Thousands gather in Glasgow for Great Scottish Run

Thousands take part in Glasgow
Tens of thousands of runners are gathering in Glasgow for this year’s Great Scottish Run, with organisers expecting about 35,000 adults and children to participate across the weekend. The event began on Saturday and continues with the main races on Sunday.

Junior races return
Saturday’s programme included the return of the Junior and Mini Great Scottish Run after last year’s children’s events were cancelled because of Storm Amy. More than 2,000 young runners took part on Glasgow Green.

Gladiators launch children’s races
TV Gladiators Athena and Hammer helped start the junior events, with runners taking part on Glasgow Green. Four-time Olympian Eilish McColgan also joined the young participants at the starting line.

McColgan praises young runners
McColgan, who won Commonwealth Games gold for Scotland in 2022, said watching thousands of children complete the races was one of the highlights of the Great Scottish Run weekend. She encouraged the young runners to be proud of their achievements.

Sunday races begin
Sunday’s programme features the 10k and half marathon. McColgan and charity fundraiser Craig Ferguson are the official starters, with wheelchair athletes leading the 10k before the main waves of runners begin.

10k starts early
The 10k starts at 08:26, with three waves of runners setting off between 08:30 and 09:03. The race begins on St Vincent Street in Glasgow city centre and finishes at Glasgow Green.

Half marathon follows
The half marathon starts later in the morning, with the elite field beginning at 10:10. Six waves of participants will take part, with the final group scheduled to start at 12:13.

Runners cross the Clyde
The 13.1-mile half marathon takes participants through Glasgow before crossing the River Clyde and heading towards Bellahouston and Pollok Country Park. Runners then return towards the city centre and finish at Glasgow Green.

10k follows city route
The 10k takes a more urban route and does not include the park section. Participants instead pass over four bridges and along a long stretch beside the River Clyde before reaching the finish.

Road closures expected
The large-scale event has resulted in numerous road closures and parking restrictions across Glasgow. Several roads along the race routes and surrounding areas are affected throughout the day.

Key roads affected
St Vincent Street, Paisley Road West and sections of Argyle Street are among the roads expected to remain closed until at least the middle of the afternoon. Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys around the event.

Great Scottish Run draws crowds
The weekend event brings together elite athletes, wheelchair competitors, families and recreational runners. Organisers expect the large turnout to make it one of Glasgow’s major annual sporting events.