Glasgow's Great Scottish Run: All you need to know
Colleen Davidson, who is running in her first ever 10k, is raising money for the Beatson Cancer Charity
- Published
A record 32,000 runners will take to the streets of Glasgow this weekend for Scotland's largest mass participation event.
The Great Scottish Run on Sunday will see participants in the 10k and half marathon snake through the city centre and south side before crossing the finish line in Glasgow Green.
However this year's events have been disrupted due to Storm Amy - with Saturday's programme of events for junior runners and toddlers cancelled due to fears over the weather.
The race, which has raised thousands for charity over the years, dates back to 1979 when the first edition was a marathon.
When is the Great Scottish Run?
Double Olympic gold medallist Haile Gebrselassie, who won the 2013 Great Scottish Run in Glasgow, is the most decorated champion in the race's history
Sunday's action begins with the 10k elite wheelchair race at 08:26.
Three colour co-ordinated waves of runners will then set off between 08:30 and 09:03.
The half marathon (13.1 miles) will feature six waves with the first, comprising of elite runners, setting the pace at 10:00.
The final wave will go off at 11:57.
Saturday had been dubbed Super Saturday by organisers, with runners encouraged to come along dressed like their favourite superheroes.
Among the events scheduled were the 2.5km junior race, a mascot race, the 70m toddler dash and the one mile mini run for under 9s.
But those events were scrapped due to Storm Amy.
What route does the Great Scottish Run take?
Participants get the rare opportunity to run over the Kingston Bridge
Traditionally the 10k and half marathon started at George Square and finished on Glasgow Green.
However due to the ongoing work at George Square, the start line has been moved approximately 800m further west on St Vincent Street - placing it close to the junction with Blythswood Street.
Runners will still face a challenging climb up St Vincent Street though, before turning towards Finnieston and getting the opportunity to race over the Kingston Bridge, which spans the River Clyde.
Both routes then include stretches of Scotland Street and Paisley Road West before the field is split.
The 10k runners cross the city's Clyde Arc - known as the Squinty Bridge - and will then head along Lancefield Quay, Broomielaw and Clyde Street before crossing the finish line in Glasgow Green.
The half marathon has a similar start and finish but participants also run through Pollok Park - look out for the Highland cows - and then along the outskirts of Bellahouston Park.
How do I get to the start?
This year's events will start from further on St Vincent Street than normal, due to George Square having work going on
Runners and spectators are advised to make use of public transport as road closures will be in place around the city.
The Subway, which will be open from 07:00, is the best option for getting to the start as the Buchanan Street stop is just a short walk from George Square.
Glasgow Queen Street railway station is another option on Saturday, but the limited Sunday service mean most trains will not have started running by the time the 10k actually gets underway.
Buses will run to their usual timetables but some diversions will be in place due to road closures.
There is official event parking but the nearest pay and display car parks can be found on George Street, Duke Street and Concert Square.
Participants are encouraged to allow plenty of time to get to the start.
What road closures will be in place?
Runners of all ages and abilities will take part
A number of road closures will be in place in and around Glasgow city centre on Saturday from 05:00 to 16:30.
More extensive closures, including the Kingston Bridge, will apply on Sunday for the 10k and half marathon races from 04:00 until 16:30.
A full list of the affected roads can be found on the Glasgow City Council website, external.
Storm Amy and the Great Scottish Run
Junior events will not be able to ahead this year
This year's event has been heavily disrupted by the arrival of Storm Amy, with yellow weather warnings in place and heavy rain and winds expected.
That forced the cancellation of the junior and mini events, with organisers announcing the news on Thursday.
A spokeswoman said: "The forecasted winds and gusts compromise our event infrastructure including our medical facilities.
"This, combined with the risk from potential debris mean that we can't guarantee the safe delivery of the Saturday Junior & Mini event.
"Safety of our participants, staff and volunteers is our number one priority."
Sunday's events are still scheduled to go ahead as organisers said the weather is expected to have improved by then.
What facilities are available before the race?
Eilish McColgan won the 2022 Great Scottish Run but her 10k record was invalidated after the course was found to be 150m (492ft) short
An information point on George Square will be able to help runners with any last minute inquiries.
It will be open from 07:00 to 11:30 on Sunday.
Safety pins to attach numbers will also be available for those who leave home without them.
A baggage drop will be located on Ingram Street and will close 15 minutes before each start time.
Bags can then be collected near the finish line on Glasgow Green, provided the label corresponds with the runner's race number.
Dozens of portaloos will be available and a mass warm up will be staged before the start of each wave.
Players from the Glasgow Warriors rugby team will serve as official race starters, as part of their efforts supporting the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity's Fighting for our Families campaign.
How can I find out my result?
The results of all entrants can be checked online afterwards
A timing chip is attached to each 10k and half marathon runner's number and it will enable them to be tracked on the official app as they pass various markers along the route.
Results, including gender and age group rankings, will also be available on the official website, external after the event.