Jedburgh ---Hard place to win and not just at rugby

Jedburgh has always been a hard place to win but this hasn't just applied to rugby but also to athletics especially the world of "pedestrianism" a term that suggests leisurely locomotion however it was anything but that and it was an arena which was frequented by the likes of the legendary Rangers manager of yesteryear Bill Struth

The Jedburgh Games were one of the major meetings of the professional circuit in the early Twentieth century. The games drew spectators remarkably from as far afield as Canada and Australia. Many exiles used the games as an excuse to return home.
One of they main events at the time was strangely called the Glasgow Handicap over 150 yds as the prize was donated by Jedburgh people working in the Second City

Bill is recorded as being runner up in the Jedburgh Prize Handicap 215 yards behind native American back marker Williams, who ran of nine and a half yards, in July 1902.

The following year was to prove more successful with Bill winning The Merchant Handicap a flat race over half a mile for which he collected the princely sum of £3
In 1904 despite an early start of the games at 06.00, he went one better than in 1902, and won the 215 yards Jedburgh Prize handicap comfortably by two yards from the runner up, of a 15 yard start. The prize this time being £7.

By 1905 The Jedburgh games were considered the blue riband event of the summer Sporting calendar. Bill achieved success in this race for the second time as he retained his 215 yard handicap title.

Bill Struth carried his interest in athletics on to his time at Ibrox when he attracted world class athletes to the Rangers Sports including American Olympians and even the great Eric Liddell

Maybe the Melrose Sports or as it is known now The Melrose Sevens now commands the profile but Jedburgh has a great athletics history in the widest sense

Athletics continues to flourish in Jedburgh to this day -- just ask Jedforest stalwart and trainer Chico Woods
With former 3m 33s 1500m athlete John Robson on the back room staff at Kelso the Borders clubs are well served with athletics knowledge

Jed is always a hard place to win it was when Struth went there and it still will be this Saturday

This article was originally posted on 21-Jan-2013, 07:38 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 21-Jan-2013, 08:21.