Wick Ladies Jogging Club: much more than a running group

About this recording

Linda Smith, Jeannie Simpson and Catherine MacAulay share memories of the Wick Ladies Jogging Club which began in 1984.

“Following on from seeing the advert in the paper, inviting ladies who were interested in jogging to go down to the riverside and have a go at it,” recalls Linda.

In this interview they discuss how the club quickly became much more than a running group: it created lasting friendships, encouraged women of different abilities, and offered a strong sense of support and belonging.

Linda says, “My first memory, particularly, was Katie Burns jogging up beside me, and looking at me and saying, my dear, your face is a bit red. I think maybe you should slow down. Now, I wasn't going fast, but I had to slow down in case I collapsed, I think.”

As time progressed members of the club also entered fun runs, 10Ks, half marathons, marathons, triathlons and local events, while also branching into swimming, hill walking, cycling and kayaking.

A major focus was the club’s social life: parties, Halloween costumes, gala floats, humorous mishaps, shared laughter and strong camaraderie.

Catherine explains, “And you didn't need fancy clothes, because at first I didn't. I had no fancy trainers.”

The group was totally inclusive. No one was left behind, beginners were welcomed, and members did what they could at their own level.

Jeannie’s daughter Janet is remembered as an important and much-loved member of the group. Although she used a wheelchair, she was fully included in the life of the club.

“We'd take her out running in the wheelchair. We never went anywhere without her,” recalls Jeannie.

Janet went swimming, won medals, joined outings, appeared in photographs, and was described as someone they “never went anywhere without.”

Wick Ladies Jogging Club not only improved physical fitness, mental wellbeing and social connection but it helped establish lasting friendships.

Jeannie explains that she continues to keep active through walking and gardening, Catherine continues to walk regularly and Linda has found a replacement in cold-water swimming.

The Wick Ladies Jogging Club was in existence for about twenty years. Jeannie explains her delight that there is a new running club in the town.

“I just hope that our legacy from the jogging club would be to see that group flourish. Get the same enjoyment, physically and mentally, that we did,” says Linda.