (Chambers from 1966) was born on 2/12/1941 and ran for Blaydon Harriers and Edinburgh AC. On the track, in Scottish Athletics Championships she won: silver medals in the 1974 and 1975 1500m; bronze in the 1976 1500m; bronze in the 1963 One Mile; and bronze in 3000m (1971 and 1977). She was East District One Mile champion 1963-1965. In the Scottish Senior National XC, Mary Chambers finished 4^th in 1973; 6^th in 1974; and 5^th in 1975 and 1976. Mary raced for Scotland over cross-country in: 1973 IAAF World Cross; 1976 IAAF;1975 Home Countries International; 1976 v England, Ireland and Wales (when Mary finished 17^th and second Scot); and 1977 v England and Ireland.

Palm Gunstone (nee Lindsay) was born in 1946 and ran for Dundee Hawkhill Harriers. (She married Scottish International athlete Doug Gunstone.) On the track, Palm won a silver medal in the 1974 3000m; and, in 1973, bronze medals in the Indoor 1500m and outdoor 3000m. She won the East District 880 yards in 1965. In the Scottish Senior National XC, Dundee (including Palm) won team gold medals in 1970, 1971 and 1972. (Palm also secured team silver with Victoria Park in 1976.) She won the East District XC title in 1975. Palm Gunstone ran for Scotland (1973-1975) in three IAAF World Cross Championships: in Belgium, Italy and Morocco; and also in the 1975 Home Countries match at Coatbridge, where she was third Scottish counter; and in the same 1976 fixture at Rawtenstall in England. In the 1984 Scottish Senior National Cross-Country, the SWCCU included a W35 category for the first time – and Palm Gunstone became the first official champion. Before that, she had served on the SWCCU committee, first as Secretary and then as President (between 1979-80 and 1981-82).

Penny Gunstone (Rother from 1980) was born on 15/2/1958 and ran for Dundee Hawkhill Harriers, Edinburgh AC and Livingston. (Her elder brother was Scottish International athlete Doug Gunstone.) Penny was a versatile, durable athlete who ran well on track, country, road and hill before turning to triathlon. In the Scottish Athletics Championships, Penny won the 1975 Indoor 1500m and added bronze in 1976; and gained another bronze in the outdoor 3000m (1978). She won East District track titles: 1974 1500m; 1978 3000m. As a Senior, in 1976, Penny ran 3000m for Scotland v Wales and Belgium. In 1974, Penny Gunstone (4^th) led DHH to team gold in the Scottish under-17 XC Championships; in 1976, Penny was 7^th in the Senior National when Edinburgh AC secured team bronze medals. EAC (with Penny 8^th) won 1987 team silver; and added bronze in 1989. As a Junior, Penny ran cross-country for Scotland in 1975. As a Senior, she ran for Scotland twice on the road (in the Glasgow 10k); and seven times on cross-country. One good result was when Penny Rother was second Scottish counter in 1985 – Scotland lost to England and Ireland but beat Wales and Northern Ireland. Penny Rother represented Scotland in 4 Hill running World Cups (1988 Keswick, 1991 Zermatt, 1993 Gap and Telfes in 1996). In 1988, her Scottish Team won team bronze medals in the World Mountain Running Championships.    Read Penny’s complete profile here.

Aileen Drummond and Diane Leather: Scottish and English Mile Champions and Cross-Country Champions

The Thistle (in Scotland) and 5 Star Certificates (in England, mainly) were very popular with young athletes, their coaches and parents alike.   I was responsible for a lot of the club organisation and in addition I did special sessions for our own two children, my sister’s children and the children of friends.   I’m pleased to say that they almost all came into the club via these sessions.   Here are just some of the certificates issued at the time.

The certificates are examples of the many that were issued through the clubs and youth organisations in Scotlsna but certificates were and, I would suggest, could continue to be valuable motivators – see those below.   The first is not only for completing a Fun Run but was an advertising medium too!

Others were for events held in conjunction with events for seniors and veterans.

Whatever happened to Fun Runs?

.Did you call them track suit badges or patches?   Did you collect them and wear them with pride or not ever wear them?   For many years they were awarded for talent, for effort,, for having been a member of a particular team, for a specialist club or for many other things. 

Isn’t that 1934 Empire Games badge a treasure?   Both those above are Mildred Strorrar’s and we have them courtesy of Janet Hardy. 

Before going on, the help of Alex Jackson, Colin Youngson and Hugh Barrow in the making of this page should be acknowledged.  The badge at the top of the page was a blazer badge for Scottish track & field teams, the two below were for cross-country.   But we start with a badge that was not for any tracksuit – a metal badge to commemorate the SCCU centenary that belonged to Raymond Hutcheson and sent by Graham McDonald of Pitreavie.

