Glasgow's Commonwealth marathon route revealed

The Glasgow 2014 marathon route will take runners through many of Glasgow's most famous places

Glasgow 2014's organising committee have revealed the route for the Commonwealth marathon.

The two-lap 26.2 mile route will take runners through Merchant City, George Square and Buchanan Street as well as Bellahouston and Pollok Park.

Athletes will cross the River Clyde four times over the 26.2 mile race before finishing on Glasgow green.

Race spectators will be able to cheer runners along the marathon route for free on 27 July.

The route has been designed in conjunction with Scottish Athletics to make sure it presents a real challenge to the Commonwealth's elite runners.

It has also received endorsement from the International Association of Athletics Federations and will receive final certification closer to Games time.

'Wonderful showcase'

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 chief executive, said: "The Glasgow 2014 Marathon is a wonderful showcase event for the Games and one that everyone can come and enjoy.

"The route the athletes will take really shows Glasgow at its best and will bring the spectacle of live competitive sport into the heart of the city."

Runners will cross the River Clyde four times during the Commonwealth marathon

Team Scotland marathon runner Derek Hawkins said the chance to run in front of a home crowd was something he was looking forward to.

"I experienced the roar of a home crowd first-hand at the London Marathon and I have no doubt the support in Glasgow will make a huge difference to me," he said.

"It's fantastic for me to know the route to map it out fully in my head and start to think about when to push hard."

After the race, marathon runners will be treated to a trip to Hampden as the Commonwealth committee confirmed that the medal ceremonies for the event will take place in the iconic national stadium.

The race is one of three free events being held during the Commonwealth games.

The remaining two events will be the cycling road race and time trial competitions with the routes of these set be announced in the coming weeks.