Sunday 5th July 2026
At this year’s Annual Arty Run, the club took the opportunity to recognise and thank two people whose contribution has helped shape CAAC over many years: Jan and Dave.
Between them, Jan and Dave have dedicated countless hours to coaching, encouraging and supporting athletes of all abilities. Their commitment has gone far beyond delivering training sessions. They have created an environment where runners can develop, challenge themselves and enjoy being part of the club.
Their influence extends beyond personal bests and podium finishes. Many members will remember their first session under Jan or Dave’s guidance, the encouragement offered before a big race, or the friendly welcome they received when joining the club. Volunteers and coaches are the backbone of any athletics club, and their dedication has helped make the club what it is today.
The Annual Arty Run provided a fitting opportunity for members to say thank you for everything they have done over the years. It is important to emphasise that this was not a retirement presentation, but simply a chance for the club to acknowledge the enormous contribution they continue to make.
On behalf of everyone at Corstorphine AAC, thank you, Jan and Dave, for your unwavering commitment to the club. We look forward to seeing your continued involvement for many years to come.
A few words from Jan:
I started running in my early 40s as a way to fill time when taking kids to what felt to be an endless stream of badminton tournaments across the central belt. Once I got myself fit enough I did a few 10Ks and then decided it was time to do marathons – as you do…..
After a few very badly paced Edinburgh Marathons in 2003 and 2004, I realised that I should perhaps join a running club to learn how to do things properly. My nearest club was Corstorphine so one dark rainy autumn night in 2004 I turned up at (the old) Forrester High School. I was greeted by Coach Dave and I introduced myself as Jan-Bert. That was far too complicated for the coach so Jan it was and has been ever since…😉.
CAAC soon became part of the weekly routine and it wasn’t long before Coach Dave encouraged me to get involved in the coaching side of things. That was, after I learned to run marathons at a more even pace – I did 2 in 2005 just to make sure that I got the instructions right.
I have really loved my time coaching with CAAC and enjoyed many great outings with the squad to races, training weekends and of course the pre-Covid Tours of Fife that many of us older runners remember with ‘fondness’. For those unfamiliar what that particular Tour. It’s five different races run over 5 days, Wednesday to Sunday, with an obligatory race report written by yours truly after every race.
I am glad to see that there many in the senior squad who were keen to take on coaching responsibilities. I will take that as a compliment, although, it could of course be because it was felt it was time for some decent coaching!
Thanks to everyone who has tolerated my coaching instructions. My CAAC responsibilities will now be limited to planning JANJAN 10 which will kick off on the 1st of January 2027. You have been given plenty of notice so there is no excuse not to get stuck in on New Year’s Day!