There was also a wire version of the above centenary badge for officials blazers – they also did wire coaches badges for blazers,  

Alex Jackson tells us that at the 1986 Commonwealth Games there was an officials cloth badge: BHS supplied the clothing so they were allowed to put their name on the badge.   Then the store went bust.   The two were not connected, I don’t think.

While we are looking at ‘official badges’ look at the three below.  Alex Jackson tells us that they were ” Inter District badges.”   He says, “At around 1986 Alex Naylor set out a endurance “Plan for the Future”   One aspect was  badges for young  athletes selected for the Inter District cross country teams which I think petered out when SAF came along.   

There were badges for specialist clubs – there were several of those such as the Whip and Carrot Club for high jumpers and  Splash for steeplechasers but the only one which survived (and thrived!) was the British Milers Club which had its own pullover, tie and badges – Hugh Barrow’s original badge is below, and the BMC coach’s badge is below that – worn by such as Derek Parker of Kilbarchan.

Coaches liked them – maybe because they were often overlooked, possibly because most of them were undervalued or just because they liked to be known for what they were.   The one below is for the National Association oif Sports Coaches, and below that is the BAAB Senior Coach badge – there were three of them denoting the level at which the coach could work – Assistant Club Coach, Club Coach and Senior Coach.

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Going back to specialist clubs for a moment, during the marathon running boom in the 79’s and 80’s Ron Hill set up the British Marathon Runners Club,  and new members were issued with free shorts (the ones with the sides open but overlapping slightly) and a patch to wear somewhere about one’s person.   The patch is below.

Then there were the vets…   There was a metal badge for members but also a cloth badge for vest or track suit –

There were badges for special events such as the commemorative Round Scotland Run in April 1983 to mark the centenary of the SAAA awarded to all participants..   The one below was the one awarded to Eddie Devlin of Monkland and Clyde Valley AAC.

Others had to be hard earned, they were not ‘for members only’.   These ones were all won by Colin Youngson and Hugh Barrow:

Timsbury Manor was a legendary venue for early BMC Conferences and courses

The badges above were Steve Taylor’s and passed on by Colin Youngson, some of whose collection is below

Above is one of  Hugh Barrow’s Glasgow Schools badges   Which brings us to schools 

And schools brings us to the well known Thistle and Five Star Awards.   The Five Star came first as far as I am aware and were to encourage young athletes to try new events and in return they would receive an award.   Everyone who entered won an award – all of varying colours.   To win one, the young athlete had to do three events which had to be a comnination of track and field.   There were points awarded for every likely performance and the higher the points total for the events chosen there were awards graded from 5 star to one star.   The tables were also graded for different age groups.   A fair bit of clerical work for the organiser for the athlete could do as many events as he/she wanted.  Some walked away with half a dozen golds or any mix of the colours.  You will note from the patches below that the ages went down to Under 10: in Scotland that was never the case.  The Five Star patches looked like this:

In Scotland, to gain a Thistle Award the athlete had to do three events of which one was a field event and one was a track event and the third could be either.   The most common combinations often included one or more of 100m, long jump and shot putt.   The awards were gold, silver and bronze and for those who failed to get any of these, there was a blue award.   Getting a blue was always possible.    There were of course certificates to accompany the badges and patches – to see some of them, go   here  .

Hugh Barrow’s collection included the following, not to be confused with the Thistle Awards in any way.   These were standard awards for performances achieved at National Championship events.   Not nearly as well made as the Thistle awards, they were harder to get and the top awards were greatly prized and for us lesser mortals, any standard award was an achievement.   You will have seen among Colin’s collection that there were also District standards but here we have Hugh’s standards (or a selection thereof) and then some others.

Different colours for different years, awards for different age groups too.   One of the few times that I ever heard David Bowman of Clydesdale Harriers ever get angry was when he spoke of Tommy Rewcastle oif Plebeian Harriers finishing the marathon and having the standard gun fired almost in his face as he was yards from the finishing line after running the marathon.   He missed his standard badge because somebody decided he would, was the common feeling among the other competitors that day.   The standard mattered.   

The track suit badge awarded by Lanarkshire AAA to athletes competing in the inter-counties competition.

However, it was not only in Britain or Scotland where badges and patches were awarded or used as club markers – note this one from Canada – be we won’t go furth of Britain …..

Joasia Zakrzewski was born on 19/1/1976 and ran for Dumfries RC. Jo ran well at cross-country and on the road from 10k to (her speciality) ultra-marathons. Her fascinating ‘Power of 10’ profile shows that she has raced all over the world. In the Scottish Marathon ranking lists, she showed great consistency, with a personal best of 2.39.15 (Frankfurt 2013) but many times in the low 2.40s. Other personal bests are: 50km 3.26.37 (2011); 100km 7.31.33 (2015 in Holland – European bronze).

