Athletics Trust Scotland has announced the return of its Transforming Lives grant programme for 2024, with nine successful applicants receiving funding for projects that will support disadvantaged communities through the sport.

Two organisations will again receive funding after becoming successful applicants in the inaugural 2023 programme, while seven others have been selected for the first time.

Outdoors For You, a group that supports migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Glasgow and creates an environment for community and integration, will be supported; as are Aberdeen Active Schools who aim to meet training needs in Peterhead, Ellon and Fraserburgh.

Runforever continues to be funded through their running club within HMP & YOI Grampian, which supports inmates, ex-offenders, marginalised communities and those with mental health issues. Aberdeen AAC, who last year received support for disability athletics equipment, this time getting assistance to fund free spaces at holiday camps at Aberdeen Sport Village.

Scottish Student Sport will be supported with funding to counter the rising costs of hosting their Scottish Student Championships events to keep athletics accessible to students at reasonable prices; while Elgin AAC’s money will go towards supplying running spikes to families and Forth Valley Disability Sport will be backed for the cost of an entry-level racing wheelchair to help athletes get into racing.

Finally, Team East Lothian will receive funding for a storage container to store frame running equipment and other disability athletics equipment; and Grampian Disability Sport’s grant will cover venue hire costs and support athlete participation expenses over the next two years.

Graeme Jack, Chair of Athletics Trust Scotland said: “After supporting fantastic Transforming Lives projects in 2023, we are delighted to be able to deliver another batch this year.

“A series of projects were selected with a clear vision in mind – to support those who need better accessibility in athletics.

“Our community is what makes our sport so great, and an example of that is Outdoors For You supporting integration for our new migrant, asylum seeker and refugee neighbours in Glasgow.

“In 2023, our grants made disability sport more accessible and we continue that trend this time around, while still remaining true to those who face other barriers to participation through our funded projects.

“From disability sport, to student support and helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds, Athletics Trust Scotland’s Transforming Lives grants are once again making serious social impact across the country.”

Razgar Hassan, Outdoors For You Chief Executive Officer said: “The grant will make it possible for our service users, to take part in running events in Glasgow and thereby experience the amazing atmosphere and camaraderie at these events.”

Athletics Trust Scotland is a charity focused on supporting disadvantaged communities through the power of sport. The organisation’s first grant funding to support these communities through its Transforming Lives programme, was delivered in 2023.

Any interested parties who would like further assistance or information can contact Athletics Trust Scotland Fundraising Manager, Kyle Greig: kyle.greig@athleticstrustscotland.org.uk and can register their interest on the Scottish Running Week website here.

For future updates on Scottish Running Week you can find information on social media. Twitter/X: @athtrustscot Facebook: Athletics Trust Scotland and Instagram: @athleticstrustscotland.

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Athletics Trust Scotland is delighted to launch the Summer Proms 3k Series that will take place at Aberdeen Beach Promenade on the first Wednesday of every month at 7.00pm.

Fundraising Manager, Kyle Greig said “The funds raised from the event will go towards supporting up and coming athletes who require much needed support to get them to the next level of the sport. Unfortunately, there are many athletes who have the potential to excel in athletics but may not fit into a certain category due to disability, mental health or growing up in poverty. This is where ATS intends on filling the gap, providing those who most need our support with the opportunity to reach the next level”.

The first race of the series will take place on Wednesday 6th April with the remaining dates being 4th May, 1st June, 6th July, 3rd August and 7th September.

The race series welcomes entries from all standards of runners and disabled athletes.

Online entry can be found here for the first race in April and here for all subsequent races

There will be a series prize for all age categories and the 3 races accumulated times to count for the overall series

For more information about the event or the work of the Trust contact info@athleticstrustscotland.org.uk. 

The stage is set for the men of Scotland and beyond to make a positive change! Consistently around 40% of the men taking part have never entered a running event before. The life expectancy of a man in Scotland is, shockingly, still the lowest in the UK. Suicide, in addition to other mental health problems, continues to be an issue of high significance to men in Scotland. For ATS this is a key area on as part of our Transforming Lives Project to improve peoples mental health through running.

As part of Team ATS, we will support you every step of the way. You will receive:

• A FREE technical vest or t-shirt
• FREE Active Root products
• A digital welcome pack to help with your fundraising & training
• Support & training advice from our in-house experts

How much do you need to fundraise?

We ask people to pay just a £1 registration to secure a place. We’re asking if you can raise a minimum of  £150 to support the development of athletics and running in Scotland.

How to Enter

Your runners can enter via our website https://www.mens10k.com/charity/athletics-trust-scotland and follow the process to enter.

How we can help

If you already have your own place, but would still like to fundraise for ATS, please get in touch by emailing fundraising@athleticstrustscotland.org.uk or call 01315 397 343

The route is seriously flat & rapid – if you want to set a personal best for a half marathon, then this is the event for you. Starting conveniently at 11am just outside Edinburgh, you will run along the magnificent East Lothian Golf Coast before finishing in the final furlong at Musselburgh Racecourse; Scotland’s oldest racecourse.

As part of Team ATS, we will support you every step of the way. You will receive:

• A FREE technical vest or t-shirt
• FREE Active Root products
• A digital welcome pack to help with your fundraising & training
• Support & training advice from our in-house experts

How much do you need to fundraise?

We ask people to pay just a £1 registration to secure a place. We’re asking if you can raise a minimum of  £150 to support the development of athletics and running in Scotland.

How to Enter

Runners can enter via our website https://www.scottishhalfmarathon.com/half and follow the process to enter.

How we can help

If you already have your own place, but would still like to fundraise for ATS, please get in touch by emailing fundraising@athleticstrustscotland.org.uk or call 01315 397 343

Described as ‘fast and flat’, and the ‘2nd largest marathon in the UK, behind only London’, the Edinburgh Marathon returns in 2022 and promises to deliver an incredible experience. Run through the heart of the iconic city and Princes Street Gardens, down the historic Royal Mile, and take in the spectacular sight of Arthur’s Seat as you then head out to Musselburgh.

As part of Team ATS, we will support you every step of the way. You will receive:

• A FREE technical vest or t-shirt
• FREE Active Root products
• A digital welcome pack to help with your fundraising & training
• Support & training advice from our in-house experts

How much do you need to fundraise?

We ask people to pay just a £1 registration to secure a place. We’re asking if you can raise a minimum of  the following: Marathon £200, Half £100, 10k £75, 5k £50 £150  to support the development of athletics and running in Scotland.

How to Enter

Your runners can enter via our website https://www.edinburghmarathon.com/charity/athletics-trust-scotland/ and follow the process to enter.

How we can help

If you already have your own place, but would still like to fundraise for ATS, please get in touch by emailing fundraising@athleticstrustscotland.org.uk or call 01315 397 343