RACE HISTORY

This race is run to perpetuate the memory of Tom Scott, a young man, whose life was unfortunately cut short at the early age of 29 , when he was tragically killed in a motor traffic accident while travelling to take part in a Road Race in the North of England.

 

Tom was a very fine long distance runner from Law Village. He was a member of Motherwell YMCA Harriers Club and from 1953 to 1955 he was their club champion. Tom often competed for the YMCA in numerous events and was a member of three winning teams in the Scottish YMCA Championships. Being an enthusiastic and keen competitor Tom often competed in major events throughout Great Britain and was frequently chosen to represent Scotland in British Title Races.Being a dedicated member of the Harriers fraternity Tom's ambition was to represnt his country in the marathon at the Olympic Games and towards this end he was in training and competing. In order to increase his weekly mileage Tom ran to and from his workplace in Motherwell. He was therefore a familar figure in the streets of Motherwell & Wishaw as he made his way - in fair weather or foul - either to his home in Law or to the factory in Motherwell.

At the time of his death Tom was an employee of AEI-Motherwell and it was suggested by some of his colleagues, especially those with an interest in athletics, that it would be fitting that some sort of race be established and to be run annually in his honour. As a result of a collection among his workmates a committee was formed with the objective to establish this race as one of the leading Road Races in Scotland.

 

The first Tom Scott Memorial Race was held in 1962 and ironically it was won by one of Tom's team mates and fellow worker at A.E.I. -A H Brown. Andy who also came from Law Village won the event in a time of 50:33.

 

Since that inagural race - as can be seen from the results - many fine runners have graced this event. Surely the aims and objectives of the original committee have therefore been realised with Scottish Olympians, European Contenders & Commonwealth Gold & Silver Medalists not only taking part, but winning this event - a fitting tribute to one who gave so much time and energy to his sport.