EAC Robertson Trophy Handicap
Run in memory of a club supporter who kindly donated the trophy, Edinburgh Athletic Club have organised an annual handicap race in which the winner receives this famous old trophy since 1928.
On Tuesday evening (4th June) 35 club members assembled in the Meadows for the 2025 edition. The rather unpredictable Scottish summer weather meant the cancellation of the shows and while unfortunate for children looking forward to trying out the various attractions, it meant we were able to use the normal one-mile course completed by each participant 5 times.
These events do not run themselves of course. We had Dougie and Gavin encouraging people to sign up and sorting them out with suitable handicaps, Jim taking charge of a team of eight willing stewards charged with ensuring people knew where to go and kindly asking other park users to allow the runners to pass safely, and at the finish line head endurance coach Alex was assisted by Scottish Athletics legend Alex Jackson in recording places and times.
The first runner set off just after 7pm and after an exciting battle, Philip Lees emerged victorious just over 30 minutes later, holding off Priy Kaushal and Jamie Weir to claim the trophy. They were directed towards the finish by James at 10 our youngest volunteer.
Thereafter all the runners and volunteers enjoyed the cakes and chocolate treats kindly made by another volunteer Shona before presentation of prizes all of which were donated by club members. This year it meant that the £5 entry fee was donated to Blood Cancer UK and FACE (Fighting against Cancer Edinburgh) who provided invaluable support to the partner and family of a club member prior to her recent passing. Thanks to generosity of participants over £400 was raised.
Despite the rather changeable Scottish summer weather, there was a wonderful and positive feel embracing a tremendous club spirit and culture as can been seen by the smiles in the photographs (courtesy of Alexander Quayle) and it is fitting that in Volunteers Week `this is only made possible by people generously offering up their time.
This is just one example but we are extremely fortunate that as a club we see this time and time again whether it be through our officials, coaches, parent helpers executive and support roles who all give up their time to ensure that events on the track, roads, hills and cross country take place and that athletes are as a best prepared as possible for them to give off their best. Edinburgh Athletic Club do not take this for granted and remain extremely grateful for all that they do.
