Venture out onto the streets of Chryston and you may spot a growing phenomenon, that is, the sight of large groups of fit, healthy, smiling people in white t-shirts, shorts and running shoes. This is the Jogscotland Chryston Running Group organised in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council. The group is based at the Iain Nicolson Centre in Chryston Road, Chryston.

Although today somewhere around 75 members regularly take to the streets, things where slightly different on a wet Tuesday evening in March 2003 when a small group of new members tentatively took to the streets supported by their newly trained Jogleaders. Some were taking their first ever run and their goals were modest. A quick poll revealed that improved health, weight loss, and making new friends were the main priorities.

In the months that followed with the help of word of mouth, promotional events and local advertising the membership grew steadily. People who had tried every fitness gimmick invented began to discover the simple and effective benefits of regular running. This success required the recruitment of additional Jogleaders the majority of whom were recruited from the existing membership.

First Open Day: March 2003

As members fitness improved goals became more ambitious i.e. races!

Members now take part in events the length and breadth of Scotland running distances from 5K upwards. These events include local races such as the Great Scottish Run and the Glasgow Ladies 10K as well as an annual trip to the Smokies 10 mile event in Arbroath which originally was managed using a 20 seater mini bus and which now requires a 60 seater coach.

Six members have also attempted and completed the magical Marathon distance of 26.2 miles and Jogscotland have been spotted completing marathons in places as diverse as Edinburgh, Blackpool, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Athens and Flanders in Belgium. Despite these achievements the group has continued to focus on encouraging new members and supporting them to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise. Today the Chryston Group consists of over 90 members and 10 fully trained Jogleaders.

The group now organises sessions for Beginners, Intermediates, and Advanced, which meet on Tuesday & Thursday evenings and on Saturday mornings.

Oh, and as for the original goals of improved health, weight loss, and making new friends…ACHIEVED!