Lawson and Jones star in Jedburgh Wheelchair 10k

Jedburgh wheelchair racer Gemma Scott competing in the Jedburgh Running Festival Wheelchair 10k. Photograph by Steven Somerville.

Lawson from Maryport has dominated the Borders event in recent years, staged as part of the Jedburgh Running Festival, and is bidding to qualify for the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

The Cumbrian’s training was in evidence as under bright sunny skies he flew around the Borders roads in a record time of 20 minutes and 25 seconds to win and scoop the ‘Best Performance’ trophy.

He was tracked, however, by Callum Hill from Leeds, who finished second in 23:52, and his partner GB 2012 Paralympian Jones who was just five seconds behind in 23:57, a new course record for female athletes.

Jones was born with a missing femur and was introduced to wheelchair racing by Tanni Grey-Thompson. Now a 19-year-old law student she is coached by Tanni’s husband Ian and is firmly on track for Rio.

Lockerbie athlete Sean Frame came in fourth in 25:24, to lift the ‘Best Scottish Male’ medal, with Gemma Scott flying the Borders flag and finishing in fifth spot on 27 seconds flat, to scoop the ‘Best Scottish Female’ award.

GB coach Ian Thompson also took part at the weekend in the similarly competitive hand cycle race, finishing third in 20:42 behind David Wise from Workington (20:22) and Edinburgh athlete Mike Thomas (20:41).

The organisers of the Jed 10K Wheelchair Race, launched by Borderer Jed Renilson in 2004, would like to thank sponsors Randolph Hill Nursing Home Group and the British Wheelchair Racing Association, who also presented Jed Thistle RFC with a cheque for £450 for their help over many years in staging what has become a hugely popular event.