Scots star Mel makes history in Borders wheelchair race

One of Scotland’s and Team GB’s new paralympic heroes, Mel Woods, became the first-ever female winner of the Jed Renilson 10k Wheelchair event on Sunday.

Mel, a former PE teacher and now full-time GB athlete, first took part in the Jedburgh closed-road event three years ago. She was paralysed when a car crashed into her bike in 2018 and admits she was inspired by Sammi Kinghorn and others to channel her energies into wheelchair racing. After reaching 800m and 1500m finals at the Paris Paralympics last month, the 30-year-old was delighted that Sammi was on hand to see her success at the weekend.

She said: “This is my third time here and I remember coming for the first time, racing with Sammi, so it’s great to be back winning the event and receiving the trophy from her as we’re great friends now.

In a high-quality event, sponsored again by Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group, Woods completed the flat 10,000-metre race in a personal best time of 23 minutes and 25 seconds – a minute faster than the world track 10k record. She pipped Ben Rowlings – one of the UK’s fastest sprint and middle distance Paralympians – by just one second, with South African Paralympics veteran Tiaan Bosch a further second back in third in a sprint for the line.

The next generation of GB talent was on show with Kyle Brotherton (24) from Port Glasgow claiming fourth spot, Darlington 16-year-old Oliver Porter fifth, Joanna Robertson from Aberdeen sixth in 28:28 and Luke Deighan, also 24, from Johnstone taking eighth place, just behind veteran GB star Jason Richards, making his Jed debut, and ahead of Finlay Morrison from Aberdeen, who posted a fine first time of 34.52 after just taking up wheelchair racing in recent months.

Richards said afterwards: “I was told by people that I had to come to the Borders event, because I didn’t do it when I was racing for GB, and I am so glad I did because this is the best wheelchair racing event in the UK. The organisation, support for athletes, the road quality and the after-event catering and camaraderie is just wonderful. I will be back!”

Alongside the wheelchair race was the hand-cycle event, won again by world record holder Ken Talbot – the first hand cyclist to go over 50mph. He won by just a second from Alistair Corps-Bell with Ian Thompson and Mike Thomas close behind in third and fourth respectively.

Event organiser Graham Cook said: “It’s amazing to see the quality of racers we have in both events, from all over the world really with Tiaan here. I’m delighted that Jed Renilson’s race continues to provide a testing ground for current and future international stars, and also welcomes back veterans who just love coming to the Borders. And it is great to hear how much they love it.

“The credit for how this event is run goes back to the late Jed Renilson, and relies on the 30-plus volunteers that come out and help, and I’d also thank the Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group and Scottish Borders Council for their valuable support.”

Sammi Kinghorn, who won Scottish Athletics Para Athlete of the Year on Saturday, added: “I can remember my first race here and like Mel it is amazing to think of what we’ve achieved since then.

“To come back here as a Paralympic champion is wonderful and while I’ve allowed myself a break, and I certainly enjoyed being more relaxed watching them race round that downhill bend, it was great to see Mel becoming the first woman to win the event.

“I’ve had an incredible year. I’m looking forward to trying a few different distances next year and trying to enjoy things for a bit, before we start planning for the LA Paralympics in 2028. But if we can fit it into the schedule next year I’ll definitely be back for the Jed Renilson race.”

Congratulations to all!