Help us save the University of St Andrews’ athletics track from closure!

The University’s Athletics & Cross Country Club and Triathlon Club were recently informed by the Athletic Union’s leadership team that the athletics track is now shut with immediate effect, following a failed health and safety review. 

We were also informed of redevelopment plans to convert the area into a new astroturf pitch, rather than resurfacing the track, therefore leaving the town without a track. This news directly affects our Athletics & Cross Country Club, the University Triathlon Club, Fife AC, and East Fife Triathlon Club, all of whom had been regular users of the track, yet there was no consultation at any point. Furthermore, this affects our university and the residents of Fife more widely, as the track had also been frequently used by individual students and the community.

As students, we are disappointed that the Athletics Union has neglected their facilities to this extent and has made such an impactful decision without any student input. Many of us are outraged as to how a university that calls itself “number 1 in the United Kingdom” with “some of the best sports facilities in Scotland” could lack such a basic sports facility.

More importantly, this is a matter of physical and mental wellbeing for all of us affected. The athletics track had been the only sports facility provided by the AU with free access, and the Athletics & Cross Country Club is currently the cheapest competitive sports club at the University. Having to travel to locations such as Dundee to use alternative facilities, as suggested by the AU, will significantly increase costs and put strain on us as students and locals.

With your support, we can combat this decision and get the track resurfaced, rather than removed. In signing this petition, you are helping us to spread awareness of this dreadful situation that is impacting our students and the local community.

Thank you for your support,

University of St Andrews Athletics & Cross Country Club