She was twice second in the marathon rankings (2011 and 2020) and fourth in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017. A proud day was in 2014, when she ran for Scotland in the Commonwealth Games Marathon at Glasgow, finishing a very respectable 14^th.

For Scottish Masters, Jo ran well several times in the British and Irish Masters International XC, securing W35 bronze in 2015; and contributing to W40 team silver in 2016. Jo’s other Scottish medals include: Masters gold in the 2012 Scottish 10k; Masters silver in the 2013 Scottish 10 miles; Senior bronze in the 2012 Scottish Half Marathon; and Senior gold in the April 2014 Scottish Ultra Trail Running Championship (Milngavie to Tyndrum).

Eleanor Robinson, Joasia Zakrzewski (3rd), Ellie Greenwood (1st) and Jo Meek at the 2014 World Championships in Doha

Jo has run the legendary Comrades Marathon (89 km) four times, securing three gold medals and one silver. Racing for Great Britain in the IAU World 100km Championships, Joasia Zakrzewski won individual silver in 2011 and bronze in 2014 and 2015.

                                       GB team photo at the 2011 World 100km Championships at Winschoten  (Joasi, number 224, finished second)

In 2014, the GB team of Ellie Greenwood, Joasia and Jo Meek won team gold medals. In 2020, aged 44, she won a 24 hours event in Australia with a distance of 236.561 km – unsurprisingly, top of the Scottish rankings for that gruelling event. Jo set four records: the Scottish 24-Hour record; the British 200k (18.53.22) record; the Scottish 100 miles record (14.47.45); and the Scottish 12-Hour record (133.4 km). Joasia Zakrzewski was a team manager at the 2018 World 100k Championships. She has also started coaching.

                                Jo (on the right) with her bronze medal in the 2016 World 100km Championships

EXCERPTS FROM ARTICLES:

“Joasia Zakrzewski started out as a GP, a race doctor and an expedition medic, but was soon tempted to ‘try it from the other side.” Since taking part in a multi-stage race across the Atacama Desert in Chile, she has gone on to compete for GB numerous times in ultra-distance events.”

“In March 2020, Dumfries GP Joasia Zakrzewski headed to Australia for a short holiday. But life had other plans for the runner, originally from the north of England. Her flight home was grounded because of coronavirus.

With no other way back, she returned to Sydney and became what she calls a ‘Corona kid’: ‘sofa surfing and living off her credit card’. For six months, Zakrzewski said, her life was ‘quite hard’. Not sure what to do, after not being able to go home, she put the time in limbo to good use, doing ‘a bit of running’ on the track in July.

By ‘a bit of running’, what the habitually modest Zakrzewski meant was setting four new records: the Scottish 24-hour; British 200k; Scottish 100 miles; and Scottish 12-hour – at her first-ever 24-hour track race: the Australian 24 Hour Track Invitational in Canberra.

By the end of 2020, the Scottish Athletics Masters Athlete of the Year has settled semi-permanently into working – and running life – in Australia. Zakrzewski, who was a GP in Dumfries when she left in the Spring said “I think it’s really important that we (as medics) set a good example for everybody else, stay healthy and keep active. But it’s also important that we have interests outside of work. We’ve got to have a way to switch off, de-stress and think about other things.”

As a doctor, she also advises everyone to keep active outside. “Another thing in this time of coronavirus is vitamin D. It’s been found to be quite important in preventing the virus, reducing risk of infection and reducing severity of the illness. So, getting out in the sun and getting your vitamin D levels up has a double benefit.”

Jo Zakrzewski’s next challenge will be a race to the highest point on mainland Australia, Mount Kosciuszko, which was named after a Polish-Lithuanian general who served in the US War of Independence.

Given her father’s Polish background, the iconic event means much more than just 240km to Zakrzewski. Her goal is ‘to get to the top’, but she’d ‘actually like to finish the race too.” She added “I’d like to get there for my heritage, but I also want to tell people who this amazing guy was. It’s not just a mountain with a weird name, because I know all about weird names.”

In August 2021, Joasia Zakrzewski was back  in Scotland! She raced ‘Ultra Great Britain’ along the 215 miles of the Southern Upland Way and finished second overall and first lady in a time of 62 hours 20 minutes 12 seconds, taking an amazing 17 hours 26 minutes off the previous race record by a woman. In addition, she set the fastest known time (supported) for the Southern Upland Way by 13 minutes 48 seconds. (The Way crosses Scotland, from Portpatrick on the west coast to Cockburnspath on the east, via the hills of the Southern Uplands.)

                                                                                                Nearing the finish in Cockburnspath