When the world stood still during the pandemic, athletics tracks around Scotland were empty.
And when runners were back, Callum Matthews noticed the sport was missing something. So, he created Stride Athletics.
Joined by former university colleagues and friends of friends, they formed the events and media organisation, best known for its flagship event, Flat ‘N Fast.
Stride Athletics posted on Instagram for the first time in May 2023, shortly announcing the first edition of Flat ‘N Fast at West Lothian Cycle Circuit in Linlithgow – a unique five-lap, five kilometre road race. Before their first athlete interview or workout video was published, they sold out their first event within 24 days of entries going live.
A year later, the same race, with three times as many entries, would sell out in less than 24 hours, establishing itself as the most-sought after 5K in Scotland.
Its moniker lived up to expectation, setting a personal best rate above 50 percent at each race, including a men’s native best time of 13min 53sec set by Duncan Robinson, making him the fastest Scottish man ever to run a 5K on home soil. His achievement turned heads across the Atlantic Ocean, as he was signed by NCAA Division I Track & Field team Iona University.
Robinson would not be the last athlete to benefit from Stride Athletics, as shortly after the Athlete Springboard was launched, giving promising unsigned athletes an opportunity to receive support through the organisation. This included free kit, race entries, nutritional packages, physiotherapy and sports psychology.
This programme achieved what it intended. It produced two British champions in its first year – Sarah Calvert in the women’s 1,500 metres and Alessandro Schenini in the men’s long jump. Calvert’s breakout year led to her becoming the first Athlete Springboard member to be signed by a major brand and now represents New Balance as of 2026. Middle distance runner Jacob Smith also departed the programme after signing for NCAA Division I team University at Albany.
But Stride’s athletic success would be difficult without its media presence. Initially focusing on Scottish athletics, its popularity further afield has led to covering the British scene and interviewing athletes from all over the world, including Scotland’s world and Commonwealth Games champion, the mile world record holder Josh Kerr.
The group’s storytelling focuses on being personable, intimate and above all, genuine. Starting with workout videos with athletes of all abilities, they have since launched their own podcasts, online magazine and athlete interviews at major championships.
And most recently, Stride Athletics scaled up operations to bring a premium track race in Stirling, the Pursuit 5000, a World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger race. It brought some of the fastest distance runners from the United Kingdom and across Europe to Stride’s first track race – further cementing itself as an elite race organiser and trusted partner in the country.
How Hislop Business Solutions Support Stride Athletics
At Hislop Business Solutions, we help Stride Athletics remain fully compliant by preparing and filing their accounts and calculating their Corporation Tax liabilities.
By taking care of these essential financial requirements, we enable the team to focus on what they do best, supporting athletes and continuing the incredible work they do within the sporting community.
To find out more about Stride Athletics go to:
Website: https://www.strideathletics.co.uk/
Or follow Stride Athletics at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stride.athletics
To find out more about Hislop Business Solutions can support your organisation visit: https://hislopbusinesssolutions.co.uk/
Or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Main article written by: Michael Houston Instagram – Freelance Sports Journalist
