RACHEL WATSON is a qualified Athletics Coach.
She has been involved with athletics since the age of 7, firstly as a runner/hurdler and then as a coach. She used to compete as an endurance athlete in cross country and track events plus the 400m hurdles and steeplechase.
Her highlights have been winning a Scottish Schools medal in the steeplechase and representing the East of Scotland in cross country.
She was a member of Edinburgh Athletic Club, coached at Haddington Running Club, before moving to Aberdeen AAC.
At Aberdeen AAC, she coaches primary school age athletes. She has also coached toddlers, adults and the elderly in a range of sports.
During lockdown, she produced a series of online athletics sessions for children to undertake at home, “Athletics with Ruth and Rachel”, to keep the younger athletes motivated and engaged with the club.
Rachel was shortlisted for Scottish Athletics Club Coach of the Year 2020, along with Ruth Watson. In 2022, Rachel was named Community/Participation Coach of the Year at Aberdeen’s Sports Awards.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Development and Coaching from Abertay University and hopes to train as a primary school teacher.
RUTH WATSON is a qualified Event Group Coach.
She first became involved in athletics when she joined Haddington Running Club, after being inspired by Paula Radcliffe winning the 5000m at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002. “I was in my 30’s, running mainly on my own for fitness, and wanted to compete in cross country, road races and marathons. Joining a club introduced me to a whole lot of like-minded people and the chance to train in a group and be part of a team. I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie when we went to races. I became a parent helper in the junior section, when my children joined the club, and completed the Assistant, Coach and Event Group qualifications. I have since gone onto work in athletics and have been the Pathways Development Officer and now the Community Development Officer at Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club, where I have been responsible for establishing and developing the club satellites”.
Ruth has completed many 10k, half marathon and marathon races, including the London marathon. Latterly, she competed in the shorter sprint distances, 100m and 200m, and the shot putt. She has won several Scottish Masters Championships for her age group.
“In my younger days, I loved taking part in cross country and off-road races- the muddier the better. My favourites were the Borders XC Series and East Lothian Summer Series”.
Ruth coached conditioning and movement skills at Team East Lothian, before joining AAAC in 2015.
“I really enjoy coaching athletes of all ages, particularly those starting off on their athletics journey. I help build confidence in their own abilities and try to inspire and motivate the athlete to reach their full potential”.
Her athletics idols include Paula Radcliffe, Michael Johnson, Zoey Clark, Jamie Bowie and Vern Gambetta.
Ruth was shortlisted for Scottish Athletics Club Coach of the Year 2020, along with her daughter and fellow coach Rachel Watson.
Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club 