It was double delight for Perth Strathtay Harriers at Scottishathletics’ annual awards night.
Excited committee members, volunteers and athletes tuned in to the virtual ceremony on Saturday evening.
Alan Erickson, who works with local sprinters, was shortlisted for Club Coach of the Year while the Harriers were also in the running for Janice Eaglesham Para Development Club of the Year.
And much to the delight – and surprise – of president Jim Hunter, the proud Perth club scooped both awards.
“It was a complete surprise,” he told the PA after tuning in to the YouTube stream. “And I think it was all the more special because it was such a surprise.
“Although we are quite a big club regionally, in athletics terms in Scotland we’re certainly not massive. To be recognised like this is fantastic.
“People from around Perth and Kinross have been messaging to say they noticed our wins over the weekend.
“It’s all positive for the club and helps reach out to the next generation, whether a sprinter for Alan’s group or a child with a disability who wants to try athletics.
“It’s strange times but we’re grateful to get such wonderful, positive publicity. We’re hoping these national awards can act as a further springboard for us.”
Jim was keen to turn the spotlight on the club’s many volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
He continued: “Perhaps most important in all of this is that the awards recognise the folk behind the scenes too.
“If it was not for the volunteers then we would not have a club. I keep saying that because, if they were not there, I could not do anything.
“It’s a real pat on the back for everyone.”
Milnathort track star Laura Muir was also among the award winners on the night.
Muir shared the Performer of the Year title with Jemma Reekie and Jake Wightman, reflecting the world class performances of all three over the past few months.
Stephen Maguire, Scottishathletics’ director of performance and coaching, said: “I’d like to congratulate all our athlete winners in the 4J Studios Annual Awards and their coaches.
“It has been a strange year, of course, and a tough year for so many people in our sport. But we still witnessed Scottish athletes starring on the global stage and the level of some of the performances really was remarkable.”
