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

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Glasgow for the Great Scottish Run.

While Saturday’s junior and mini races had to be cancelled due to Storm Amy, better weather on Sunday brought out more than 32,000, completing either a 10k or a half marathon.

The city centre was transformed into a festival of running with over 100,000 supporters doing their bit to keep energy high.

The race started at the top of St Vincent Street for the first time, giving runners a welcome break from the usual uphill climb.

The official starting bell was rung by Glasgow Warriors and Scotland captain Rory Darge alongside Warriors teammate Ollie Smith, who were also cheering on club staff running in the half marathon to raise money for their ‘Fighting for our Families’ campaign.

AJ Bell Great Scottish Run AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Rory said: “It was amazing to see so many people giving the run a shot to raise money for so many different causes. I’ve never run in the Great Scottish Run myself and was blown away by the energy – it was really cool to be a part of it – and we got the weather.”

Ollie added: “It was a proper party atmosphere, my hand is sore from all the start line high fives.”

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

The event takes runners via the Kingston Bridge and the Squinty Bridge, with music, singing and crowds, to the finish line in Glasgow Green.

Among those runners spotted at the finish line was former Olympic swimming champion Ross Murdoch, who completed the half marathon in an impressive 1 hour 35 minutes.

Celebrations at the finish line AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Also finishing was Ian Houson, running for Insulinoma UK in the half marathon, who managed to shave five minutes off his personal best, saying: “What a fantastic day, the organisation was great, and the crowds were amazing all the way round, shouting out my name really got me through it. I love Glasgow.”

Club athletes claiming first place in the half marathon were Jamie Burns (Shettleston Harriers) and Katie Rourke (Gala Harriers), and in the 10K, Scott Stirling (Falkirk Victoria Harriers) and Jill Cherry (Victoria Park City of Glasgow AC).

Tens of thousands took part in the run AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Paul Foster, chief executive, The Great Run Company, said: “Glasgow once again turned out in force to deliver an incredible party atmosphere. The sun was shining, the crowds cheered, and we got to witness some exceptional performances from our club athletes, fun runners and fundraisers, who make this event what it is – a real celebration of running.

“The event continues to grow in popularity with more runners on the start line this year than ever before, and it’s really exciting that the rise in running is being driven by a younger audience, the future of this great event.

“I congratulate each and every one of our participants for their incredible achievements. We can’t wait to see you next year to do it all again.”