We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our dedicated and long-serving endurance coach, John, has been announced as the Coach of the Year at the prestigious Glasgow Sports Awards 2025! This recognition is a testament to his commitment to Shettleston Harriers, and the wider Glasgow Athletics community.
Johns Legacy
John’s involvement in the sport began in the late 1970s as a runner. Like many, his true coaching journey started when his daughter joined Shettleston Harriers Ladies. Even after she moved on to football, John stayed at the club, coaching endurance athletes and helping them progress through age groups to win numerous titles.
When the Ladies section amalgamated with City of Glasgow, John’s coaching reach expanded significantly. He has coached a host of international athletes, many starting with him at a young age, including household names like Susan Scott, Susan Partridge, and Sheila Fairweather, all of whom competed for both Scotland and Great Britain.
John’s influence on the club’s resurgence since becoming open to both sexes in 2004 is profound. His contributions were formally recognised in 2023 when he was awarded Honorary Life Membership of Shettleston Harriers.
Nurturing Talent Across Generations
His ability to nurture talent and develop peoples ability as athletes continues to be seen in the current training group. John’s dedicated coaching has led to recent successes for athletes such as:
- Lachlan Oates (who started with John in 2005)
- Lynn McKenna (Current Scottish Cross Country Champion)
- Brogan Wallace (Multiple Scottish Athletics medallist this year)
- Jamie Burns (Scottish 10km Champion)
- Avril Mason (Master athlete and Ladies Captain)
Despite now being in his 80s, John still makes the journey from his Ayrshire home to coach in Glasgow at least three times a week. His passion extends beyond the club, having worked with the Glasgow Athletics Association and countless local schools to signpost aspiring athletes to clubs.
The Heart of the Coaching Group
Avril Mason, our Ladies Captain, perfectly summed up John’s immense contribution and the reason he is such a fitting winner of this award:
“To focus on these individual achievements, however, does not really describe what it means to be coached by John. The lives that he has enriched through encouraging them to take part in athletics are many. He offers his time and advice to all athletes who are keen to improve and of all backgrounds and ages. Countless hours of timing training in all weathers, planning and kindness can really not be measured. The group continues to grow and evolve as new runners join with John as the constant. Most in the training group would count him as a great friend and coach.”
Individual & Team Honours
John’s coaching impact is clearly evident in the wide range of titles and medals won by his athletes across various surfaces and events:
Individual International & National Success
| Category | Athlete Name | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| International Vests | Lynn McKenna, Brogan Wallace, Jamie Burns | Cross Country & Road Racing Representation |
| Scottish Cross Country | Lynn McKenna | Senior Ladies Champion (1st) |
| Scottish Cross Country | Brogan Wallace | Senior Ladies (3rd) |
| Scottish Inter District | Lynn McKenna | Ladies Champion (1st) |
| Scottish 10km Road | Jamie Burns | Men’s Champion (1st) |
| Scottish 10km Road | Brogan Wallace | Ladies Champion (1st) |
| Scottish 10km Road | Lynn McKenna | Ladies (2nd) |
| Scottish 5km Road | Lynn McKenna | Ladies (3rd) |
| Scottish Half Marathon | Brogan Wallace | Ladies (3rd) |
| West District XC | Lynn McKenna | Ladies Champion (1st) |
| West District XC | Jamie Burns | Men’s (3rd) |
Team Success
John’s athletes have been fundamental to Shettleston Harriers’ incredible team performances:
- Scottish National Cross Country Championships: Ladies 1st Team, Men 3rd Team
- Scottish National Cross Country Relay Championships: Ladies 2nd Team
- Scottish National Road 5km Championships: Ladies 2nd Team
- Scottish National Road 10 Mile Championships: Ladies 1st Team
- Scottish National ½ Marathon Championships: Men 1st Team, Ladies 2nd Team
- Scottish National Marathon Championships: Men 1st Team, Ladies 3rd Team
- Scottish Cross Country West District Championships: Men 2nd Team, Ladies 2nd Team
Please join us in celebrating John’s fantastic and thoroughly deserved award!
