The Return Of The Non-Binaries ……. A Relay Race Sequel

Cam Winton

After the Glasgow Frontrunners Non Binary relay team had their debut at the Scottish Cross Country Championships, it was an obvious choice to repeat our participation. This time it was the Allan Scally 5km Road Race Relay on Glasgow Green.

This race is a long established highlight of the Scottish athletics & road racing scene. This years 54th event was a 5km loop on Glasgow Green with one lap for each runner in a four person team.

The organisers, Shettleston Harriers attracted a record entry of 301 teams. A record 6 teams for Glasgow Frontrunners too!

Recent years have seen the emergence of non-binary categories in races and thanks to the Harriers for having one in this year’s Allan Scally. Time to pull together the gang from the cross country relay. Everyone was up for it.

Race day...Eek! The Allan Scally is a serious race with some very fast runners. However, it is open to all so a wide range of abilities showed up. The race start has a great atmosphere with all the clubs set up along the first part of the course. As usual, the Frontrunners group were noisy, colourful and supportive.

We sorted our run order. Alex, our last runner came straight from touch rugby. Cameron went first with Ellie and Eoin anchoring the middle two stints. Numbers on, nerves increasing and time for the start.

It was ideal weather for running, cool and dry. The start was prompt on 12.30 and off we went. The pace at the front was incredible. It felt like the whole field was running away from us. Being one of the slower runners, concentration was needed to hold a sustainable pace rather than instinctively keep up with those in front. Although the course is a single 5k loop, there are a couple of points where you meet the leaders going the other way. Effort was consuming all attention so all that can be said is one runner was holding a steady 20 metre or so lead from a small group hunting them down.

Although most of the race was in front, seeing athletes, probably with thoughts of Commonwealth games selection on their minds, running the same race is very fulfilling. It reminds you that, no matter what your pace, your running is as valid as theirs.

The last kilometre was agony. Then you hear your club mates cheering you on. No option but to push harder!

Coming back from a difficult year, it felt like progress to be able to drive hard over the finish line. Almost an achievement to be feeling a little sick from the effort.

The changeover between runners is very exciting. No batons are needed and the runners waiting for their stint are held in a pen then released as the previous team member comes across the finish. There was probably an adrenalin cloud hovering over this area.

Ellie was off. They were the same, caught up in the atmosphere and trying hard not to go too quick too early. Then Eoin’s turn. Similar story when they came back and changed over with Alex. A later look at the results showed our two middle runners recorded exactly the same time!

Over the day, it transpired that, even though there was only the Frontrunners team entered in the category, there would be still be a non-binary prize awarded. Unfortunately, the prize giving started while Alex was still on the course. A little anxious rushing about and the best individual team time from Alex meant that he joined, a little breathless, in time for us to receive the award.

We won £60! We were definitely the first non binary team ever at the event and it was very gratifying that the prize was given out. Well done to Shettleston Harriers for recognising our category. This will help to get more Non-Binary participation in major running events.

There is the small matter of our fellow Frontrunners teams. Over the last 3 years of Frontrunners teams in the Allan Scally, there have been a large number of 5k Personal Bests and this year was no different. Motivation from being around the top level athletes must be a factor. Reviewing all previous results, this year’s Male V40 team took the record for a Frontrunners team by one whole second!

Visibility of non-binary competition is key for improving access to sport for under represented gender identities. Also, it is worth noting that the majority of Glasgow Frontrunners teams have been mixed gender and pace. Hopefully this means there is a place for everyone in our club.

More information on the history of the race can be found here:

ALLAN SCALLY MEMORIAL ROAD RELAYS