Tens of thousands take to streets of Glasgow for The Great Scottish Run

Glasgow was abuzz as the Great Scottish Run made its annual return to the city’s streets.

Over 20,000 runners took part at the starting line in the heart of the city’s George Square on Sunday to the sound of Glasgow Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren ringing the start bell for the 10km and half marathon.

Saturday also saw over 1200 kids aged 3-15 having fun in the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run, concluding with the high-spirited Mascot race as part of “Super Saturday”.

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run took participants onto the steep incline of St Vincent Street, through a scenic route passing many key landmarks including The Hydro, The Finnieston Crane and Pacific Quay before making their way to the finish line in Glasgow Green.

A number of road closures were in place across the city to facilitate the route.

Heart Radio breakfast show hosts Des Clarke and Jennifer Reoch together with the iconic Glasgow Crowd, cheered runners on as they crossed the start line.

Elite runners powered through the course including Lily Patridge who completed the 10km in 00:33:08 and Lewis Hannigan in 00:31:27 to take first place.

Glasgow was abuzz as the Great Scottish Run made its annual return to the city’s streets. The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Scotland’s very own Jamie Crow completed the half marathon in 01:04:50 and Natasha Phillips in 01:12:13 securing the coveted first place.

The weekend also involved a range of fundraising efforts for many charities with many runners also adorning costumes from Barbie Roller Blading to Unicorns.

Charities with runners included, CHAS, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, and Blood Cancer UK, and SAMH.

Visually impaired runner James Semple, who runs under the name of Jay Cruz, ran the 10km in his trademark kilt with the Knightswood Harriers to raise money for groundbreaking eye treatment to save his sight.

Paul Foster, chief executive at the Great Run Company said: “It’s been a brilliant day here in Glasgow for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run.

“It’s been incredible to see so many runners out on the streets of the city and so much support for them all across the course.

“A huge well done to everyone taking part and thank you to all our volunteers and partners who helped us deliver a fantastic event today.”

Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said: “The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is a celebration of everything that makes Glasgow great.

“Stunning sights and spaces along the entire route, great entertainment and of course the extra push that comes from the crowd roaring runners on to achieve their own precious milestones. I’d like to congratulate everyone who took part in any of the races held this weekend.”