Thousands gather in Glasgow for Great Scottish Run

Hundreds of runners set off from a starting line with crowds cheering on

Tens of thousands of people are gathering in Glasgow ahead of this year's Great Scottish Run.

Organisers predict about 35,000 adults and children will take part in a weekend of events which kicked off on Saturday.

Sunday's runs include a 10k and a half marathon, with Scotland's 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Eilish McColgan and charity fundraiser Craig Ferguson the official starters.

Saturday's schedule saw the return of events for junior runners and toddlers, after fears over Storm Amy last year forced them to be cancelled.

Athena and Hammer from the Gladiators TV show sent off over 2,000 young runners in the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Scottish Run on Glasgow Green.

Athena said: "Seeing so many young runners give it everything was brilliant. The energy on Glasgow Green was unreal, and every single one of them should be proud of themselves."

McColgan, who joined the children at the starting line, said: "Days like this are where it all starts. I loved running as a kid, and seeing thousands of children crossing the finish line with huge smiles is the best thing about the Great Scottish Run weekend."

A man and a woman sound a horn to start a children's race

Sunday's action begins with the 10k at 08:26.

McColgan, a four times Olympian and Ferguson, known for his kilted trek across the US to Scotland's World Cup opening match this year, will start the proceedings on with elite wheelchair competitors first to go.

Three colour co-ordinated waves of runners then head off for the 10k between 08:30 and 09:03.

The half marathon (13.1 miles) follows later. It will feature six waves of participants with the first, comprising of elite runners, setting the pace at 10:10.

The final wave will go off at 12:13.

What are the 10k and half marathon routes?

A map of a 10k route through the centre of Glasgow, starting on St Vincent Street and finishing at Glasgow Green

Both the 10k and half marathon start on St Vincent Street in the city centre and conclude on Glasgow Green.

The half-marathon runners follow an urban route through the city before crossing the River Clyde, going towards Bellahouston and Pollok Country Park and then returning to the city centre.

The 10k follows a more urban course, skipping the park section but taking in four bridges and a long riverside stretch instead.

A map of a half marathon route through Glasgow, starting on St Vincent Street and finishing at Glasgow Green.

What road closures will be in place in Glasgow?

A large number of road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect for the event, both on the route itself and surrounding areas around the city.

St Vincent Street, Paisley Road West and part of Argyle Street will be closed until at least the middle of the afternoon.

Full details can be found via a downloadable map on the Great Scottish Run website.

Original source Thousands gather in Glasgow for Great Scottish Run

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