Forth Valley Ultramarathon

 Forth Ultra Donation

The Scurry2Bridges recently held their second Forth Ultra, a 44-mile (71 km) circular ultramarathon around the Firth of Forth estuary. This challenging race crossed two iconic Forth Bridges and connected two well-known Scottish trails: the Fife Coastal Path and the John Muir Way. Starting and finishing at the iconic Kelpies, the course also incorporated a significant portion of the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 76, which circles the bridges and the Forth.

What does this have to do with the Polmont Community Hub? Last year's event marked the first collaboration between the Polmont Joggers Club (PJC), the Polmont Community Council (PCC), and the Polmont Community Hub (PCH). Four volunteers from these community organisations served as marshals last year, and they returned to help again this year. During last year's event, the funds paid to the marshals became the hub's very first monetary donation.

Claire, who was not involved with the hub at that time, and Douglas volunteered their valuable time representing the Polmont Joggers, (Kenny & Claire were at that time part of the green runners community)while Michael represented the Community Council. At that time, Kenny was the vice chair and sustainability manager for the newly established PCH committee, he wasn't aware then how crucial a role in saving the center from closure he was about to make.Claire wasnt to know she was going to give up her tuesday night jogging club to work as an unpaid volunteer at the hub What a difference a year can make!

The hub was then in dire need of funds as it was starting from scratch. The Polmont Joggers and PCC have continued to support PCH by attending the hub's events, assisting other organisations that host activities at the hub, such as FEL’s events and the upcoming Great Get Together. They also help PCH with fundraising and financial donations, which is wonderful. However, even more valuable are their hours of volunteer work. We are considering ways to convert these volunteer hours into social credits—what our circular economy expert calls "Polmont Pounds." 

It’s important to note that it was the volunteers' hours that saved the center from closure, not the monetary donations. Our supporters make a significant difference in helping us keep the center operating. We have received many monetary donations since that first one last year, and we are incredibly grateful for each contribution. However, only one organization has demanded a receipt and public acknowledgment for their small donation, which was in lieu of their use of the hub's rooms. They seemed to expect the room rental for free, though we provided it out of charity, asking only for a suitable donation in return. We find this a bit disheartening, especially considering that we had supported this group before we were established.

Let’s focus on the true meaning of volunteer hours. The government refers to this as the third sector. Many of our local services, such as healthcare, policing, firefighting, path and road maintenance, education, and social services, are increasingly being managed by the third sector. Two of yesterday’s marshals, Kenny and Claire, received free certified medical training as recognized third sector workers at the hub. This training, funded by the council, was provided because of the pressing need for trained medics across the country. While it was intended for caretaking roles within the hub, it also aids local emergency services during community events like the race. This training and volunteer work have already greatly benefited the community.

How do we express our gratitude to all our volunteers and show appreciation? These unpaid volunteers who marshalled this year and last year are truly remarkable, driven by a sense of community responsibility and a commitment to caring for one another. There are many ways to describe community or environmental activism, and the motivations behind volunteering, but there should be some recognition for being a force for good. Let’s all come together to celebrate our communities!

    Claire and Kenny marshalled two sections at either end of where the ultra marathon ran through Polmont Woods, this pathway network needs some tlc and Claire has a fantastic idea for some event organisation road crossing aids that we could add to oor tool library, kenny thinks we should fund the production of a fabric stamp maker and material stamping equipment so we can upcycle Hi-Viz vests with our logo on

Should we consider using this year's donation to support the Jo Cox Foundation? Giving a charitable donation to one charity for another charity’s use does not align with our circular economy goals. We should aim to utilize the funds to make local improvements or provide education as a way to thank our supporters. Now that more than a year has passed, we should think about using some of those volunteer hours as an opportunity to acknowledge the people who have made donations without seeking thanks or recognition.

  We are currently considering the installation of a water fountain and filtration system in the room that PJC uses on Tuesday evenings. This would provide joggers with access to cold, clean water, reducing their reliance on single-use plastic bottles, which we are now looking for ways to recycle properly.

    Additionally, we are thinking about purchasing some books for the gardening group. the hubs main gardeniser is Braes Friendly Growers (BFG) who are focusing on permaculture and organic food growing techniques to educate the community on how to grow more food at home, as well as in our social garden and orchard. this year they, in conjunction with PCC are hosting a sunflower growing competition. perhaps the volunteer's donation could pay for a prize?

    These are just two ideas on how the donated money could help us progress toward other community initiatives and show our appreciation for our supporters. We have lots more as Ideas - are something we are not short of all supportive criticism is welcome bring your own ideas but - then consider working on them with us