Fiona lands World Best W65 for five miles; Honorary Doctorate for Ian

Saturday 4th July 2026

Masters marvel Fiona Matheson is no stranger to record-breaking . . . and she has been at it again.

The Falkirk Victoria Harriers athlete, who races in the W65 age category, was in superb form at the Brig Bash five mile race organised this week by Perth Road Runners.

Fiona clocked a brilliant 31:56 minutes and we understand that is a W65 World Best for five miles. The previous time was 33:12 so a really significant margin there from Fiona.

Congratulations!

Jamie Crowe won the race with the Central AC athlete at 22:58 to break his own Course Record for this event by some 32 seconds. Jame also close to the Scottish Best for Men’s Five Miles,

Thanks to Mark Crawford for bringing these performances to our attention.

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Photo via Glasgow Caledonian University

Former scottishathletics Chair Ian Beattie has shared his pride in the sport’s grassroots growth across Scotland as his contribution was celebrated with a special honour.

The current UK Athletics Chair has been presented with an honorary doctorate from Glasgow Caledonian University, recognising his achievements in athletics.

It is an accolade which marks not only his work in the sport at its highest levels, but also in communities – as a competitor, coach and volunteer with various clubs over many years.

‘What’s really nice about this is that it’s not just about the higher profile roles I have had, but my involvement in the grassroots side, including coaching endurance groups and being involved in a number of clubs,’ said Ian.

Ian’s role in helping to lead our sport during nine years as Chair of scottishathletics is widely acknowledged, recognised by an MBE in 2020.

‘Actually leading something was quite different and gave me more of a chance to drive the strategy and work with the team to do that. What the team achieved – what the whole of the sport achieved – was just outstanding.

‘We did it through a focus on the clubs, recognising that, if we galvanised thousands of volunteers across the clubs to work in the same direction, great things could be achieved. The last 10 years have seen the results of that with a very strong club scene in Scotland.’

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Tags: Fiona Matheson, Ian Beattie, Jamie Crowe